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
 

Program Dates:

• January 7, 2026
   
•  January 21, 2026
   
•  February 4, 2026
   
•  February 18, 2026
   
•  March 4, 2026
   
•  March 18, 2026
   
•  April 1, 2026
   
•  April 18, 2026
   
•  May 6, 2026