In February 2022, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), with support from PNC Foundation and in partnership with Best Practice Consulting Solutions, launched Elevate whose main goal is to help Black business owners improve and maximize operational efficiency and heighten business sophistication to drive increased profitability and revenue. Its first cohort consisted of eight Black businesses that participated in a six-month accelerator program with individualized business assessment, customized work-plan development, and one-on-one technical assistance. LEAP is now taking applications for Elevate’s second cohort. Applications will close on Feb. 26, 2023, and the program will begin April 12.

Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab) is a free, three-month entrepreneurship accelerator for veterans and military spouses. It is designed to provide hands-on startup education for those seeking part of the $20,000 in cash prizes to start or grow their small business. Starting March 1, the 11th cohort of the MVE-Lab accelerator will meet at the Grand Valley State University Muskegon Innovation Hub for 12 weeks on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m.

Michigan is proud to be the home for life sciences discoveries, medical device technologies and the chemical manufacturing frontier. MEDC led a delegation of eight Michigan companies to the annual Medical Design & Manufacturing West Expo (MD&M West) in Anaheim, California. The companies – Evosys Laser, Healthmark Industries, Humanetics Group, in2being, Innovatech Automation, Keystone Manufacturing, Medisurge and Scherdel Medtec – provide products and services in the medical device sector spanning full device assemblies, device components, automation, advanced manufacturing and technical consulting. MD&M West gives MEDC the ability to reach hundreds of exhibitors and associated attendees within the medical device sector to include devices, automation, robotics, design and more. Connect with the MEDC to learn how we support the growth of Michigan businesses.

Hear the latest episode of The Michigan Opportunity podcast featuring John DeMaio, president of Graphex Group and CEO of Graphex Technologies. DeMaio joins host Ed Clemente as they discuss the company’s recent expansion in the rapidly growing Michigan EV battery ecosystem. Graphex, a global leader in the industry, has been proficient in commercial graphite processing since 2013 and is currently producing over 10,000 metric tons of spherical graphite annually. Graphex expects to leverage its experience and expertise in the processing of high-quality graphite anode material globally and now onshoring here to Michigan.

• Feb. 22: Industry 4.0 For Every Budget Roundtable Discussion
• Feb. 23: How to Grow Your Business in a Recession with Comerica Bank
• Feb. 27: Webinar: Funding Opportunities for U.P. Manufacturers
• Feb. 27: Michigan Manufacturers Cyber Initiative
• March 1: Michigan Distilling Grain Summit
• March 1: LeadHer-Ship Women in Business-HerStory Luncheon
• April 4-5: CCAT Global Symposium
• April 20: Making it in Michigan Conference and Trade Show
• Michigan SBDC Events Listing

Michigan Economic Development Corporation helps to connect businesses to new resources, meet new partners, and access the additional capital they need from the start. If your business needs support to reach its full potential, the MEDC is available to help. Visit michiganbusiness.org/small-business to find customized business assistance.

Looking for a career in economic development? Want to be part of a team that’s driving Michigan forward? View career opportunities at the MEDC.