LANSING, Mich. — Lake Trust Credit Union, City of Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, and Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) staff gathered today in a vacant storefront downtown, to announce a brand new partnership program during a 3:00 p.m. press conference. “Make It Downtown Lansing,” a new lease assistance program offered through DLI, will support small businesses who choose to locate and expand in the heart of the Capital City, while helping the downtown flourish.

The “Make it Downtown Lansing” Program is designed to provide assistance for key business activities (retail/dining/arts/entertainment) that choose to establish a storefront within the walkable downtown area. Additionally, there is also an opportunity for this program to assist existing businesses to expand their gross rentable space. The selected applicants will receive graduated rental assistance for up to the first 12 months in their space. Assistance is provided on a first come, first-served basis with up to 3 businesses being selected for support each year.

“At Lake Trust Credit Union, we are focused on creating a meaningful positive impact in the communities we serve. By nurturing new ventures and supporting existing businesses, we are helping members of the community realize their dreams and encouraging a vibrant Downtown,” said Theresa Dubiel, SVP, Onstage Member Experience. “The ‘Make it Downtown Lansing’ program fosters entrepreneurship, drives economic development and creates an important bridge for business owners toward long-term success.”

The lease assistance program requires an application be completed and submitted to downtown Lansing Inc. In addition to completing this application, interested applicants are required to:

Utilize the Small Business Development Center to develop a business plan prior to acceptance into the program

Provide financial information related to the startup and operation of the business Contact: Cathleen Edgerly Downtown Lansing Inc. Executive Director 517-485-3357 cathleen@downtownlansing.org

Attend training/workshop opportunities that deal with a variety of topics including merchandise management, marketing, HR, finance, customer service

Have regular established hours and participate in Downtown Lansing Inc. events/activities.

“This is the next step in helping support the dreams for a new business, shape the future of our downtown, and helping build an energized and successful community that is THE place where businesses, residents, and others want to open their business, live, grow and invest!” states Downtown Lansing Inc. Executive Director, Cathleen Edgerly. “We look forward to not only working with interested business applicants, but also working with our property owners to ensure that our businesses, and our downtown, is successful”

The Make It Downtown Lansing program is made possible thanks to the support of Lake Trust Credit Union, who earlier this year, announced the relocation of their existing branch that will be opening along Capitol Ave. in downtown Lansing.

Watch the Press Conference below



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