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LEAP’s One and All Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative Welcomes 19 New Entrepreneurs to Fourth Program

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August 5, 2021 by

LEAP’s One and All Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative Welcomes 19 New Entrepreneurs to Fourth Program

One and All Program Continues to Accelerate Economic Mobility Across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee Counties 

LANSING, Mich. (Aug. 5, 2021) – Nineteen entrepreneurs from across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee counties will continue building or growing their businesses as part of the fourth program of One and All, an inclusive entrepreneurship initiative created in 2020 by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Consumers Energy Foundation.

“LEAP is proud to continue our work strengthening the Lansing region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with intentional, equitable programming,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Thanks to generous funding from the MEDC and Consumers Energy Foundation, One and All has become a critical piece of our region’s continued prosperity.”

The 19 entrepreneurs will begin their journeys Aug. 16, 2021, with a unique and intensive 2-month program consisting of immersive business and communication training, coaching and mentoring, access to an extended professional network and ultimately a $2,500 seed investment—all critical resources which are common obstacles to success for entrepreneurs and small-business owners from underrepresented populations, which the One and All program is specifically created to support.

“Intentionally removing barriers to success in entrepreneurship benefits everyone in our region. By supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and increasing their ability to participate fully in the local economy. This leads to more opportunity, more ideas and more innovation for everyone,” said Anum Mughal, manager of new ventures at LEAP and program manager for One and All. “Our program partners, the Fledge and the Refugee Development Center, and curriculum partners, the Michigan Capital Region Small Business Development Center and Piper & Gold Public Relations, have been invaluable in growing this program into an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs across the Lansing region.”

One and All August-October 2021 Program Participants

  • LaKiesha Allen, Purposed to Sign
  • Jazmin Anderson, Stay Rooted Shop
  • Reyna Barravino-Cisne, Rey of Light Hair Studio & Company
  • Chastity Brown, Brown Girl Production
  • Lorin Cumberbatch, Cumberbatch, LCC
  • Angelica Dye, Miaesthetics
  • Stelisha Foreman, PressedNPolished
  • David Garza, Cleaning Creations
  • AnnaMaria Horn, The Horn Section AKA Hope-Central Urban Arts
  • Maranda Houston, Houston Legacy of Enlightenment
  • Shebeeka Hughes, Cocobella
  • Khaliku Kaba, Uganda Water Well
  • Erica Lynn, The Village Lansing
  • Cathey Rynearson, Jadoir Recovery Refuge
  • Corina Salinaz, Salinaz Catering and Project Management
  • Selina Terry, Las Morenas
  • Summer Thomas-Reed, Great Commissions Studio Corp.
  • Luke Trusnovec, Neva Lee’s
  • Jimecka Williams, Unicorn Palace

“The all in one program was literally heaven sent,” said Deanna Brown, owner of Everything is Cheesecake and a May 2021 One and All graduate. “So much valuable information and the leadership from the mentors, coaches and other staff was amazing! If you’re looking to jumpstart your business in the right direction, then this One and All program is definitely for you.”

Additionally, One and All is welcoming a new group of 11 program mentors, the mentor-mentee relationship being a crucial component of the program’s success.

“There is a special energy that comes from creating connections and building a support network, especially when you are launching a business. This is exactly what LEAP has created with the One and All program, and not just for the new entrepreneurs, but for the mentors and coaches as well,” said Julie Holton, Principal Strategist at mConnexions and a mentor for the third One and All program. “Quickly, I found that I got just as much out of the experience as [my mentee] did! There’s no bigger reward than locking arms with another entrepreneur and working on your growth together.”

Mentors provide expert guidance and insight, helping mentees clarify goals, identify best strategies to advance their ideas and navigate challenging situations. One and All program mentors are established professionals with rich life experience who hail from various business types, higher education, entrepreneurship support organizations, state and local economic development and many are entrepreneurs themselves.

One and All Mentors

  • Ben Bakken, Tri-Star Trust
  • Tamara El-Khoury, St. Vincent Catholic Charities
  • Jennifer Estill, Redhead Design
  • Lisa Fisher, Lisa Fisher Associates
  • Luke Hackney, RetroDuck
  • Julie Holton, mConnexions
  • Rita LaMoreaux, Lacor Consultants
  • Reuben Levinsohn, Washington Avenue Advisors
  • Nick Lynch, Capital Area United Way
  • Doug Roberts, Consumers Energy
  • Matt Gillett, Saddleback BBQ

LEAP is still accepting mentors for the August-October 2021 program. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a One and All mentor, complete the mentor intake form here.

Follow the journey of each One and All entrepreneur, apply for one of the two upcoming programs or to become a mentor and learn more about the One and All program on LEAP’s website at purelansing.com/OneAndAll.

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About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all–working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.

Category: LEAP Announcements, Entrepreneurship, Press Releases, One&All