Best Small Business Resources in the Lansing Area

Description

Allen Neighborhood encourages entrepreneurial pursuits through their Exchange and Veggie Box programs, which are networking opportunities for agricultural entrepreneurs. The Exchange connects farmers and food producers to commercial buyers, while Veggie Box is a produce-delivery subscription service attached to the Exchange.

Restrictions

Allen Neighborhood Center connects entrepreneurs to agricultural businesses and connects those companies to retailers.

Description

Lansing Economic Area Partnership works to help entrepreneurs start, plan, and grow their businesses. LEAP provides incubation space, links to networks, and a number of other services intended to make business development easier for anyone in the Lansing area.

Restrictions

This organization serves Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.