LEAP Programs

Growth planning for BIPOC-owned businesses

Elevate x Ascend is a six-month accelerator program for established BIPOC-owned businesses focused on revenue growth, increased profitability, and greater visibility. Formerly offered as two separate programs, Elevate and Ascend are now delivered together under one unified model, providing individualized assessments, tailored workplans, one-on-one technical assistance, shared learning opportunities, and expanded networks to strengthen operations and long-term sustainability.

Monthly tech workshops for non-tech founders

Business Made Simple offers monthly workshops focused on practical technology tools for small business owners. Sessions are designed to help entrepreneurs use everyday tools more confidently to support operations, marketing, and efficiency.

Build your influence through social media

InfluenceLansing is a free, 16-week hybrid program for individuals looking to build a business or brand through social media. The program includes workshops, one-on-one coaching, networking, and sessions focused on content strategy, personal branding, and brand partnerships.

A 10-week business bootcamp for early-stage entrepreneurs

One & All is a free, ten-week program for people who want to start or grow a small business. Designed for entrepreneurs who have not always had access to traditional resources, the program combines online learning, coaching, and hands-on guidance from local experts.

A regional pitch competition to test your idea

The Hatching is a regional pitch competition for entrepreneurs in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. Participants pitch their ideas and receive valuable feedback from experienced judges, helping them test concepts and build confidence.

Helping small businesses gain certification at no cost

The Procurement Readiness Program helps small businesses in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties prepare for business certification and new contracting opportunities. The program covers certification costs and provides expert guidance through the application process.

Incubator Kitchen program, offering affordable and flexible kitchen overhead to offer accessibility in starting their business.  Access to shared-use equipment to allow makers to build capital while acquiring more specified equipment. And Business skill development support and mentorship to foster the areas of growth outside of producing a food product.

Food entrepreneurs spend 3 months to 2 years ‘growing’ their businesses in either the Maker Kitchen, Powered by Lake Trust.  Graduates of the Incubator Program might opt for application to the Accelerator Program, housed in the Rathbun Accelerator Kitchen on East Kalamazoo Street, adjoining ANC’s Outreach Offices.  Most of the candidates for the Accelerator program have significantly increased demand for their products, even while preparing for the level of success that would warrant taking on their own bricks and mortar operation. 

Join Blake Grewal for the Growth Lab, a workshop that helps revenue-generating service-based businesses become more tech-enabled, client-centric, and focused. Each workshop will host up to 10 businesses. You will leave with a three-month action plan and Blake will check in with you at the end of three months to get a pulse on your business and review where you are at.  

Do you own a micro business that needs hands-on support to grow or become profitable? Or maybe you’re just starting up and need an experienced advisor to walk you through those initial steps. You’ll work one-on-one with an experienced business consultant who will help you develop a clear path toward accomplishing your goals. Typical work may include startup assistance, business plan development, financial projections, loan packaging, social media and website analysis, and marketing/branding and operations advising. 

(Next Cohort is May 2025 – April 2026)

Middle Village is a retail accelerator program designed to help experienced retail business owners launch brick-and-mortar storefronts in a supported, shared environment in the historic Atrium building in the heart of Downtown Lansing.  Middle Village merchants are given the opportunity to test their concept and perfect their products while continuing to grow their brand, build their customer base and earn capital. Participants of this one-year program enjoy below market rate start-up costs as well as robust business and financial training offered by Lake Trust, the Capital Region Small Business Development Center and other community business experts.   The ideal Middle Village merchant is within one-year of opening their permanent brick-mortar location, have previous sales in their business and have the desire to make their business their full-time career!  What are you waiting for….let’s launch your dream at Middle Village! 

Is your business based in the City of Lansing? Are you looking to expand your business to a new location within the City of Lansing? The team at the LEDC can support you by connecting you with the right people in the City government to support your growth.  

Is your small business ready to scale your network? The Lansing Regional Chamber can be a great way to grow your business across the region through networking and specialized events. 

LEAP in partnership MSU and MSU Research Foundation provide specialized services, incubation space, and grant funds for high-tech businesses in the Tri-County Region.  

Melanated Business Alliance – Is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned businesses through tailored educational and technical support. Our mission is to provide business owners with the resources and guidance needed to achieve operational excellence while supporting businesses at every stage—from concept to becoming bankable and sustainable. They offer: Year-Long Cohort Educational Program, Youth & Small Business Expo, Personalized Business Intake & Needs Assessment, One-on-One Business Development Sessions. 

Is your business based a hightech/high-growth company? Are you looking to get one on one mentorship to support the growth of your tech business in the Lansing region? Working with the Mentor in Residence program is a great way to tap into the MSU ecosystem of support services for your tech business.

The Multicultural Business Programs Entrepreneur Leadership Camp helps high school student entrepreneurs understand the basic principles of entrepreneurship and how it intersects with various areas of business including, but not limited to, finance, accounting, marketing, supply chain, etc. This camp, in partnership with the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation helps participants develop their “entrepreneurial mindset” regardless of their previous business experience. The camp experience provides resources for participants to successfully launch their own business, or enhance existing businesses through skills learned, and professional capital built with speakers and guests. This serves as a growth space for early-stage entrepreneurs to explore both the Broad College of Business and Michigan State University as they engage in their college admission decision making process.  

The Entrepreneurial Journey (EJ) at The Fledge is a dynamic and inclusive program designed to support aspiring and established entrepreneurs in building and scaling their ventures. As part of the TREK program, the EJ offers a structured yet flexible pathway to transform ideas into thriving businesses. The EJ Includes Personalized Guidance, Collaborative Community through Weekly meet-ups, Pitch Opportunities, Access to Resources, Events and Workshops and Spaces/ Facilities. 

This is a supportive community which runs monthly meetups focused around scaling your small business. They also run monthly AI Meetups which focus on tech upskilling and AI applications for your startup or established small business. StartupGrind Lansing is part of a global network of chapters around the world.  

Is your business based in or around the City of St. Johns? Are you looking to expand your business network into Clinton County? The St Johns Chamber of Commerce hosts networking events and volunteer opportunities to get involved with the business community in St Johns. 

Provides shared office space and resources to support women with accelerating their business. Monthly networking, access to workshops, free pop ups, pitch contest and educational from industry experts to support you personally and professionally. The overall mission is to inspire and empower women to create systems, legacies and become recession proof. Together we are unstoppable building empires.