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Lansing Economic Development Corporation
Lansing Economic Development Corporation
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    • Home
    • About
      • About
      • The Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Annual Report
    • Our Work
      • LEED Initiative
      • Ovation Center
      • New Vision Lansing
      • Thrive Program
    • Corridors
      • CIA Boards
      • Lan Gateway Com Corridor
      • S. MLK Corridor
      • Saginaw Street Corridor
      • Michigan Ave. Corridor
    • Support
      • Workshops
      • SEED Academy
      • Empower Program
      • Facade Improvement
    • News
      • News
      • Electronic Press Kit
  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • The Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Annual Report
  • Our Work
    • LEED Initiative
    • Ovation Center
    • New Vision Lansing
    • Thrive Program
  • Corridors
    • CIA Boards
    • Lan Gateway Com Corridor
    • S. MLK Corridor
    • Saginaw Street Corridor
    • Michigan Ave. Corridor
  • Support
    • Workshops
    • SEED Academy
    • Empower Program
    • Facade Improvement
  • News
    • News
    • Electronic Press Kit

The Empower program

Empower Press Kit

About Operations School (mp4)

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About Empower (jpg)

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Empower Cover Graphic (png)

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ABOUT COHORT III

Graduates of the Empower Program emerge as more confident, capable, and connected small business owners. Over six intensive months, participants refine their business models, improve financial management, strengthen marketing strategies, and develop clear growth plans—all while gaining insight from expert instructors and peer support.


Empower alumni represent a diverse cross-section of Lansing’s entrepreneurial community, and many go on to access capital, expand operations, or open new locations. With an emphasis on sustainability and long-term impact, Empower graduates are not just growing their businesses—they're helping shape a more vibrant and inclusive local economy.

REGISTER HERE

Applications close OCTOBER 31st 2025

The Empower Program Cohort III Registration

OVERVIEW

ELIGIBILITY

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

  • Applicant must operate a for profit small business.
  • Business must be located within the corporate boundaries of the City of Lansing Michigan.
  • Business must have been in operation for at least 12 calendar months.
  • Completion of the full application process.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

  • Business Foundations
  • Marketing & Branding
  • Business Operations & Systems
  • Scalability & Revenue Generation
  • Automation & Delegation
  • Funding & Sustainability

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

  • Business Planning
  • Strategies/Operations
  • Financial Management 
  • Sales & Marketing
  • HR & Staffing
  • Project Management

2024 | COHORT 2 GRADUATES

Click the entrepreneurs photo below to visit their website!

Adrian Joseph

Deardra Westfall

Adrian Joseph

GoodFella's Bagel Deli


Rihab Musa

Deardra Westfall

Adrian Joseph

 Nubian 

 

Deardra Westfall

Deardra Westfall

Deardra Westfall

Natures 92  

Armando Nerio

Armando Nerio

Deardra Westfall

Rim Kingz 

 

Asia Hudson

Armando Nerio

Laura Valles

Paint with Monet


Laura Valles

Armando Nerio

Laura Valles

NV Salon


Darlene Brown

Ashleigh Rogers

Darlene Brown

HCP Homes


Dean Jong

Ashleigh Rogers

Darlene Brown

GLOS Soccer


Ashleigh Rogers

Ashleigh Rogers

Ashleigh Rogers

Sedona Wanderlust


Ron Ferg

Kimberly Lavon

Ashleigh Rogers

Ron Ferg, LLC


Kimberly Lavon

Kimberly Lavon

Kimberly Lavon

Pad Tie


2024 | COHORT 1 GRADUATES

Click the entrepreneurs photo below to visit their website!

Ajaunta Turner

Nikki Thompson-Frasier

Nikki Thompson-Frasier

Key Concepts Consulting


Nikki Thompson-Frasier

Nikki Thompson-Frasier

Nikki Thompson-Frasier

Sweet Encounter Bakery

Deanna Brown

Nikki Thompson-Frasier

Deanna Brown

Everything is Cheesecake 

Eva Thompson

Justin Christian

Deanna Brown

JEM Cleaning

Shebeeka Hughes

Justin Christian

Justin Christian

Cocobella Boutique

Justin Christian

Justin Christian

Justin Christian

Top Shelf Party Rentals  

Tiffany Norde

Kiyauna Campbell

Kiyauna Campbell

Dancing with the Nordes

Kiyauna Campbell

Kiyauna Campbell

Kiyauna Campbell

 Truforever 


Sirpenia Stewart

Kiyauna Campbell

Sirpenia Stewart

Peace Connection

Erica Lynn

Erica Lynn

Sirpenia Stewart

Merica Media Group

For more program information please contact:

Kahleea Washington

Programs Coordinator

P:  517-331-2773  | E: kahleea@lansingedc.com

Lansing Economic Development Corporation

401 S. Washington Sq. Suite 101, Lansing, MI 48933

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