Business Development

The City of Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is continuously engaged in planning for various improvements that facilitate redevelopment of buildings and infrastructure, attract and retain businesses, and help make the downtown a great place for celebrations, shopping, and dining.

The DDA also raises funds through donations and events to offer local grant programs creating financial incentives for improvements in our Downtown District. The DDA is proud to offer two local grants to our district businesses. These grants help to attract new businesses, advance the beautification of our downtown and preserve its rich history.

Facade Restoration Grant

The Architectural quality of the Iron Mountain downtown area is important to the entire city, its history, image, and economy. Proper improvements to the exterior appearances of individual buildings will help develop and uphold the appropriate image. Therefore, it is important that an organized and coordinated approach to exterior improvements be followed in the downtown area / DDA district.

The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has developed the Facade Restoration Grant Program to incentivize this coordinated approach. This program was designed to encourage the revitalization of historic properties within the DDA district. The program supports improvement to exterior building facades (front, sides, back) that eliminate blight and uphold the traditional architectural characteristics of the downtown. This is a matching grant program that will provide financial support to property owners for small and large projects that enhance the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the existing property.

building facade restoration before
building facade restoration after

Program funds up to 50% of proposed activity, or $10,000 per project, whichever is less.
The total allocation for this program is $10,000 per year.

Open for applications: Until March 20, 2023 at 4:00 PM
Grant panel: March 30, 2023 at 5:30pm
Grant Applicants Notified: After April 12, 2023
Click below to download the application

Grant applications are reviewed and updated each year, being released by January of the grant cycle year. 

Downtown Assistance Program (DAP) Grant

In an effort to maintain and enhance the integrity of Downtown Iron Mountain properties and businesses and promote further growth and development within the City’s downtown, commercial core, the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has created the Downtown Assistance Program (DAP). The purpose of the DAP is to provide financial incentive and assistance to property owners wishing to complete isolated construction activities, or procure professional services of various types to promote and enhance their business activity.
downtown assistance program iron mountain

Program funds up to 50% of proposed activity, or $4,000 per project, whichever is less.
The total allocation for this program is $8,000 per year.

Open for applications: Until March 20, 2023 at 4:00 PM
Grant panel: March 30, 2023 at 5:30pm
Grant Applicants Notified: After April 12, 2023
Click below to download the application

Grant applications are reviewed and updated each year, being released by January of the grant cycle year. 

Get Involved!

Our Business Development Committee meets on the last Thursday of each month. This committee is made up of volunteers who discuss and implement our grant programs and share ideas for business growth and development in our downtown. Please contact us if you would like to get involved.

Downtown Iron Mountain, Michigan