LANSING, Mich. — In the midst of a global pandemic, this holiday season is anything but business as usual. Shoppers and business owners alike are looking for ways to help businesses rebound while keeping the community safe.
“COVID has definitely dealt our businesses a very challenging blow,” Downtown Lansing Incorporated Executive Director, Cathleen Edgerly says. “We’re continuing to work with our property owners, business owners, and even our residents to help them navigate these COVID times.”
Downtown Lansing Incorporated (DLI) has partnered with Lake Trust Credit Union to create the ‘Power of Local’ program. This program plans to give out 1,500 dollar grants directly to local businesses ahead of the winter activation of outdoor storefronts.
The ‘Power of Local’ program also launches a storefront activation initiative that is bringing a much brighter approach to a night on the town.
“[We’re] also looking at adding enhanced lighting in the Downtown district for feelings of safety, of course, but comfort and adding that bright spot if you will for those who live and have businesses downtown,” Edgerly says.
Businesses from all over the city are using these lit-up vacancies to display their products in contact-less holiday window displays.
Edgerly hopes these new safety measures and support can help #LiftUpLocal. Downtown Lansing is ramping up their rebound efforts beyond the ‘Power of Local’ program with initiatives like Small Business Saturdays and ‘Shop. Sip. Stroll.’ events scheduled throughout December.
To learn more about how your business could qualify for a grant go to the Downtown Lansing website. Applications are available directly on the site and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
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