Lansing Economic Area Partnership

What Lansing Economic Area Partnership does

Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a private-public partnership economic development organization structured as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, serving the tri-county Greater Lansing region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties in Michigan under contract with each county government and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Founded in 2007 (with the current leadership tenure under President & CEO Bob Trezise beginning November 2011), LEAP runs five functional lines: business attraction and retention/expansion for enterprise employers, an entrepreneur and high-tech startup ecosystem (SmartZone, PROTO Accelerator, One&All), a Main Street Small Business Support Hub, industry cluster development across Mobility, Insurance, Life Sciences, Agribusiness, and CreativeTech, and community development/placemaking via the LEAP THRIVE subsidiary and the Capital Area Child Care Coalition.

The organization's service portfolio spans accelerator programs (PROTO for InsurTech, One&All entrepreneurship with 200+ entrepreneurs supported), grant administration (Community Enhancement $1.35M, Site Readiness $1.2M-$250K awards, Small Town Enhancement $100K annual), small-business training and pitch competitions (The Hatching, Retail Training, Influence Lansing, Procurement Readiness), and developer tools including the Future Development GIS Map. LEAP's only notable proprietary technology is the publicly accessible GIS site-selection tool; the organization does not produce a software product.

LEAP monetizes through a five-tier annual membership investor program ranging from Individual ($1,000) to Platinum ($50,000), supplemented by administrative fees and pass-through grant funding from MEDC and partner organizations. Membership tiers (Platinum, Gold Investor, Copper Entrepreneurial, Emerald for underrepresented small businesses, Individual) generate recurring dues revenue that funds services delivered free at point of use, alongside grant administration. With 11-50 employees, an 80+ member board, and 50+ preferred vendor network organizations, LEAP reports cumulative project investment of $6.6 billion and 10,923 jobs created from 2012-2023, with 2025 delivering $170M+ in private investment and 672+ direct jobs to the region.

Name

Lansing Economic Area Partnership

Legal name

Lansing Economic Area Partnership

Website

https://purelansing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a 501(c)(6) economic development organization serving the Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham tri-county region of Michigan under contract with those counties and MEDC, providing business attraction, retention/expansion, small business support, and industry cluster development funded by tiered membership dues and administered public grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552)

akta.pro primary industry

Smart Cities & Urban Innovation Programs (Digital Planning, Civic Tech for Cities) (BPAIANAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Business attraction consulting
• Small business support
• Site selection assistance
• Grant administration

Headquarters

HQ city

Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues and Investment Program: LEAP generates revenue through a tiered membership investment program. Corporate members pay annual dues at five levels: Platinum ($50,000), Gold ($35,000), Copper/Entrepreneurial/Small Business ($10,000), Emerald/Underrepresented Small Business ($3,300 for two years, then $6,600), and Individual/Private ($1,000). These membership fees fund economic development services across the tri-county region including business attraction, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, regional marketing, business retention and expansion, placemaking, and industry-specific initiatives.
2. Grant Administration and Public Funding: LEAP administers grant programs funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and other public sources, including the Lansing Regional Site Readiness Grant Program ($1.2M pool), Community Enhancement Grant Program ($1.35M total), and Small Town Enhancement Grant Program ($100,000 annual pool). While these are pass-through funds, LEAP's role in securing and distributing public capital creates operational sustainability and enables delivery of free small business services (retail training, SmartZone programs, One&All).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

LEAP is a private-public partnership (501(c)(6)) economic development organization representing Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties in Michigan. It provides business attraction, retention, and expansion services; administers small business support programs and accelerators (SmartZone, PROTO, One&All, The Hatching); and manages pass-through public grant programs from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for site readiness, community enhancement, and placemaking projects.

Product overview

LEAP is an economic development organization providing a comprehensive portfolio of services across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. The offering includes core business development programs (Small Business Support Hub, SmartZone for high-tech startups, PROTO Accelerator for InsurTech), various entrepreneurial programs (One & All, The Hatching, Influence Lansing), workforce and retail training initiatives, grant programs (Community Enhancement Grant, Small Town Enhancement Grant, Lansing Regional Site Readiness), placemaking initiatives (LEAP THRIVE, Capital Area Child Care Coalition), and tools like the Future Development GIS Map. LEAP also offers the LEAPlit monthly newsletter and supports business attraction and retention efforts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SmartZone: High-tech and high-growth business hub providing workspaces, programs, mentorship, funding opportunities, and events for innovation-driven companies.
• One & All
• LEAPlit
• The Hatching
• 517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week
• LEAP THRIVE
• Capital Area Child Care Coalition

Products and services

• Small Business Support Hub Comprehensive support hub for entrepreneurs at every stage - from startup ideas to established businesses - offering practical guidance, local expertise, and connections to resources. Free at point of use for small business owners in the tri-county region.
• One & All Entrepreneurship Program Flagship entrepreneurship program supporting small business launch and growth across the Lansing region through cohorts, coaching, mentorship, and resources. IEDC Gold Award winner (2021) with 200+ entrepreneurs supported across 12 cohorts.
• Lansing Regional SmartZone High-tech business hub providing workspaces, programs, mentorship, funding opportunities, workshops, and connections for innovation-driven companies in MedTech, InsurTech, AgTech, and CleanTech sectors.
• PROTO Accelerator Business accelerator platform offering equity investment, expert guidance, and connectivity with insurance industry leaders to technology startups focused on insurance (InsurTech) solutions. Co-branded and supported by LEAP.
• The Hatching Pitch Competition Regional pitch competition allowing entrepreneurs to test their business ideas in a live pitch experience with real feedback to build confidence and momentum.
• Influence Lansing Free 16-week program helping content creators and influencers build their brand and monetize their platform through brand strategy and revenue generation.
• Community Enhancement Grant Program Competitive grant program funding public art, facade improvements, and placemaking projects across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties, with $1.35M total competitive grant funding and administered by LEAP in partnership with MEDC.
• Small Town Enhancement Grant Program Competitive grant program revitalizing small towns in the tri-county region through grants for public art, restorations, lighting upgrades, and facade improvements, with annual funding pool of $100,000.
• Lansing Regional Site Readiness Grant Program Grant program identifying, evaluating, and enhancing prime real estate sites for economic development with grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Administered by LEAP in partnership with MEDC's Strategic Site Readiness Program, targeting municipalities in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.
• Business Attraction and Site Selection Services Economic development services attracting businesses nationally and internationally, connecting companies with incentives, site selection, and expansion support across the tri-county region. Includes direct field outreach, site tours, incentive packaging, and municipal introductions.
• LEAP THRIVE Community Development Community-oriented development initiative catalyzing sustainable development by partnering with developers and acting as nonprofit co-developer to facilitate projects that improve the built environment and unlock economic opportunities. Includes financing tools such as the MSHDA grant and MEDC RAP award.
• Capital Area Child Care Coalition Regional partnership working to improve availability, affordability, and quality of child care in Eaton, Clinton, and Ingham Counties through policy, workforce, and business development solutions. 74 coalition members representing all sectors; $340K+ in funding secured.

Quantifiable outcome

• $6.6B total project investment, 2012-2023
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMEDC is LEAP's primary public funding and program partner. LEAP administers MEDC-funded programs including the Community Enhancement Grant ($1.35M), Lansing Regional Site Readiness Grant ($1.2M), Small Town Enhancement Grant ($100K annual), SmartZone funds, and Business Accelerator Funds. MEDC provides the capital and programmatic framework; LEAP provides local administration, regional knowledge, and project pipeline.
• Michigan State University (MSU)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSU is LEAP's anchor educational and research partner. MSU generates 11,118 employees in the region and 18,000 graduates annually, provides the talent pipeline for all five industry clusters (Mobility, Insurance, Life Sciences, Agribusiness, CreativeTech), and co-supports startups through the MSU Research Foundation, MSU Innovation Center, and MSU Tech Center. MSU's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams ($730M) anchors the region's life sciences sector.
• Lansing Community College (LCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLCC provides workforce training programs including robotics & automation, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades through its Center for Manufacturing Excellence. LEAP refers businesses to LCC's Going PRO Talent Fund training programs and LCC's Business and Community Institute provides customized corporate training.
• Capital Area Michigan Works!coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapital Area Michigan Works! is the regional workforce development partner providing recruitment, hiring, and training solutions at no cost to employers. LEAP refers businesses and participates in the Capital Area Child Care Coalition jointly with this partner. CAWM also co-leads the Capital Area Child Care Coalition.
• Clinton County, Eaton County, Ingham CountyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll three counties have contracted with LEAP for the administration of economic development services. Clinton County and Ingham County specifically have LEAP-administered Economic Development Corporation Boards and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Boards. These public sector partnerships are foundational to LEAP's regional mandate.
• Allen Neighborhood CentercoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAllen Neighborhood Center is a trusted ecosystem partner in LEAP's Small Business Support Hub referral network. Mr. Leslie's Cheesecakes developed its product in a 400-square-foot incubator kitchen at Allen Neighborhood Center before expanding to a commercial facility.
• Retail StrategiescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRetail Strategies partners with LEAP to deliver free on-demand small business retail training to businesses across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties through August 2026. The program includes Omni-Channel Retail Strategies, Business Modernization, and Restaurant Resilience learning paths.
• PROTO AcceleratorcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPROTO Accelerator is LEAP's InsurTech-specific business accelerator platform offering equity investment, expert guidance, and connectivity with insurance industry leaders to technology startups targeting insurance solutions. LEAP co-brands and supports this program as part of its entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• One&All Entrepreneurship ProgramcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe One&All entrepreneurship program (12 cohorts, 200+ entrepreneurs supported) is LEAP's flagship entrepreneurship initiative and IEDC Gold Award winner. It connects entrepreneurs to coaching, mentorship, and resources to launch and grow businesses in the Lansing region.
• Capital Region Airport AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapital Region Airport Authority (Lansing Capital Region Airport) is a preferred vendor and public sector board member, supporting regional accessibility and business connectivity.
• Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBWL is a preferred vendor providing utility infrastructure services to businesses in the Lansing region. BWL also appears as a member investor in LEAP's preferred vendor list.
• Consumers EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsumers Energy is a preferred vendor providing energy infrastructure to businesses across the Lansing region. LEAP refers businesses to Consumers Energy for energy efficiency financing programs.
• United Way of South Central MichigancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way of South Central Michigan co-leads the Capital Area Child Care Coalition alongside LEAP and Capital Area Michigan Works!, contributing to a coalition of 74 members working to improve childcare availability, affordability, and quality.
• Melanated Business AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMelanated Business Alliance is a LEAP preferred vendor and ecosystem partner providing support to BIPOC-owned small businesses. LEAP's Emerald membership tier specifically targets underrepresented small businesses (BIPOC, female, veteran-owned).
• The Christman CompanyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe Christman Company, a preferred vendor in construction/development, has been involved in major regional projects and appears in LEAP's preferred vendor ecosystem.
• Gillespie GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGillespie Group partnered with LEAP THRIVE on the Gillespie Group 600 Block Project, a $7.2M redevelopment in the Stadium District creating 15 housing units (including affordable units) and nearly 6,900 square feet of commercial retail space. LEAP THRIVE acted as the nonprofit co-developer and financial partner, responsible for injecting public fund sources including a $3M MSHDA grant and $617,210 MEDC RAP award.
• Dymaxion DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDymaxion Development completed renovation of a 65,000-square-foot industrial facility at 3366 Remy Drive in Lansing with LEAP's Lansing Regional Site Readiness Grant Program support ($125,000). The project signed ABC Supply Co. as tenant, retaining 12 existing jobs and creating 10-15 additional positions.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/purelansing
• Xx.com/LeapInc
• Facebookfacebook.com/PureLansing
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leap-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lansing Economic Area Partnership