February 11, 2021
Competition aims to spark entrepreneurial action in downtown Lansing, create local jobs and inspire COVID-resistant business proposals
Three Lansing-area organizations, Dewpoint, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)
today launched Lansing Built To Last, a startup competition that invites all entrepreneurs and idea-makers to submit disaster-resistant business proposals for the opportunity to win a year’s worth of services to help launch their business.
The first-place winner of Lansing Built to Last will receive a 3,083-square-foot office in downtown Lansing with a full year of covered business services and expenses, including:
“Lansing Built to Last is intended to tap into the genius that resides in Michigan,” said Michelle Massey, director of marketing and business development at Dewpoint and LEAP board member. “From the everyday citizen to the budding entrepreneur, all voices with a business idea that contributes to the economic growth of downtown Lansing will be heard.”
The founding partner organizations created the competition as a way to strengthen downtown Lansing, particularly during unprecedented disasters and uncertain economic fallout like the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible, business ideas must require a physical space downtown, be able to withstand shutdowns, and enhance the surrounding community. Full application requirements, a full list of partner organizations and more information are available at lansingbuilttolast.com.
“This competition wouldn’t be possible without sponsors and community support across our city,” said Massey. “We are grateful for everyone who caught the vision and jumped on board. We’re excited to explore the possibilities.”