LEAP Offers $20K To Regional Business Incubators
LANSING (WWJ) -- The Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the economic development organization for the state capital region, announced a request for proposals Tuesday for business incubators in the region.
The Regional Innovation Network RFP will award four existing business incubators with up to $5,000 each. Proposals are due by Friday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.
Successful applicants will agree to a memorandum of understanding between LEAP and the participating business incubator. The MOU is aimed to solidify the adoption of best practices in business incubation and the development of a network to ensure the long term sustainability of all business incubators within the Lansing region.
In order for an incubator to be included in the Regional Innovation Network, it must maintain a consistently high caliber of incubation services and ensure proper implementation of network processes. The full list of eligibility requirements can be found within the RFP and includes being in existence prior to November 2013, operating within Ingham, Eaton, or Clinton counties, providing space for client tenants to operate their startup businesses, having a dedicated facility manager on staff, and access to a shared wireless network.
"This network is being formed to strengthen the ecosystem that is already in place, and support startup activity and entrepreneurs looking for resources," said Jeff Smith, co-manager of the New Economy Division at LEAP. "By networking the existing incubators together, it will allow the region's business incubators to share best practices and allow new incubators to form as the needs arise."
"The RIN is another method by which LEAP is attempting to build, with our partners, a one-of-a-kind entrepreneurial support system and culture. We want to be sure all of our resources are networked together and that entrepreneurs are given the best assistance possible," added Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP.
Those interested in applying for the Regional Innovation Network funds may download the RFP and MOU at www.purelansing.com/rin. Further information is available from LEAP's Smith by emailing jeff@purelansing.com.
