Entrepreneurs have one thing in common: a dream. Unfortunately, they also share the likelihood of failure in their first three years. In order to avoid failure and achieve their dreams, they all need somewhere to start.
Startups in Lansing may feel like they have nowhere to turn for help; no one that can help them make their dream a reality. But, much to the surprise of many entrepreneurs, there are not only incubators in Lansing that can help, but there are SEVEN of them. Seven incubators that, no matter the industry, can help entrepreneurs take their startups from an idea to a real, live business.
The Technological Innovation Center (TIC) – East Lansing
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For the technology focused entrepreneur there is The Technology Innovation Center in downtown East Lansing. It’s mission is to expand the technology based economy in the market by providing space for those businesses to grow and prosper.
It provides low cost office space and programming focused on lowering the likelihood of failure for high-tech companies.
The Hatch – East Lansing
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It’s never to soon to start chasing your startup dream and The Hatch in East Lansing recognizes that. The Hatch is designed for student entrepreneurs who are ready to bring their ideas to life and start developing their business idea. As a co-working space, it fosters an environment where students can work on their projects while collaborating with other members.
The Center for New Enterprise Opportunity (NEO Center) – Lansing
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The NEO Center’s mission expands to all small businesses, not just specific industries. It strives to provide high quality space and services in an environment that nurtures new businesses and encourages them to grow.
The NEO Center wants to see a world where communities and individuals secure their own economic liberties; the resources they offer help businesses achieve that dream.
Allen Market Place – Lansing
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For businesses that are chasing culinary dreams Lansing offers another first, the Allen Market Place (AMP); The first non-profit food hub in Mid-Michigan with an incubator kitchen. They provide workshops and other opportunities for startup food businesses.
This particular incubator doesn’t just focus on entrepreneurs. Through a program called the Exchange, they connect regional food growers and merchants and bring locally grown food to tables in the community.
Incu-Bake – Holt
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Another food-based incubator, Incu-BaKe is a shared-use commercial kitchen where food based startups can thrive. Their clients can use their facilities to teach cooking classes, create packaged foods, begin catering businesses and more.
Offering a 2,000+ square foot kitchen with commercial cooking equipment, stainless steel work tables, and convenient storage, Incu-Bake not only provides equipment but important resources as well.
The MARC – Okemos
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The MARC is the new Business Support Center sponsored by MABA (Meridian Area Business Association).
The Runway (Now Open!) – Downtown Lansing
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The Runway is the newest incubator on the block, bringing Lansing entrepreneurs into a whole new industry; fashion. The first of its kind in Lansing, The Runway will offer not only business and marketing plan development to help with the technical side of things but also office and retail space where fashion entrepreneurs can see their line come to life.
Located in the newly renovated Knapp’s building, it also offers state of the art equipment and a collaborative work environment. If your dream is to see the clothes in your head come to life, The Runway gives you the resources to bring your product to market.
These incubators combine to form a community that can help any entrepreneur achieve their startup dreams. Stay tuned for a breakdown of each individual incubator and find out how these incubators are helping turn Lansing into a thriving entrepreneurial environment.
To join one of Lansing’s incubators, contact Quin Stinchfield, Manager for Business Incubators.
