SEED ACADEMY EMERGING DEVELOPER TRAINING PROGRAM

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. THEY WILL RE-OPEN EARLY 2026

The Lansing Economic Development Corporation (Lansing EDC) and Grow America are excited to introduce the Lansing SEED Academy. This first-of-its-kind program is designed to build capacity for emerging developers, enhance their ability to undertake projects and increase their competitiveness as Lansing's real estate development market grows. 

Graduates will receive comprehensive training on essential real estate development topics, including the development process and development finance. Participants will gain the skills and knowledge needed to assess financial feasibility, prepare project proformas, complete loan packages, and navigate the entire development process—from concept to completion—empowering them to successfully bring their projects to fruition and achieve long-term growth.

The Lansing SEED Academy is an 18-month, free training program that includes:

• Five in-person training days
• A capstone presentation 
• Four quarterly virtual deep-dive sessions
• One-on-one technical assistance
• Mentorship and coaching from industry experts
• Access to resources and connections to capital
• Networking opportunities with local government, finance, and development professionals

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of the City of Lansing corporate boundaries OR a property owner within the City of Lansing corporate boundaries with an interest in real estate development.
• Have a demonstrated interest in real estate development, including experience in property flipping, developing, or building at least one or two projects.

Be interested in developing small-scale real estate projects, particularly:

• Income-producing properties (single-family, multi-family, mixed-use for rent)
• Projects that include a residential component
• Affordable housing projects within three years post-graduation
• This is a competitive selection process. Where all else is equal, priority will be given to residents of the City of Lansing.

PROGRAM TIMELINE

• Application Open: May 2, 2025
• Application Closes: May 16, 2025
• Participant Announcement: May 22, 2025
• Orientation & Networking Event: TBD
• In-Person Training: June 12-14 & 19-20, 2025
• Capstone Presentations: June/July 2025
• Virtual Deep Dives: Quarterly sessions post-training