We help small businesses in our community grow and succeed.
The Lean Rocket Lab is proud to serve as the MEDC's Small Business Support Hub for Jackson County. Our services are now available in Lenawee and Hillsdale counties, thanks to our partnerships with Lenawee Now and Hillsdale EDP.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the initiative!
If you own a small business in Jackson, Lenawee or Hillsdale County, the LOCAL program is for you.
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We have resources for business at every stage. Been thinking about starting a business? We have workshops and coaches for that.
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Have a growing business that you want to take to the next level? Sounds like you might be a good candidate for our fellows program.
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Ready to buy a building or equipment or scale and need access to lending? Apply to our "Fast track to lending."
Not sure where to get started, just fill out the application and we'll point you in the right direction.
Services
Being a LOCAL Fellow is a big deal, here's why you should apply.
Most small businesses fail from a lack of funding, lack of expertise, or lack of support. Being a Fellow means you have access to all three.
Lack of Funding
Lack of expertise
LACK OF SUPPORT
Lean Rocket LOCAL Fellows Program 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.
Overview
12 small businesses are selected to participate in our Fellows program. This program includes a cohort-based, intensive business bootcamp and provides milestone-based financial incentives, as well as access to coaches, mentors and resources.
Bootcamp
Bootcamp is a series of workshops and courses designed to help people learn and grow in what it takes to run a business. From business planning to finance to sales and marketing and everything in between.
Milestone Grants
Fellows are eligible to access milestone grant funding that can be used for a variety of business technical assistance needs.
Fellows
Fellows
Coaching and Exposure
Being a LOCAL Fellow means access to our incredible network of mentors and coaches. As well as critical customer exposure through various Lab events.
Hear from past participants...
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!
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.
Meet the 2025 Jackson Fellows
2025 Fellows Video Coming Soon!
McCanns Kitchen
Tyiesha Neal
Sacred Transcendence
Rachel Tice
ArtistDione LLC
Dione Tripp
Compassion by Heart Respite and Home Care Services LLC
Davina Williams
Summit Cleaning Services
Thomas Carver
Midwifery Care For All LLC
Osha Humphrey
Halo Guardian
Emil Lee
Charmed Farrier
Austin Spice-Waldron
Unique Nailz by Ruthie
Ruthie Harvey
Dram Real Video
Jenna Kulhawik
Realizations
Dallen Reber
Red Barn Bakery
Beth Spreeman
Meet the 2024
Lenawee & Hillsdale Fellows
Just'In Time Catering
Justin Wells
Heather Herrera
Sanaras
A Hint Of...
Chris Clabaugh
Fetched Dog Grooming
Heather Hemingway
Disaster Kraft
Kandice Karll Newsome
AJ Ries Farms
Andrew Ries
Tranquil Parenting
Sonja Howell
The Marks Trading Company
Gwynne Marks
Blossom and Company
Lydia Lopez
Thank you to our partners!
Fast Track To Lending
Ready for Growth Capital?