Programs develop entrepreneurs to further accelerate revenue, profitability, job creation and prominence of their small businesses

LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 19, 2024) ‚Äî The Lansing Area Economic Partnership (LEAP) is proud to announce the graduation of 14 talented entrepreneurs from its equity-focused business accelerator programs, adding to the overall highly successful and robust small business development programs of LEAP. The graduates have successfully completed either Elevate, a Black Business Accelerator program, or Ascend, a program specifically designed for Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs.

These programs are supported by the Small Business Support Hubs of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Each participant worked one-on-one with Best Practices Consulting Services, receiving tailored technical assistance, focused on the company’s specific growth goals and challenges. This program has been crucial to helping these companies of the future overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

Additionally, as a group, they had the opportunity to network and learn from local entrepreneurs and industry experts covering a wide range of topics‚Äîfrom business insurance and banking to navigating media and more. 

‚ÄúOur Elevate and Ascend participants have embarked on a remarkable journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs, in their businesses and personal lives,‚Äù said Tony Willis, LEAP’s chief equity development officer (left). ‚ÄúFrom expanding services and securing new clients to hiring employees, opening brick-and-mortar locations, and finding spaces better suited to their needs, their accomplishments have been truly inspiring. These wins highlight the resilience and determination of our participants as they build brighter futures for their businesses and communities.‚Äù

The fourteen entrepreneurs are:

• Shayna Allen ‚Äì T√§mBwoy Sports Massage
• Felineece Foreman ‚Äì All About U Salon Suites Salon Spa Wellness LLC
• Melissa Terry ‚Äì Lotus Beauty Lounge
• Justin Christian ‚Äì Top Shelf Party Rental LLC
• Asia Hudson ‚Äì Paint with Monet
• Britt Houze ‚Äì BHouze Originals
• LaTonya Demps ‚Äì Collective Wellness Counseling and Consulting
• Bryana Clover ‚Äì Clover Joy Collective
• Jose Aste ‚Äî Tantay
• Elena Herrera ‚Äî Ledger Ally
• Blanca Sanchez de Lopez ‚Äî A Touch of Frida Boutique
• Gina Rodriguez ‚Äî Gina Alexis Aesthetics
• Douglas Salazar ‚Äî Mower Technologies
• Felipe Lopez Sustaita ‚ÄîFelipe Lopez Sustaita and Associates

Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP, expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s impact, stating, “We are proud of these program accomplishments at LEAP and know our newest graduates are the next generation business owner on our main streets and within the on-line world. Smart business strategy, revenue, profit and ultimately the creation of jobs and investment are what it‚Äôs all about. Equity programs like Ascend and Elevate increase our entire region‚Äôs likelihood of prosperity by making sure all have an opportunity to be an equal part of our growing regional economy.‚Äù

For more information about LEAP and its programs, please visit www.purelansing.com.

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