Partnership Programs
Jumpstart Tech Program
The Lansing Regional SmartZone has grants to support your business to get going through payment to get your tech business incorporated via a legal entity accompanied by 3 months of virtual tenancy at the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) in downtown East Lansing where you can work alongside other startups, mentors, and support services. In order to access these funds you will need to complete the Regional Intake Form which is linked below and select “Lansing Regional SmartZone” on the program list.
Community Mentor in Residence (MIR) Program
Please submit your interest in receiving support services from the joint mentor in residence program with Spartan Innovations. The aim of this program is to match startups with industry experts to fuel the growth of your business, confirm product/market fit, and accelerate the development of your product/service. In order to access these funds you will need to complete the Regional Intake Form which is linked below and select “MSU Research Foundation” as well as “Lansing Regional SmartZone” on the program list.
Fund Your Acceleration
This program offers a cohort model to help your business access non-dilutive funds to pay for services needed by high-tech/high-growth companies to help them achieve their next milestone. Our cohorts are each quarter and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. In order to access these funds you will need to complete the Regional Intake Form which is linked below and select “Fund Your Acceleration” as well as “Lansing Regional SmartZone” on the program list.
Conquer Accelerator – East Lansing
Open to Michigan Startups in Any Industry. The MSU Research Foundation through Spartan Innovations runs an EAST LANSING and GRAND RAPIDS accelerator program that is open to Michigan-based companies operating in any industry. Preference is given to companies at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or beta stage, with a focus on those showcasing early traction. The program lasts 10-weeks and applications are open for the Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (Oct-Dec). APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5/31/2024. Please contact Tom Stewart for more information.
Pitch Competition and Community for Early Stage Tech Startups in Lansing
Lansing New Tech is a quarterly pitch competition that offers a $1,000 cash prize and endless connections to the Lansing tech ecosystem.
STEM FORWARD Internship Program
STEM Forward is a statewide program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The program provides financial support to Michigan companies who hire interns in STEM-focused internships by matching employer contributions up to $3,000 for full-time interns and up to $1,500 for part-time interns. STEM Forward aims to foster meaningful, hands-on career experiences for students interested in STEM-related positions and supporting Michigan companies – of all sizes – with building their STEM talent pipeline.
Bridging The Digital Divide
Bridging the Digital Divide – Lansing is proudly offered by Michigan Women Forward, a nonprofit community development organization whose mission is to expand economic opportunity, empower the next generation, and celebrate and honor the accomplishments of Michigan women. Its vision is to create an inclusive economy for the state of Michigan. The 6-month program consists of weekly 90-minute virtual sessions.
Startup Marketing Bootcamp
Program Details Coming Soon!
Inclusive Tech Ambassador
The Lansing Regional SmartZone has partnered with LEAP to hire two Inclusive Tech Ambassadors as well as run the Inclusive Tech Meetups at the TIC. Their role is to lead the effort when it comes to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for the Lansing Regional SmartZone (LRSZ) and the Technology Innovation Center. The main objective of this program is to facilitate connections and collaborations between the LRSZ, along with its partner organizations, and the community, specifically those of underrepresented demographic groups to technology programss, jobs, and opportunties. If you would like to meet with one of our ambassadors or check out one of the meetups please click the link below and complete the regional intake form and select “Lansing Regional SmartZone”
Tech Corridor for Capital Comeback East Lansing
Capital Comeback connects former and current residents of the Lansing region with the emerging live, work, and play opportunities in a casual, contemporary networking setting. Returning professionals will learn firsthand about the dynamic urban careers in tech companies and living opportunities right here in the reinvigorated capital region while getting the chance to network with many of the region’s premier employers. The Lansing Regional SmartZone and Lansing 5:01 are actively recruiting local startups to participate in the Capital Comeback Talent Event on Wednesday, November 22. As a startup your registration fees are waived when confirmed – we have spots for upwards of 10 companies, but they will go fast.
99 Problems but a Pitch Ain’t One
This free for everyone event allows you to practice your pitch. You can sign up the up to and including the day of, like open mic. You can be anyone from anywhere with any idea. The goal is that you have 99 seconds to convince the crowd to give you $99 and the pitch with the most votes gets the $99
Teen Entrepreneurs and Mentors Program
The Fledge Teen Entrepreneurs and Mentors Program is a radically inclusive program that increases the number of Youth engaged in mid-Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and increases the number of mentors to our youth. We provide a 10-week program focused on the development of a Business Model Canvas, Financial Documents, and Pitch Practicing. Teams are assigned one or more mentors (also from our diverse community) to help with prototyping their product or service.
StartupGrind Lansing – Event Series
Startup Grind Lansing serves as a vital hub in Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing a local connection to the world’s largest community of startups, founders, innovators, and creators. Our events range from intimate Fireside Chats featuring startup success stories to Startup (Coffee) Grind Events in partnership with Lansing-based marketing agency mConnexions, designed to deepen conversations over morning coffee. We also host Ask Me Anything Expert Panels, giving our community free rein to probe into various aspects of business growth and scalability, from investor criteria to marketing strategies to implementation of AI, and more.
Expert Connexions – Tech Show
Expert Connexions is a weekly interview show that connects startup founders and entrepreneurs to industry experts to fuel business expansion, inspire innovation, and create new connections. Hosted by entrepreneur Julie Holton, the program covers a wide array of topics including Artificial Intelligence, Business, Finance, Legal, Marketing, Medical, Nonprofits, Sales, and Startups. The show was launched just days before the 2020 statewide shutdown in Michigan to offer free guidance from industry insiders during a challenging time. Since then the show has featured more than 100 experts and its content has been aired on TV and distributed digitally. Tune in and subscribe to Expert Connexions!
If a Program is not actively taking applications make sure you sign up for more information to stay up to date on when programs will be taking applications.