LEAP Sets $20,000 Regional Incubation Network RFP
LANSING (WWJ) -- The Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the regional economic development organization for the capital area, last week announced the second round of its requests for proposals for its Regional Incubation Network.
The RFP will award existing business incubators up to $10,000 each to continue and expand their work. Proposals are due by Thursday, May 1, by 4 p.m. Eastern time.
LEAP said the most successful applicants will agree to a memorandum of understanding with LEAP to agree to adopt best practices in business incubation, including policies for business processes, business graduation and job creation.
The full list of eligibility requirements can be found within the RFP and includes being open at least a year, operating in Ingham, Eaton, or Clinton counties, providing space for client tenants to operate their startup businesses, having a dedicated facility manager on staff, successful graduation, and access to a shared wireless network, and more.
"This network is being formed to strengthen the ecosystem that is already in place, and support startup activity and entrepreneurs looking for resources," said Quin Stinchfield, manager of business incubation at LEAP. "By networking the existing incubators together, it will allow the region's business incubators to share best practices and create new investment and jobs in our community."
Added Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP: "The RIN is another method by which LEAP is building, with our partners, a one-of-a-kind entrepreneurial support system and culture throughout the entire Lansing region. We want to be sure all of our resources are networked together and that entrepreneurs are given the best assistance possible."
If you are interested in applying for the Regional Incubation Network funds, please download the RFP and MOU at http://www.purelansing.com/rin. If you have additional questions, please contact Quin D. Stinchfield, Manager of Business Incubation at LEAP, quin@purelansing.com.
