Pure Lansing

Regional Geographic Distribution, Economic Impact and Inclusion-Minded Process Drove Complex Grant Awards

LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 29, 2020) — Following a statewide announcement from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is announcing 412 small businesses and nonprofits from across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties have been selected to receive grants ranging from $5,000-$20,000 to assist with restart and recovery amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

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

LANSING, Mich. (Aug. 13, 2020) – 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.

Small Businesses and Nonprofits Across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties Seek Help to Address COVID-19 Related Financial Hardship

LANSING, Mich. (Aug. 12, 2020) – Following the Aug. 5, 2020, closing of the statewide Michigan Small Business Restart Program grant application, created and managed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), 1,640 eligible applications from small businesses and nonprofits across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties are set to be reviewed by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP).

Lansing’s Resilient Economy and Midsize Market Status Combine to Make the Region A Top Location in the Post-COVID United States

LANSING, Mich. (July 30, 2020) – As economies slowly begin to restart and Americans adjust to a vastly different professional and social landscape, the places in which we choose to live, work and play are adjusting as well. According to Business Insider, one-third of Americans are considering moving to less densely populated places.

More than 400 Grants Available for Small Businesses and Nonprofits Across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties

LANSING, Mich. (July 15, 2020) – Following the creation of a small-business restart program by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) on July 7, 2020, funded with $100 million received from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) was allocated $5.5 million from the Michigan Small Business Restart Program to provide working capital grants to small businesses and nonprofit entities across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.

Authentic Cheesecake Startup Takes Home Top Prize at Recent Business Pitch Competition

LANSING, Mich. (July 13, 2020) – Six Lansing-based entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas at LEAP’s July 9 virtual Hatching event, building on the theme of resilience for this year’s series of monthly events.

LEAP Partnering with Local Organizations to Equitably Distribute Grants Across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties

LANSING, Mich. (July 7, 2020) – Following months of economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 crisis, more small-business support funds are once again on the way to the Lansing region by order of the federal government, Michigan legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has created a small-business restart program with $100 million received from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Basketball-Focused Startup Takes Home Top Prize at LEAP’s June 11 Hatching

LANSING, Mich. (June 23, 2020) – At the June 11 Hatching, the theme of resilience was found not just in each entrepreneur’s presentation, but also within the event itself. In response to the coronavirus crisis (COVID-19), the monthly pitch competition has gone completely virtual with the help of Facebook Live and Streamyard.

LEAP’s Regional Business Attraction Unit Finds Chinese Tech Company US Homebase

LANSING, Mich. (June 18, 2020) – The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) has announced the new US operations of Continental Oceans Technology Corporation (COTC) will be spearheaded out of an office in Meridian Township. COTC is a technology-driven company building a global trade, logistics and travel advisory platform to improve the travel experiences of users through technology. An emphasis will be placed on designing for Chinese nationals who are traveling or relocating for work, school, family or other purposes either temporarily or permanently.

Relief Funds for Local Small Businesses Distributed by LEAP Across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties Exceeds $1.2 Million During COVID-19 Crisis 

LANSING, Mich. (June 11, 2020) – Twelve Lansing area small businesses are leaping to higher ground thanks to relief loans from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Michigan Small Business Relief Program (MSBRP), established by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer following the onset of the novel coronavirus crisis (COVID-19).