LEAP’s Influencer Training Program Graduates Second Cohort, Strengthening the Region’s Creative Economy

Courtesy Photo- Seven local creators complete LEAP’s accelerator, turning influence into business growth and community investment 

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LANSING, Mich. — (Nov. 17, 2025) The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) announced the successful completion of the second cohort of its InfluenceLansing program, a 16-week program equipping local creators to transform their digital influence into sustainable business ventures. 

Developed and led by LEAP to grow the region’s creative economy, InfluenceLansing provides participants with hands-on business training, mentorship, and professional content creation support. The 2025 program was delivered in partnership with Ourspace Creative, which facilitated workshops and coaching for the seven-member cohort. 

The program is funded through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Support Grant championed by Senator Sarah Anthony. 

The program received more than 40 applications from across the tri-county region, reflecting strong interest in creative entrepreneurship. Applicants represented a wide range of focus areas from lifestyle and fashion to business, travel, and storytelling. 

The seven selected participants were: • Lhauren Singleton - Ingham County • Ashley Smith - Ingham County • Amanda Liford - Eaton County • Alexis Scovel - Ingham County • Kai Brewer - Eaton County • Mikael Isaac - Ingham County • Dymon Wilson - Ingham County 

“InfluenceLansing is another example of how LEAP is investing in the next generation of entrepreneurship,” said Bob Trezise, President & CEO of LEAP. “By helping digital creators formalize their businesses and expand their reach, we’re fueling job creation, local investment, and community pride across the Lansing region.” 

Based on 2025 data, LEAP small business program participants and alumni contributed to 529 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs created, including 197 full-time employees, $30.78M in outside investment made, $40.13M in business revenue generated, 813 new products or services launched, and 76 brick and mortar business locations opened across the region. 

Over four months, participants built personal brands, registered new businesses, and developed monetization systems, shifting from individual content creators to full-fledged entrepreneurs. Each graduate left the program with a business plan, media kit, pricing system, and the confidence to secure paid partnerships. 

Early outcomes already include new local brand collaborations, business registrations, and expanded partnerships across the Lansing tri-county region, proof of LEAP’s growing impact in supporting small business innovation through creative entrepreneurship. 

 “Influence Lansing helped me see my creativity as more than a hobby—it’s a real business with value,” said Ashley Smith, a 2025 graduate who has landed multiple partnerships since joining the program. “It gave me the confidence to step into my voice and be part of Lansing’s growing creative community.” 

LEAP is committed to supporting the growth and success of the Lansing tri-county region, shaping the future of influencer marketing and empowering individuals to thrive with their own businesses in the digital era where influencers can create and contribute to the region’s economic prosperity. 

These collective results underscore how LEAP’s entrepreneurial programs, spanning traditional and CreativeTech industries, translate innovation and influence into measurable regional growth and lasting economic impact. 

About LEAPThe Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all—working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.https://www.purelansing.com/