Program Overview:

The Empower Program is an initiative developed by the Lansing Economic Development Corporation under the Lansing Equitable Economic Development Initiative. This program supports and empowers small businesses in the Lansing Community with deepening their operations and scaling their impact. Over 6 months participants will work with a team of dedicated Project Manager and Technical Assistants to execute an individualized business development plan.  

Eligibility:

• Must operate a for profit, small business                                                                            
  • Small businesses are defined as firms with a size of 50 employees or less and total gross revenue per year of $1.5M or less 

   

• Business must have been in operation for at least 12 calendar months
• Business is headquartered in Lansing, Mi corporate boundaries. You can verify your address utilizing https://www.lansingmi.gov/521/Where-Do-I-Live-in-Lansing. Only addresses within the shaded color areas are City of Lansing addresses.

All potential businesses must complete the application process. Applications are due May 1st, 2026. 

Sessions occur biweekly on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and are held in person at the Lansing Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Headquarters, located at 401 S. Washington Sq., Suite 101, Lansing, MI 48933.  

Program Dates:

• July 1, 2026 – Orientation
•  July 15, 2026 – Get Legal
•  July 29, 2026 – Get Branded
• August 2026* - Photoshoot and Videography
•  August 12, 2026 – Get Operational
•  August 26, 2026 – Systems
•  September 9, 2026 – Get Profitable
•  September 23, 2026 – Insurance & Risk
•  October 7, 2026 – Get Scalable
•  November 4, 2026 – Graduation

*Business photo and videography sessions will be scheduled in the month of August based on participant availability