LEAP Transforms How The Region Writes Economic Development Grants

LANSING -- The Lansing Economic Area Partnership, through the services of Kuntzsch Business Services Inc., is launching a pilot program to help local municipalities in the Greater Lansing region use grant writing services aimed at economic development projects or initiatives.

In its first year, LEAP will fund 50 percent of the costs, up to $2,500 per municipality, for grant proposal development services provided by KBS. LEAP has made $10,000 available for the program, which will operate on a first come, first served basis.

While there are many public and private grants available to communities, staff often lack the time and/or expertise necessary to develop a successful proposal.

"Our local municipalities are facing smaller budgets than ever," said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. "There is little room to hire consultants to write grant applications for federal and state funding that these communities desperately need for economic development purposes. We are attempting to fill a void by transforming the way a community can compete for these funds."

Added Rachel Kuntzsch, president of Kuntzsch Business Services: "We are eager to help the region in whatever ways we can by partnering with LEAP on this program."