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Why is it so hard to start a business?
Lack of Funding
Lack of expertise
LACK OF SUPPORT
How Local eliminates these obstacles so new businesses can expand.
Grants
Mentorship
1 year of support
Lean Rocket LOCAL removes common barriers for local entrepreneurs by providing resources, financial and legal technical assistance, training, and access to funding through a partnership with American 1 Credit Union.
LOCAL
LEAN ROCKET LAB IN THE NEWS
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Fellows Program
ABOUT
10 teams are selected to participate in our fellows program. This intensive year-long cohort provides in depth access to mentors and milestone-based financial incentives.
Business Basics
Basics is a series of workshops and courses designed to help people learn and grow in what it takes to run a business. From finance to business planning.
The Five Forks
As new female entrepreneurs, the LOCAL program has been a tremendous opportunity where we have gained insight into business fundamentals and been given tools and resources to dig deeper as needed. Additionally, we have been fortunate to meet wonderful people whom we have been able to form both professional and personal relationships with. We know this will continue to help our business grow tremendously!
A1 Waste
Removal
Garbage Collection service, serving Jackson and surrounding areas.
SHORTY'S SWEETS
EATS & TREATS
Shortie's started right in the home kitchen of CEO and founder Felicia Carter serving cheesecake jars, chocolate dipped sweets, and home made cakes. She has grown from there to now offering privately chef services and catering.
2023 Fellows
Salon Virtuosa
Keyonda Parker
Ashley's Sweet Indulgance
Ashley Bacon
Baby Bear Burger
Marshawn Goodloe
Gwens Greens
Gwen Hersha
Advisory Council
Henry Ford Allegiance Health
Teshna Thomas
Provide leadership and direction for the community outreach initiatives for the hospital. Develop, organize and manage strategies for community outreach, corporate and governmental affairs. Create and implement innovative promotional plans and events with a focus on building customer relationships. Work with hospital leadership to improve community loyalty and engagement.
Malik Goodwin
GWJ, LLC
GWJ is an economic development consulting firm that provides advisory services and program support to help its clients achieve job growth and sustainable solutions for the people they serve, and the environments that live, work and play.
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Carolyn Duncan
American 1 Credit Union - Jackson, MI
Carolyn is a graduate of Baker College, where she received her undergraduate degree in Business Management and Marketing. She has been with American 1 Credit Union since November of 2021 and brings over 20 years of retail management experience, including Five Below, Bath and Body Works, and American Eagle Outfitters. Carolyn has strong skills in customer experience, professional development, sales generation, expense control, and profit growth.
Felicia Carter
Shorties Sweets Eats and Treats
Shorties Sweets Eats and Treats is a catering business located in Jackson Michigan. What started as a hobby has expanded into a small business, offering a variety of food and dessert services. Shorties offers more than just sweets and will be opening a custom food truck this summer 2022.
Scott Fleming
Jackson Anchor Initiative
Fleming has been engaged in economic development and commercial real estate for over 25 years. He has led strategic planning efforts for large metropolitan areas, small communities, professional associations and nonprofit organizations.
Sheila M. Everts, MA
TRUE Community Credit Union
Currently, I provide financial education to the community. I have taught at a local college, provided education to others to obtain their first home, increased credit scores and life skills. In addition, I have over 25 yrs. of owning several businesses, such as Mortgage companies, Real Estate Investing, Sports Bar, 24-hr gym, Furniture Store, and other small endeavors.
Amanda Loveland
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
Amanda is the Founder of Michigan Tribe, a nonprofit which provides events and funding for female entrepreneurs in Jackson County. She launched an online school for entrepreneurs in 2013, and has worked in manufacturing, skilled trades youth programming, and marketing and business consulting.
Martha Fuerstenau
American 1 Credit Union - Jackson, MI
Martha is a graduate of both Alma College, where she received her undergraduate degree, and the University of Michigan, where she attended the Stephen M Ross School of Business for her Master of Business Administration. She currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for Henry Ford Allegiance Health, on the Board of Directors for the Jackson County Economic Development Corporation, and on the Executive Committee for The Enterprise Group Board of Directors.
Sarah Richmond
Dawn Foods
Multi-faceted work experience in business, nonprofit, and education fields. Currently manage international Corporate Giving Program. Skilled writer and collaborator.
get involved
3 Ways To sponsor a fellow
Sponsor a FELLOW +
Milestone Grants +
Vouchers for professional services/resources
$10,000 Sponsorship
$5,000 Sponsorship
Sponsor a FELLOW +
Milestone Grants
$2,500 Sponsorship
Sponsor a FELLOW
**To Learn More About Sponsorships, Please Click HERE