Frequently Asked Questions

One and All is an initiative designed and provided by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Consumers Energy Foundation. LEAP is non-governmental non-profit organization serving the economic development needs of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties Michigan.

One and All is an inclusive entrepreneurship initiative for people with a desire to start or grow a business, but who lack necessary financial resources and network relationships. The goal of One and All is to increase equity by supporting individuals across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee counties below the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) threshold, commonly known as the working poor.

One and All offers participants a unique combination of business training and coaching in a 2-month program, while also connecting participants with a professional network and financial assistance.

Applications are available in electronic and paper form at purelansing.com/oneandall. One and All programs run in 2-month terms. Applicants can select which term works based on their schedule when applying.

The One and All initiative will run for 2 years including multiple 2-month program terms with a curriculum of practical and intensive sessions about business challenges. Throughout the program, participants will get guidance and support from dedicated coaches to take their business idea or growth strategy to the next level.

Program dates are:

• August 26, 2020 – October 23, 2020 (Application closed July 14, 2020)
• January 27, 2021 – March 26, 2021 (Apply by November 3, 2020)
• May 10, 2021 – July 1, 2021 (Apply by April 6, 2021)
• January 26, 2022 – March 25, 2022 (Apply by November 30, 2021)
• May 25, 2022 – July 22, 2022 (Apply by April 5, 2022)

Each participant who completes the 2-month program will receive a grant of $2,500.

Grant money may be used at the discretion of each participant to cover costs associated with starting or growing a business, including, but not limited to: legal expenses, marketing and communications, equipment needs and other needs.

Yes, you have to complete the 2-month program to receive the $2,500 grant.

Yes, you must be a resident of and your business must be located in the Lansing region (Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, or Shiawassee county) to participate in the program.

One and All training sessions, meetings and all other engagements will be conducted in safe environments located in our client’s communities. The first program in August will be entirely virtual. The One and All team will help you acclimate to all online platforms used.

The Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Threshold is a realistic standard developed from the Household Survival Budget. This measure estimates the minimal cost of the five basic household necessities, including: housing, childcare, food, transportation and health care.

The ALICE Threshold is comprised of households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than the basic cost of living for the state. 1.66 million households in Michigan (43% of Michigan households) are currently unable to meet their basic household needs.

A household’s income must be below the identified minimum required to meet basic household needs, which is $23,400 annually for single adult households and $64,116 annually for a family of four.

You are a good fit for One and All if you fall below the ALICE Threshold and answer yes to these questions:

• Are you looking to launch a business or move your business forward?
• Are you interested in practical, hands-on learning and coaching with a group of other entrepreneurs like you?
• Are you open to constructive criticism to benefit your business?

Our team is always happy to speak with you about your business before you apply. You can contact Jerry Norris at the Fledge at jerry@thefledge.org or (517) 230-7679 OR Erika Brown at the Refugee Development Center at ebrown@rdclansing.org and 562-290-3660.

One and All is interested in ideas from all industries – including nonprofits.

A business plan is not required. You need to show us your passion and dedication and indicate that you have done some initial research.

One co-founder should serve as the point person and commit to attending all classes, coach meetings and events. It is ideal if all founders are present for the initial interview, if possible. It is helpful to your business, but not required, for other business partners to join for other program meetings.

No, your business cannot be a franchise nor affiliated with a national chain.

Yes, nonprofits are eligible if they meet the minimum application requirements.

Yes, sole proprietors and home-based businesses are eligible if they meet the minimum application requirements.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed continuously until all spots are filled. It would be best if you tried to have the application in early to increase your chances of acceptance. Application deadlines for the various cohorts are as follows:

• August 26, 2020 – October 23, 2020 (Application closed July 14, 2020)
• January 27, 2021 – March 26, 2021 (Apply by November 3, 2020)
• May 10, 2021 – July 1, 2021 (Apply by April 6, 2021)
• January 26, 2022 – March 25, 2022 (Apply by November 30, 2021)
• May 25, 2022 – July 22, 2022 (Apply by April 5, 2022)

Between August 2020 and July 2022, six 2-month programs will take place. Each program will include a minimum of 20 individuals.

The application will be available at purelansing.com/oneandall/apply. If you need assistance to complete the application form, contact the Refugee Development Center for multi-language support or The Fledge for business assistance.

Application deadlines for the various cohorts are as follows:

• August 26, 2020 – October 23, 2020 (Application closed July 14, 2020)
• January 27, 2021 – March 26, 2021 (Apply by November 3, 2020)
• May 10, 2021 – July 1, 2021 (Apply by April 6, 2021)
• January 26, 2022 – March 25, 2022 (Apply by November 30, 2021)
• May 25, 2022 – July 22, 2022 (Apply by April 5, 2022)