Lansing Economic Development Corporation - Lansing LEDC

Southwest Lansing continues to build momentum.

Years of community input and investment have helped shape the Pleasant Grove and Holmes area, and there’s more work ahead.

Today's Lansing State Journal piece highlights the continued efforts to strengthen this important Lansing corridor and the community behind it.

Read the full story below.

Can new development in Southwest Lansing rise from a crowd-funding effort? That's what a developer and community members are proposing this fall. See link below ⬇️

📸 Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal

Grab the family and join us this Sunday for SW Fest at La Mulata from 2 pm to 5 pm!

We are so proud of all of Kahleea’s accomplishments and appreciate all of the work she does every day to support Lansing!

Congratulations to Kahleea Washington, Community Development Specialist at the Lansing Economic Development Corporation for the 10 Over the Next Ten Award.

Kahleea is an Illinois native, entrepreneur, and urban sociologist focused on how community investment shapes lived experience. In 2023, Kahleea moved to Michigan for a Community Development Fellowship with CEDAM and MEDC, leaving home to start a career in a new state. Three years later, Kahleea serves as the sole Community Development Specialist at the Lansing EDC, managing corridor programs, small business support, grants, and placemaking initiatives. This honoree also owns Sweet Lee's Teas, a local tea business.

Kahleea also serves on the Mid-Michigan Junior Achievement Associate Board.

Thank you to News 10 Lansing for amplifying the SEED Academy Emerging Developer training program. We are currently accepting applications through this week, Friday, September 18. If you are interested in learning more about real estate development. To learn more and apply, visit: www.lansingedc.com

Applications are due Sept. 18 for the third cohort of the Lansing SEED Academy, a real estate development training program.

Kris Klein, president and CEO of Lansing EDC, joins WILX Taylor Gattoni on Mid-Michigan Matters to discuss the program and who is eligible to apply.

A successful development project starts with understanding the numbers and how the pieces fit together.

“SEED Academy gave me a better understanding of development and helped me see my project through a different lens. One of my biggest takeaways was learning how important it is to slow down and take the time to build a complete and accurate pro forma because it truly is the financial roadmap for the project. I also gained a much stronger understanding of capital stacking and how different sources can work together to move a project forward. I’m grateful for what I learned and know I will continue using these lessons as I develop 108–110 S. MLK, the Moon House project.”

— Alesia Flowers
Owner and Principal, EM Cannon Designs, LLC

Applications close September 18, and in-person training begins October 8. Apply today and gain the tools to move your project forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Apply here: https://lansingedc.com/resources/developer/lansing-seed-academy

We've had a great summer engaging with the community. Thank you for all that have provided input and feedback to our neighborhood planning efforts.

Tonight is the night, there's still time to RSVP if you are interested in learning more about navigating your small businesses financial statements.

Understanding your financial statements is essential to making confident business decisions.

Join the Lansing Economic Development Corporation and PNC for a free Small Business Financial Statements workshop. Learn how to better understand the numbers behind your business and use financial information to plan for growth.

Click here to RSVP: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rM3WvAUof0KNqbAE-Oa4GNBf17N1H3pMuYToirvwDJVUOU1JSUNMUFZXOE5WVUZNSU5IUTFYVEIzOS4u

A vision can become a real development project with the right knowledge, resources, and support.

“SEED Academy helped me take a vision I had for property I already owned and begin thinking about it as a real development project. I came into the program with ideas, but I left with a much better understanding of the development process, the questions I need to ask, the professionals I need around me, and the resources available to help move a project forward. Most importantly, SEED gave me the confidence and connections to continue pursuing my goal of becoming a developer who creates something meaningful for my community.”
--Dustin Creagh, Sr., Emerging Developer

Applications are open through September 18, and in-person training begins October 8.

Learn more and apply here: https://lansingedc.com/resources/developer/lansing-seed-academy

Community-centered development begins with the knowledge, relationships, and confidence to move a vision forward.

“The Lansing SEED Academy provided practical knowledge, valuable relationships, and greater insight into what it takes to move a development project forward. The experience strengthened my confidence as an emerging developer and connected me with professionals and resources that continue to support the development of The Iris and my broader goals for community-centered development.”

— Re’Shane L. Lonzo
Founder & CEO, Lonzo Development Group, LLC
Developer, The Iris Mixed-Use Development

Applications are open through September 18, and in-person training begins October 8. Apply today and take the next step toward moving your development vision forward.

Apply here: https://lansingedc.com/resources/developer/lansing-seed-academy

Real estate development may feel out of reach, but SEED Academy can help make it attainable.

“The SEED Academy made real estate development something that was attainable. From the informative sessions to the connections made in class, I now have a more robust network that is moving my business forward. My company is currently working toward a project that stemmed from the SEED Academy. Without this program, we would not be venturing into this project.”

— Anastasia “Stasi” Kreiner
Co-Owner, Iron & Ivy Renovations

Applications are open through September 18, and in-person training begins October 8. Take the next step toward bringing your development vision to life.

Apply today: https://lansingedc.com/resources/developer/lansing-seed-academy