LEAP’s One and All Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative Welcomes 24 New Entrepreneurs to Fifth Program
One and All Program Continues to Accelerate Economic Mobility Across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee Counties
LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 24, 2022) – Twenty-four entrepreneurs from across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee counties will continue building or growing their businesses as part of the fifth program of One and All, an inclusive entrepreneurship initiative created in 2020 by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and generously funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Consumers Energy Foundation.
The One and All initiative’s success across its first four programs has culminated in the creation of 51 jobs and an average annual participant household income increase of more than $3,000. Of the initiative’s 75 graduates thus far, 83% have legally formed their business, and several have opened brick and mortar storefronts.
“LEAP is proud of the continued impact One and All has on advancing equity within our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Thanks to generous funding from the MEDC and Consumers Energy Foundation, this program has become a cornerstone of LEAP’s efforts to advance equitable economic development in our region.”
The 24 entrepreneurs will begin their journeys January 26, 2022, 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.
“The need for and impact of One and All within our regional ecosystem is underscored by the nearly 100 applications received for our January-March 2022 program alone,” said Katlyn Cardoso, director of entrepreneurial ecosystem development at LEAP. “This program is truly helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams across the Lansing region, and wouldn’t be possible without our program partners, the Fledge and Refugee Development Center, and our curriculum partners, the Michigan Small Business Development Center at Lansing Community College and Piper & Gold Public Relations.”
One and All January-March 2022 Program Participants
- John Albarez III, Starber Co.
- Courtney Bankhead, Paynes Gang Production
- Ashlei Echols, K. Lei Collection
- Siham Hassan, Foreign House
- Pheniecia Holston, Blessed Baskets LLC
- Darren Horn, He That Hath An Ear LLC
- Angel Hursey, RELUXX LLC
- Jasim Irhayyim, Epic Property Development
- Banin Jafar, Hygge Interior
- Ashleigh Jimenez-Spencer, Mobile Cuts and More PLC
- Kianna Johnson, Makeup FX
- Nyshell Lawrence, Socialight Society
- Amanda Leksche, Paint Your Poison
- Bianca McCastle, Thrd Generation
- Shannon Mejia, La India Mexicana Cocina
- Melissa Moore, Moore Enterprises
- Paige Murchison, Pages Unlocked
- Tameka Myers, Wrld Hustle Catering
- Alisha Parks, Bundles Ah Beauty LLC
- Ken Roubal, Data-Driven Decisions L3C
- Genesis Terrell, The Banner King
- Gloria Trevino-Sealy, TheraPLAYoga
- Talisha Washington, Lush Amour LLC
“Wow, what can I say about this program but it’s freaking amazing,” said Shebeeka Hughes, One and All class of October 2021 and owner of Cocobella Boutique, which is coming soon to downtown Lansing’s Middle Village Market. “There are so many great people to help you with your business idea—the best motivators who you need on your team. With this program, your dream will become your reality.”
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.
“It is my pleasure to be chosen, once again, to serve as a mentor for the first One and All class of 2022,” said Laurey Wyble, a returning One and All mentor and director of finance at Great Lakes Crystal Technologies. “When I was asked to volunteer last year, I was unsure whether I would be a good fit for the program. My business life has been light on formal education, however, packed with hands-on, in the field, real life experience. I decided to participate and am so glad I did. My fear of letting someone down was soon replaced with being fully engaged and relevant.”
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 January-March 2022 Mentors
- Jaime Dibean, AF Group
- Lisa Fisher, Lisa Fisher Associates
- Kylee Guenther, Pivot Materials
- Justin Haun, Lake Trust Credit Union
- Lanitra Middlebrook, AddiXions Salon
- Owen Monday, MEDC
- Paul Schmidt, Unoduece
- Laura Sigmon, Best Practices Consulting
- Mary Stucko, Lansing Community College
- Scott Watkins, Michigan Virtual
- Laurey Wyble, Great Lakes Crystal Technologies
LEAP is still accepting mentors for the January-March 2022 program. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a One and All mentor, complete the mentor intake form on LEAP’s website.
Follow the journey of each One and All entrepreneur, apply for the last program of 2022 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: Entrepreneurship, One&All