Initiative aims to propel technological innovation by reducing the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs to use tech tools and create their own new products 

EAST LANSING, Mich.—(Jan. 4, 2024)— With the holiday season coming to a close, the Lansing Regional SmartZone today is reminding technology and innovation organizations about key dates for entities wishing to submit applications for the Request for Proposals for Program Providers. Questions related to the RFP must be submitted by Jan. 17 and the final application is due March 1.  

“This RFP represents a great opportunity for us to partner with local tech leaders, expand our programming, and cement Lansing’s reputation as a growing hotspot for innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Lansing Regional SmartZone Executive Director Harrison Leffel-Jones. “Our hope is that the programs established out of this initiative will increase accessibility to vital tech tools as well as expand services to aid entrepreneurs in the development of new products.” The Lansing Regional SmartZone in December announced the launch of a $300,000 RFP, which will catalyze the growth of the tech economy in the Greater Lansing region over the next three years. Ideal proposals will enhance the SmartZone ecosystem and propel technological innovation by offering innovative ideas to reduce barriers to entry for entrepreneurs to use tech tools and to aid in the creation of new products.

Read the entire RFP announcement here.

Organizations interested in submitting a proposal should review the full RFP in the coming days and submit all written questions by Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. EST. All responses to RFP questions will be posted on Jan. 31. For more information about the RFP and submission guidelines, and to view the full RFP, go here. Any formal requests for clarification, questions, or additional information regarding this solicitation must be submitted via the form linked on this site or submitted to harrison@purelansing.com no later than 5 p.m. EST on Jan. 17. 

### 

The Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ) drives growth in the Greater Lansing region’s high-tech sector by funding local partners to deliver exceptional entrepreneurial support services. The LRSZ is a partnership between Ingham County, City of Lansing, City of East Lansing, Lansing Community College, East Lansing Public Schools, Lansing School District, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Michigan State University Research Foundation, Michigan State University Innovation Center, and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). A dynamic organization of leaders from all backgrounds and business sectors, the LRSZ has locations in downtown East Lansing at the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) and in Lansing at the MSU Health Park. To learn more, visit LansingRegionalSmartZone.com