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Lansing Economic Area Partnership

LEAP’s One&All Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative Welcomes First Cohort of Entrepreneurs, Program Begins August 26

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August 13, 2020 by

LEAP’s One&All Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative Welcomes First Cohort of Entrepreneurs, Program Begins August 26

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

 Twenty entrepreneurs from across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee counties are taking important next steps toward building or growing their businesses as part of the inaugural cohort of One&All, a new inclusive entrepreneurship initiative created by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Consumers Energy Foundation.

“LEAP is beyond thrilled to be joined by the MEDC and the Consumers Energy Foundation in kicking off this first program cohort of LEAP’s One&All initiative,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Leveling the playing field for underserved entrepreneurs and small-business owners across the Lansing region is essential for creating pathways toward economic mobility and is a priority economic development action for LEAP.”

The 20 entrepreneurs in LEAP’s first One&All cohort will begin their journeys Aug. 26, 2020, 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&All program was specifically created to support.

“The intention of One&All is to lower the barriers between underrepresented individuals and small-business ownership. From our amazing curriculum partners, Capital Region Small Business Development Center and Piper&Gold Public Relations, to our program partners Refugee Development Center and the Fledge, to program champions Katy Kelly of Power in Passion and Britt Houze of BHouze Designs, to a spectacular team of mentors, we have been very intentional about how the program designed,” said Anum Mughal, LEAP’s manager of new ventures and One&All program leader.

One&All August-October 2020 Program Cohort Entrepreneurs

  • Bruce Le, 102 pho and banh mi
  • Byron Pepper, Board and Bean, LLC
  • Claire Powers, Heroic Mama Revolution
  • Damber Magar, Damanj
  • Danielle Raymond, DDR BURDNESS
  • Deardra Westfall, Nature’s 92
  • Duran Roberson, Barber2Beauty
  • Hem Mangar Lungeli, International Food Mart LLC
  • Jacqueline Albarez, Grand Ledge Barbershop
  • Kaila Perkins, Coach Perky Fitness
  • Lanitra Middlebrook, AddiXions Salon
  • Michele Leonard, Blisswaves of Sound, LLC
  • Michele Ramon, Lansing CITYHOOD
  • Myles Johnson, Styles by Myles
  • Nekeyta Brunson, UnCovered
  • Shamari Allen, Strip Tease Boutique
  • Shayna Allen, TämBwoy
  • Sonya Sanders, Fancy Lady Boutique, LLC
  • Thang Mung, IStar Production
  • Timothy Farmer, Farmers Custom Home Repairs

In addition to the first cohort of participants, One&All is welcoming an inaugural group of program mentors, the mentor-mentee relationship being a crucial component of the program’s success.

“In particular, the One&All mentors will play a key role in creating a sustainable support system and community of entrepreneurs the One&All program participants will have lifetime access to,” added Mughal.

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

One&All Mentors

  • Anwar Scott, Paint Specialist, General Motors
  • April Clobes, President and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union
  • Brandi Coates, Marketing Coordinator, MEDC
  • Brent Forsberg, President, T.A. Forsberg Inc.
  • Desiree A. Kirkland, Assistant Treasurer, Barton Hills Village
  • Doug Roberts, Jr., Director of Stakeholder Relations, Consumers Energy
  • Fonda Brewer, Delta Township Trustee
  • Jen Brady, Director of Brand Strategy, Consumers Energy
  • Joyce L Suber, Executive Director, Michigan Women’s Foundation
  • JP Buckingham, COO and Principal Geologist, Triterra
  • LeTasha Peebles, Grant Manager for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation, MEDC
  • Lisa Fisher, Founder, Lisa Fisher Associates
  • Meghan Martin, Executive Director, Arts Council of Greater Lansing
  • Michael Maddox, President and CEO, ASK
  • Michele Strasz, Executive Director, Capital Area College Access Network and Founder of Catalyst for Action Consultants
  • Nicole Whitehead, Director of Business Operations, MEDC
  • Robin Moore, Library Circulation Specialist, Lansing Community College
  • Shirin Kambin Timms, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of Immigrant & Refugee Resource Collaborative (IRRC)
  • Tamie Nolan, Founder, Healthful Wellness Studio
  • Theresa Dubiel, Senior Vice President, Member Experience & Business Development, Lake Trust Credit Union
  • Valerie Hoag, Managing Director of Business Development Initiatives and Customer Support, MEDC

Follow the journey of each One&All entrepreneur, apply for one of the five upcoming cohorts or to become a mentor and learn more about the One&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.

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