The One and All Program Continues to Accelerate Economic Mobility Across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee Counties
LANSING, Mich. (May 24, 2022) – Twenty-one entrepreneurs from across Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee counties have been selected to participate in program six of One and All. This inclusive entrepreneurship initiative created in 2020 by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and generously funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Consumers Energy Foundation will allow participants to build or grow their businesses.
The One and All initiative’s success across its first five programs has culminated in the creation of 60 jobs and an average annual household income increase of approximately $10,000 within six months of program graduation (programs 1-4) and $17,000 one and a half years post-graduation (program 1). Of the initiative’s 99 graduates, 69% either entered the program with a legally established business entity or created one during the program, and several have opened brick and mortar storefronts after graduation.
“The economic impact of One and All is twofold, as we see both the individual success of increasing household income among program graduates and the community success of jobs and businesses created,” said Katlyn Cardoso, LEAP’s director of entrepreneurial ecosystem development. “This program is only possible through the generous funding of the MEDC and Consumers Energy Foundation; the dedication of our program partners, the Fledge and the Refugee Development Center; and our incredible curriculum partners, the Michigan Small Business Development Center at Lansing Community College and Piper and Gold Public Relations.”
The 21 entrepreneurs will begin their journeys May 25, 2022, with a unique and intensive 2-month program consisting of immersive business and communication training, coaching and mentoring, access to an extended professional network and ultimately a $2,500 seed investment—all critical resources which are common obstacles to success for entrepreneurs and small-business owners from underrepresented populations, which the One and All program is specifically created to support.
“Beyond the program’s quantitative success is the equally important qualitative impact of the community created by this program. This is something that really sets One and All apart within the Lansing region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” added Cardoso. “We see graduates like program 4’s Anna Escobedo, who frequently utilizes her new brick and mortar location to give other fledgling entrepreneurs a platform to introduce their products and services into the community, leveraging their own success to support the success of their peers.”
One and All May-July 2022 Program Participants
- Derek Bell, 112 Recording Studio
- Jamell Dacon, Cultural Explosion
- Ken Dail, K. Dail & Associates, LLC
- Tyrone Davis, Tyrone Davis Art
- Savoya Dillard, Luscious Lashes & More
- Justin Dunham, Pallete to Table: JRD’s Custom Woodworking
- Sheila Fisher, FSSalon
- Susan Green, Vineyard Production/Creative Arts Theatre
- Zuhair Jafar, Soap Supreme Auto Detail, LLC
- Mariah Johnson, Simply Aesthetic
- Liz Kruger, Honey Bun Bakery, LLC
- Coire Luckett, Coco’s Custom Crafts
- Alexander Malone, Malone Family Auto Detailing
- Malachi McClain, Flashmode Clothing
- Rihab Musa, Nubian Jewelry, LLC
- Aaliyah Nixon, Hourglass Physique Boutique
- Vernita Payne, Iuveenis & Co
- Kendra Schneider, Takeout Takeout
- Shawn Thomas, Zeep Life, LLC
- Tommy Washington, Members Only Boxing and Fitness, LLC
- Nieisha Yarbrough, Fetish, LLC
“The LEAP One and All Program has been a great help through my entrepreneurial journey,” said program five participant Alisha Parks. “Not only did I learn how to have a strong business foundation, but I can now say I’m wealthy thanks to the resources and connections I’ve gained through the program.” Parks recently celebrated the opening of her West Lansing salon, Lesha P Experience.
Additionally, One and All is welcoming a new group of 17 program mentors, a crucial component of the program’s success.
“Being a mentor for the One and All program provides an opportunity to support local entrepreneurs on their journey,” said Lisa Fisher, founder of Lisa Fisher Associates and mentor for all six One and All programs. “I am proud of the Lansing area and am grateful for those who are willing to open or grow businesses here.”
Mentors provide expert guidance and insight, helping mentees clarify goals, identify best strategies to advance their ideas and navigate challenging situations. One and All program mentors are established professionals with rich life experience who hail from various business types, higher education, entrepreneurship support organizations, state and local economic development and many are entrepreneurs themselves.
One and All January-March 2022 Mentors
- Bara Aldasoqui, Sympill
- Jose Aste, Tantay*
- Jaime Dibean, AF Group*
- Lisa Fisher, Lisa Fisher Associates*
- Jessy Gregg, City of East Lansing*
- Kylee Guenther, Pivot Materials*
- Luke Hackney, RetroDuck*
- Jacky Halliwill, Commercial Bank
- Monica Morgan, Monica Morgan Photography*
- Cameron Needham, Needham Solutions
- Jerry Norris, The Fledge
- Kelly Preston, Capital Steel and Wire
- Julie Reinhardt, Downtown Lansing Inc.
- Doug Roberts Jr., Consumers Energy*
- Mary Stucko, Lansing Community College*
- Laurey Wyble, Great Lakes Crystal Technologies*
- Amy Zander, Zeedia Media*
*returning mentor
LEAP is still accepting mentors for the May-July 2022 program. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a One and All mentor, complete the mentor intake form on LEAP’s website.
Follow the journey of each One and All entrepreneur and learn more about the One and All program on LEAP’s website at purelansing.com/OneAndAll.
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About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all—working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.
