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 2026 Jackson Fellows
Nite Lite 116 Sports Bar and Grill
Anthony Gittens
The Artful Eye
Carrie Joers
Altiplano Reserve
Jennifer Nemecek
Pryor's Drive-Thru BBQ House
Larry Pryor
D&X Coffee
Ashley Hardy
NorthLight Film Co
Derik Keeslar
Bailey & Friends
Katie Hosse & Jessica Wade
1 Source Solutions LLC
Chad Gore
Kem Bushi
Carlos Lott
Palmer Family Chiropractic
Dr. James Palmer
Hydro Smooth LLC
Kellie Anderson
SwiftCutz Barbershop
LaQuavis Swift
Meet the 2025
Lenawee & Hillsdale Fellows
A Sunrise Seeker Services
Asia Hawkins
Jackrod LLC
James Hays
Prescription Earth Acupuncture +Herbal Medicine / Greenhouse Kitchen + Tearoom
Melissa Anderson
RM Home Services
Rebekah Merrick
Helton Appraisal Services LLC
Rebecca Helton
Yoder Signs & Designs LLC
Julianne Hays
Stonefield Village Meats
Rachel Bigham
Colorful Events
Dominique House
Evergreen Lodging
Patricia Gardon
Memories on the Hill
Sara Cares
Thank you to our partners!
Fast Track To Lending
Ready for Growth Capital?