LEAP’s Small Business Support Showcases Growth Across Lansing Region
Eight local business owners complete Elevate and Ascend programs, building wealth, jobs, and opportunity across mid-Michigan
LANSING, Mich. — (Sept. 17, 2026) The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) celebrated eight local entrepreneurs at a culminating showcase for its Elevate and Ascend business accelerator program. Over four months, these eight well-established business owners received practical tools, tailored mentorship, and connections to strengthen revenue and profitability, build capital readiness, and grow their visibility in the Lansing region.
The program is funded through LEAP’s Small Business Support Hub via the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Since inception, the Elevate and Ascend program has supported over 45 businesses across the region. Cumulatively through 2025, program participants and alumni collectively generated more than $4.45 million in revenue, secured $353,000 in outside investment, created 18 new full-time jobs, and launched 91 new products or services, with 11 related physical location expansion events across the region. Together, these outcomes demonstrate how LEAP’s small business support translates directly into tangible regional growth across the region.
“Small businesses are a critical part of a strong regional economy. When we help entrepreneurs grow, we’re helping create jobs, build wealth, and strengthen communities across the Lansing region. The results from this program show the real impact that can happen when entrepreneurs have access to the right tools, support, and connections to take their businesses to the next level,” said Bob Trezise president & CEO of LEAP.
The impact is already showing in this year’s cohort, with participants reporting measurable gains in revenue, retention, staffing, and new business opportunities.
Selina Máté, founder of Peculiar Coffee Co., grew her catering revenue by 46 percent between August 2025 and August 2026, while private-event leads jumped 861 percent over the same period. Through the program, Máté also improved her profit margins and is now preparing to launch a new retail product line, bringing her coffee syrups to store shelves.
Jarrell McKinney, founder of D-1’s Kitchen, grew his average monthly revenue from $6,730 to $8,135, exceeding his six-month growth target by 8.5 percent. McKinney also increased customer retention by 50 percent after implementing a new client engagement system.
“These entrepreneurs showed an incredible level of commitment throughout the program. Elevate and Ascend asked a lot of them, four months of real work, real numbers, and real accountability, and they showed up for it. Business growth isn’t a straight line, but this group proved it’s possible when you give people the right support. I am so proud of what they accomplished,” said Jazmin Anderson, Director of Small Business & Equity Programs.
The showcase marked the final Elevate and Ascend cohort as LEAP prepares to launch a new initiative through its Small Business & Innovation (SBI) team. The new program will build on the lessons and successes of Elevate and Ascend with an expanded approach designed to connect even more entrepreneurs across the Lansing region with resources, support, and opportunities to grow.
2026 Elevate and Ascend Graduates
- Jarrell Mckinney – D-1’s Kitchen
- Quiana Davis – Divine Mind Consultation Services
- Cassandra Wilson – The Golden Tier
- Maurice Caradine – MoBetta Pies
- Chad Morgan – Creative Partner
- Selina Máté – Peculiar Coffee Co.
- Yanelis Lopez-Rey – La Mulata Restaurant Bar
- Dean Jong – Greater Lansing Open Soccer
For more information about LEAP’s small business programs, visit purelansing.com/small-business-support-hub
