Lansing Economic Area Partnership

 

Expand to the US

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Grow Your Business in Lansing, Michigan

The Global Lansing Initiative

Looking to grow your business in the United States? Lansing, Michigan offers a central location, lower business costs, and a supportive community ready to help you succeed.

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Lansing connects you to major U.S. and Canadian markets by road, rail, air, and port. With a 6% corporate tax rate and a strong talent pool, it’s an ideal place for international companies to expand.

Foreign Direct Investment Success Stories

FDI Projects, 2014-2024

Atesteo

Atesteo, the global provider of testing services for EV drivetrains and components recently established its North American headquarters in East Lansing with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. This investment is expected to create up to 46 well-paying jobs and add $27.8 million to the state’s economy. 

Glanbia

Glanbia is Ireland’s 5th largest company, and the world’s #1 producer of American-style cheddar cheese. In 2018, Glanbia broke ground on a 146-acre property in St. Johns, which is now the home of the MWC and Proliant Michigan dairy processing campus, designed to process nearly a quarter of all milk produced in Michigan. MWC, a joint venture partnership between Glanbia Nutritionals, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), and Select Milk Producers, is investing over $500 million into these new state-of-the-art facilities to produce a variety of cheese and have created over 300 jobs.  

Start a conversation with

Emma Bostwick
Vice President of Business Attraction
$268.8M

total foreign direct investment

603

full-time equivalent jobs created

6%

Corporate Income Tax Rate

4.25%

Personal Income Tax Rate

6%

Sales Tax

Why Lansing?

Lansing, Michigan offers global companies a powerful U.S. entry point with strategic access, affordable costs, and world-class talent—all backed by a collaborative business ecosystem.

  • Central Location: Within 90 miles of 90% of Michigan’s population, with direct access to major U.S. and Canadian markets by highway, rail, air, and port
  • Lower Business Costs: Competitive 6% corporate income tax and lower real estate and operating costs compared to major metro areas
  • Skilled Talent Pipeline: Home to Michigan State University and Lansing Community College, producing over 17,000 graduates annually across key industries
  • Personalized Support: Hands-on guidance through local partners like LEAP to help international businesses launch and grow with fewer barriers

LEAP: Your Local Partner in U.S. Expansion

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a trusted resource for international companies, offering free, personalized support to help you enter the U.S. market smoothly and confidently.

Soft Landing Services

We’ll help you secure flexible office space—whether you need a virtual address, coworking space, or a physical office. Options include TIC, SOS Prudden Tech, Regus, and more.

Strategic Connections

We introduce you to local business leaders, government officials, and university partners—opening doors to valuable partnerships, customers, and insights.

Site Selection Assistance

We help you identify the right location for your U.S. operations and guide you through the leasing or purchasing process.

Incentives & Financing

Our team connects you with tax credits, grants, and other funding opportunities, along with banking, legal, and financial partners to support your launch.

Talent & Workforce Support

Connect with hiring resources, training programs, and top talent from Michigan State University (MSU) and the region. MSU’s 50,000+ students include over 4,000 international students—adding global expertise to your team.

Canadian businesses also benefit from MSU’s Canadian Studies Center, focused on cross-border trade and policy.

Full Support for International Companies

We also help with:

  • U.S. business registration and licensing
  • Immigration and visa referrals
  • Customs and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) assistance
  • Intellectual property and patent guidance
  • Employee benefits, payroll, and healthcare
  • Investor and venture capital connections
  • State and local incentive applications ([link to incentives page])

Join a Growing Network of Global Companies

Since 2012, LEAP has helped international companies invest over $70 million in the Lansing region—creating hundreds of jobs and building lasting partnerships.

Ready to get started?