Funds to help launch kitchen incubator space for local food startups in Lansing
LANSING, Mich. (May 21, 2025) – Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) has been awarded a $100,000 Small Business Accelerator Grant from The Hartford, in partnership with Main Street America, to create a culinary accelerator kitchen that will serve as a launching pad for 16 startups.
The grants will benefit The Macotta Club, located at 300 S. Washington Sq., and will occupy 22,800 square feet within Lansing’s historic Knapp’s Building. The space, which is expected to open in early 2026, is set to feature six restaurant options and 16 different food concepts, including five food trucks and five food makers, along with a full-service bar.
“At the Hartford, we have the privilege of working with small business owners every day, and we are proud to partner with Main Street America to address one of their biggest challenges – access to commercial real estate,” said The Hartford’s head of Small Business, Chris Jones. “This initiative will enable business owners to connect with their local community, attract new customers and contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of main streets.”
“We are grateful to be awarded a grant from The Hartford, as it represents a transformative investment in Lansing’s local food scene and the future of our downtown,” said Cathleen Edgerly, executive director of Downtown Lansing Inc. “The Macotta Club will serve as a springboard for diverse culinary startups, bringing new energy, flavors, and foot traffic into the heart of Michigan’s Downtown. We’re thrilled to see this kind of support for small businesses that are building community and driving innovation.”
In addition to serving as a multi-concept restaurant, the accelerator space will also provide the participating startups with educational resources, which will be tailored to the unique challenges small businesses face.
This grant is part of The Hartford’s multi-year, $2 million Small Business Accelerator Grant program benefiting 15 communities and approximately 1,500 small businesses across the country in partnership with Main Street America.
