In 2021, the Jobs and Economic Development Workgroup of Lansing Mayor Andy Schor’s Racial Justice and Equity Alliance (MRJEA) identified the critical need to ensure Lansing’s underserved populations have the tools, opportunities, and access to expertise, resources, and training needed to start and sustain successful businesses, and to participate in the economic development process.
As a result, the Lansing EDC created the Lansing Equitable Economic Development (LEED) Initiative with the aim of moving Lansing forward to a place of both shared prosperity and economic resilience.
With funding secured from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), the Lansing EDC is implementing the LEED Initiative and focusing its efforts on marginalized and underrepresented communities who have been disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.
Focus Areas
The LEED Initiative has two focus areas:
Small Business Development
Real Estate Development
Through a two-pronged approach of technical and financial assistance in these focus areas, the LEED Initiative will equip business owners and emerging developers with knowledge, relationships, and capital necessary to scale their businesses and successfully complete real estate development projects that create opportunities for economic advancement.
2024 Impact
In 2024, the LEED Initiative continued to deliver impactful support to Lansing’s entrepreneurs and developers, helping to drive equitable economic development across the city. This year’s efforts focused on providing both direct financial assistance and hands-on technical support to ensure businesses and projects have the tools and resources needed to thrive.
New partnerships were fostered with PNC Bank to offer a six-workshop series for business owners looking to strengthen their financial knowledge. Additionally, a partnership was secured with Grow America, which will offer an emerging developer training program beginning in 2025.
Building Inclusive Growth for All.
The L.E.E.D. Initiative creates equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs and communities across Lansing.