Michigan Theatre Joins MEDC Crowdfunding Campaign

(June 8, 2020 10:24 AM) The Michigan Theatre of Jackson is one of more than 100 small businesses and organizations around Michigan utilizing the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s MI Local Biz crowdfunding program.  MEDC will provide a total of $500,000 in matching grants to help the businesses as they work to recover from the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.  

“Michigan’s small businesses and traditional downtowns are a vital part of the state’s economy, and this program offers innovative access to capital for those businesses currently experiencing a loss in revenue directly related to the COVID-19 crisis,” said MEDC CEO Mark A. Burton. “Helping our local businesses to successfully reopen lays a path for economic recovery in communities across the state, while offering patrons an opportunity to support businesses in a time of need.”

In announcing Michigan Theatre’s participation, Executive Director Steve Tucker said,  “On March 13th, The Michigan Theatre of Jackson closed its doors to the community in an effort to address the global health crisis that we currently find ourselves in.   The Michigan Theatre has served the Jackson community for more than 90 years, and over the last seven years, we’ve featured hundreds of concerts, films, and live events, hosting over 30,000 patrons a year. The Michigan Theatre has spearheaded the cultural and artistic direction of the downtown Jackson area, working tirelessly to bring artists from all over the world to our burgeoning city.”

The Michigan Theatre is offering several levels of perks and rewards for donations. The MEDC will match dollars raised through this campaign, essentially doubling donations.

Tucker asks the community to  “consider helping us continue to provide the highest quality events and experiences that have become synonymous with The Michigan Theatre of Jackson. We cannot wait to open our doors again to our beloved community, and with your help, we can make it happen together.”

To make a donation to the Michigan Theatre utilizing the MI Local Biz program, click here.

Launched in May, the MI Local Biz program builds on the MEDC’s successful Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. MI Local Biz allows for a small business to utilize donation-based crowdfunding through Michigan-based Patronicity’s existing platform and to receive a 1:1 matching grant from MEDC of up to $5,000. Funds must be used by the businesses for working capital needs in order to maintain ongoing operations during and through the COVID-19 crisis.  

If you have questions or inquiries please contact Steve Tucker at stucker@michigantheatre.org or via phone at 517-917-6974.

If you prefer to give offline by cash or check, please mail donations to The Michigan Theatre of Jackson, 124 North Mechanic, Jackson, MI 49201.