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LEAP’s One and All Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative Welcomes 19 New Entrepreneurs to May 10 Program

Michigan Business Network
May 4, 2021 7:00 AM

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Third One and All Program Continues to Accelerate Economic Mobility Across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee Counties 

LANSING, Mich. (May 3, 2021) – Nineteen entrepreneurs from across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee counties will continue building or growing their businesses as part of the third program of One and All, an inclusive entrepreneurship initiative created in 2020 by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Consumers Energy Foundation.

“LEAP is eager to continue its support of our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with the newest group of One and All entrepreneurs,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Thanks to the support of our generous financial partners, the MEDC and the Consumers Energy Foundation, LEAP is pleased to continue deepening our investment in advancing equitable opportunities for economic mobility.”

The journeys of 19 entrepreneurs accepted into LEAP’s third One and All program begin May 10, 2021. Through a unique and intensive 2-month program, entrepreneurs and small-business owners will gain access to immersive business and communication training, coaching and mentoring, an extended professional network and a small seed investment. Lack of access to these critical resources is a common obstacle to success, especially for the underrepresented populations the One and All program supports.

“Addressing the systemic barriers that stand between historically undeserved small-business owners is only possible through collaboration with our invaluable program partners, the Refugee Development Center and the Fledge, and our amazing curriculum partners, Piper & Gold Public Relations and the Capital Region Michigan Small Business Development Center,” said Anum Mughal, LEAP’s manager of new ventures and One and All program leader. “We are pleased to continue advancing the success of this program and our entrepreneur community through these diverse partnerships.”

One and All May-June 2021 Program Participants

  • Anna Escobedo, Better than urs Designs
  • Blanca Sanchez de Lopez, A Touch Frida Boutique
  • Christopher Cisneros, CRC Certified Construction
  • Clarisa Trevino, Rqf Boutique, LLC
  • Daniel Fenn, Dan’s auto
  • Daphine Whitfield, D Lynne
  • Deanna Brown, Everything is Cheesecake
  • Deborah Penfield, ABC Transcription Services
  • Erica Munchbach, Jubilee
  • Eva Thompson, Jem Cleaning
  • Jeremy Hurt, Red Bike Delivery
  • Keyana Pugh, KAP Keanu Hotel and Resorts
  • Khaliku Kaba, Uganda Water Well
  • Melissa Terry, Lotus Beauty Lounge
  • Mirwais Omari, Asal Bee Company
  • Undra Brown, Lansing Mobile Detail
  • Victoria Salazar, Posie Errands
  • Yohanna Ferra Veloso, Habana Delight
  • Yolanda Pope, The Dignified Aging Project

“The [One and All] journey redefined ‘grit’ for me. The process creates an organic assessment of self that will either cause you to hold or fold. Either way, you have now completed an assessment of where you and your business stands,” said Tanesha Ash-Shakoor, founder of Voices of Color and March 2021 One and All graduate. “Having an established non-profit prior to starting the cohort, I was able to seek guidance on next steps after feeling stagnated. I was able to talk through my vision for my nonprofit with my mentor allowing me to create a foundation for redeveloping my business plan. It kicked my tenacity into another gear.”

One and All is also welcoming a new group of 20 program mentors, the mentor-mentee relationship is a crucial component of the program’s success.

Mentors provide expert guidance and insight, help mentees clarify goals, identify strategies to advance their ideas, and navigate challenging situations. One and All program mentors are established professionals with rich life experience who hail from various business types, higher education, entrepreneurship support organizations, state and local economic development and many are entrepreneurs themselves.

“It is so exciting that LEAP through the One and All program has developed an inclusive entrepreneurship program right here in the Lansing area,” said Doug Roberts, state government affairs manager for Consumers Energy and a mentor for all three One and All programs. “I have had a great experience serving as a mentor in the program.  It is personally and professionally rewarding to be able to support entrepreneurs in our community.”

One&All Mentors

  • Amber Paxton, Director, Office of Financial Empowerment, City of Lansing
  • Becci Brewster, Financial Advisor, Richards and Addy Wealth Management
  • Ben Bakken, SVP, Market Director, Tri-Star Trust
  • Ben Maxim, AVP of Digital Strategy and Innovation, MSU Federal Credit Union
  • Ben Rathbun, Partner, Rathbun Insurance
  • Brian Town, CEO, Michigan Creative
  • Charlie Tyson, Technology Activation Manager, MEDC
  • Chaz Carillo, Insurance Agent, David Chapman Agency, Inc.
  • Desiree Kirkland, Treasures and Income Tax Administrator, City of Lansing
  • Doug Roberts, State Government Affairs Manager, Consumers Energy
  • Jon Horford, Founder, Blueprint Athletes
  • Julie Holton, Principal Strategist, mConnexions
  • Justine Bell, Director of Medical Lines, Cedar River Insurance
  • Lisa Fisher, Speaker/Trainer/Coach, Lisa Fisher Associates
  • Michele Strasz, Executive Director, Capital Area College Access Network
  • Mariah Shafer Outreach Director, RDC
  • Michelle Massey, Vice President, Dewpoint
  • Nick Lynch, Vice President of Fund Development, Capital Area United Way
  • Rachel Kuntzsch, President, Public Sector Consultants
  • Tamara El Khoury, Director of Development, St. Vincent Catholic Charities

Follow the journey of each One and All entrepreneur, apply for one of the four upcoming programs or to become a mentor and learn more about the One and 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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