(LANSING) – Three Southern Michigan businesses, including one in Sturgis, are receiving money to help them create jobs.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that 31 small businesses across the State will be sharing $748,018.82 from the Michigan Strategic Fund’s Match On Main Program. The money will create 76 good paying full-time jobs and give the businesses the support they need to grow and thrive.

In addition, the grants are expected to activate 8,835 square feet of vacant and underutilized space. The projects are anticipated to generate a total private investment of more than $2.7 million.

My Freakin’ Pizza of Sturgis is receiving $25,000. The Be Hyve Collective in Cassopolis is also receiving $25,000 while Hope Cafe in Coldwater will be getting $20,278.

Of the grantees this year, eight are new businesses and 23 are existing businesses. That includes 15 restaurants, 9 retail establishments, 5 service businesses and two other businesses that demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing community infrastructure and boosting local employment.

The Fiscal Year 2024 application window yielded a total of 113 applications from 80 communities. That’s the highest participation to date.