Lansing, MI – Downtown Lansing Inc. announces an all-new Small Business Support grant program to create resiliency and strengthen local businesses within the Downtown Lansing business district. The program will provide vital funding assistance, in the form of reimbursement grants up to $50,000, to support small businesses looking to be a part of Downtown Lansing’s transformation as the community works towards recovery following the COVID pandemic.
If awarded, selected businesses will be able to receive reimbursement for project activities including:
- Rent/mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Payroll
- Equipment Costs & Inventory
- Expenses for non-permanent mobile outdoor patio or retail pop-up sales space
- Expenses for general marketing, technology to assist in connecting with customers
“Downtown Lansing’s small businesses were severely affected by the loss of State workers and other changes in how offices across the Capital City now work. The result has been a dramatic shift in activity downtown. Downtown Lansing Inc. responded immediately by working over the past year to secure State and City of Lansing funding to support this Small Business Support Grant program, while also prioritizing programs designed to lift up local businesses and empower entrepreneurs, fill vacancies and diversify the amenities and business mix downtown.” states Downtown Lansing Inc. Executive Director, Cathleen Edgerly. “In short, DLI is leading the transformation of Downtown Lansing by building a stronger future where Downtown is known for our culture, opportunities, and activities at all hours of the day. These grants will help stabilize, support, and strengthen our downtown businesses during this transformative time.” “The City of Lansing worked with the state to secure funding to help our small businesses affected by COVID and the loss of state employees.” States City of Lansing Mayor, Andy Schor. “I am glad that we can now provide this support to our businesses in the downtown as we build back our downtown with employees as well as residents through new housing. I appreciate the work that DLI is doing with our businesses to maintain and increase the vibrancy of our core business district downtown.” Eligible businesses must lease/own space within District A of the Principal Shopping District Downtown, have 50 employees or less, and have been in operation for at least one year. To help diversify the businesses that call Downtown Lansing home and offer an equitable Downtown experience where all feel welcome and belong, DLI’s goal is to award at least 40% of grants to women or ethnic-owned businesses. Small businesses are vital to the state’s economy, employing more than 1.8 million people. DLI’s Small Business Support Grant Program is just one of the organization’s programs developed to #LiftUpLocal businesses downtown. For more information or to apply for the grants, visit: https://www.downtownlansing.org/resources/ or email Julie@Downtownlansing.Org
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About Downtown Lansing Inc. Downtown Lansing Inc. is the downtown management agency and grass-roots Main Street organization committed to promoting the culture and sustainability of the downtown business district while lifting up local businesses and our residents.
