Kickoff event to be held Sept. 18 at East Lansing Technology Innovation Center
EAST LANSING, Mich.—(Sept. 17, 2024)—In a move that will establish the Lansing Region as a hub for tech entrepreneurship and help foster long-term economic growth and innovation, the Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ)—in partnership with tech leaders Gravity Works and Bold Growth—today announced the launch of the Capital Area Startup Studio, which will provide idea validation, growth, and tech support to local entrepreneurs.
The studio will be holding a launch event on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at the East Lansing Technology Innovation Center, where entrepreneurs can learn more about how the studio can benefit them while networking with other entrepreneurs in the community.
“I am excited to bring the Capital Area Startup Studio to Lansing,” said Blake Grewal, owner of Bold Growth, a tech and creative studio for legal and financial services businesses. “The partnership between Bold Growth and Gravity Works presents a great opportunity for future tech entrepreneurs to take action and bring their ideas to life with unmatched support and tools to succeed. It is programs like this that will impact the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Lansing for years to come and I am just thankful to be a part of it.”
The studio will offer a comprehensive array of services, including mentorship in entrepreneurial skills, UX design, and low code/no code development, along with a tech mentorship speaker series. This pioneering approach aims to increase the number of successful new business launches, enhance funding opportunities, and build a nurturing environment for the next generation of tech innovators in Mid-Michigan, said Jeff McWherter, chief operating officer of Gravity Works, which builds websites and mobile apps for local, statewide, national, and international clients.
"I'm thrilled to support the early stages of tech entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Capital Area Startup Studio,” McWherter said. “Our team is passionate about innovation, and I’m excited to share our experience building products and solving real-world problems with emerging founders. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for new entrepreneurs to leverage cutting-edge technology and receive the guidance they need to succeed. Watching these ideas transform into impactful solutions is inspiring, and I’m grateful to be a part of this journey in shaping the future of tech here in Lansing."
The studio will support an initial cohort of five entrepreneurs. Interested parties can apply here. Applications are open through Sept. 27 and the program officially launches on Oct. 9.
The studio is powered by the LRSZ, which is operated by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the economic development organization proudly representing the Tri-County Region of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.“The Lansing region has the potential to become a national leader in tech entrepreneurship, and the Capital Area Startup Studio is poised to play a key role in making that a reality,” said Angel Miller, director of the LRSZ. “We’re excited to partner with Blake, Jeff and their teams to grow our high-tech economy and support local startups on their journey to success.”
Charley Hasemann, chair of the Joint Local Development Finance Authority which oversees the LRSZ, said the studio represented an exciting new edition to the LRSZ’s offerings.
“There are brilliant minds throughout the Greater Lansing region with bold, disruptive ideas,” Hasemann said. “By providing these entrepreneurs with the support they need to thrive, the Capital Area Startup Studio will be a driver of innovation and economic growth for our community.”
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About Bold Growth
Bold Growth is a tech and creative studio for legal and financial services businesses.
About Gravity WorksGravity Works builds websites and mobile apps for local, statewide, national, and international clients.
About the Lansing Economic Area Partnership
The Lansing Regional SmartZone serves as the connecting tissue for all things tech entrepreneurship and tech enabled innovation for the Greater Lansing Region. The Lansing Regional SmartZone is overseen by an independent, publicly appointed Joint LDFA board. LEAP holds the services and staffing contract for the Lansing Regional SmartZone from the LDFA. As part of this contract LEAP oversees the governance of the Lansing Regional SmartZone including being the fiduciary for the funds that the SmartZone collects via tax capture districts in Lansing and East Lansing.
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.
About the Lansing Regional SmartZone
The Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ) drives growth in the Greater Lansing region’s high-tech sector by funding local partners to deliver exceptional entrepreneurial support services. The LRSZ is a partnership between Ingham County, City of Lansing, City of East Lansing, Lansing Community College, East Lansing Public Schools, Lansing School District, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Michigan State University Research Foundation, Michigan State University Innovation Center, and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). A dynamic organization of leaders from all backgrounds and business sectors, the LRSZ has locations in downtown East Lansing at the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) and in Lansing at the MSU Health Park. To learn more, visit LansingRegionalSmartZone.com
