Small businesses interested in opening a storefront are encouraged to apply now through November 30 

LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 8, 2023) - Middle Village, a business accelerator program created and managed by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust Credit Union, announces that it is seeking applications for its 2025 cohort.  Retail concepts interested in launching into brick-and-mortar receive business programming and marketing support in this year-long program. Apply now through November 30, 2024. 

Middle Village is a dynamic retail accelerator program that empowers business owners by lowering barriers to entrepreneurship. Since being established in 2021, it has had 16 participants with 100% of graduating participants still in operations and 6 of those participants have graduated to open a brick-and-mortar storefront within the Lansing region. 

“We’re thrilled to open applications for our 2025 Middle Village cohort,” said Julie Reinhardt, Director of Downtown Community Development at Downtown Lansing Inc. “Middle Village is all about lowering the risk of retail entrepreneurship and providing our participants with the tools and space to grow their brand. It’s a unique chance to expand your brand, grow within a supportive community and take that final step toward opening a brick-and-mortar shop in Downtown Lansing.” 

Every year, DLI invites five retail businesses to participate in the yearlong program, which offers them a unique, energetic space to test the market and receive business programming and marketing support as they grow their brand in a safe, inclusive environment, made possible through the financial support of Lake Trust Credit Union. 

Businesses interested in learning more or applying for 2025 can submit their application at MiddleVillageShops.com.

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About Middle Village
Middle Village is a dynamic retail accelerator program presented by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust that empowers business owners by lowering barriers to entrepreneurship. With a focus on women and minority-owned businesses, Middle Village is an ever-evolving space in Downtown Lansing that offers an energetic experience where shopping locally is a catalyst for positive change, connecting individuals and fostering a sense of community. To learn more about Middle Village, visit MiddleVillageShops.com. 

About Downtown Lansing Inc.
Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) is the downtown management agency dedicated to revitalizing and promoting economic development, urban planning, and community engagement in Michigan’s Downtown. A certified Main Street organization, DLI’s mission is to strengthen and nurture the culture, health, and sustainability of Downtown Lansing. Downtown Lansing is home to nearly 200 unique businesses, offering global dining experiences, wide-ranging retail offerings and unique events and attractions for all ages at all times of the day. In 2024, DLI received recognition as an industry-leading Main Street organization after being named a top 10 semifinalist in the 2024 Great American Main Street Award. Learn more about DLI at DowntownLansing.org.

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