Starting a Business Downtown

Step 1: Start the Process

• Reach out to Downtown Lansing Inc. to set up a conversation with our helpful staff. We can provide information and data from our Comprehensive Market Analysis to evaluate how your business may fit within the community’s identified needs, and discuss available real estate for lease or purchase.
• Identify funding needs and meet with appropriate funding sources. This can be done in coordination with the City of Lansing, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, etc. (Find their contact information below.)
• Gather building permits and conduct a site review with the City of Lansing
• Schedule an inspection with the City of Lansing Fire Marshal. This is especially important when there is a change of use for the space.
• Research appropriate licensing and permitting needs for your business, including obtaining a business license from the City of Lansing
• Evaluate Zoning/Special Land Use requirements with the City of Lansing
• Gather or create architectural drawings and a layout of the facilities 

Step 2: Plan the Process

• Build out appropriate spaces
• Explore DLI’s available grants for facades, signs, design, and patios
• Obtain a sign permit from the City of Lansing
• Explore rental assistance opportunities
• Understand the zoning designation of your space
• Complete property inspections of the physical space
• Contact the Ingham County Health Department for licensing and inspection authorities, including restaurant inspections
• Complete a rental registration for your property with the City of Lansing
• Create a business and marketing plan via Capital Region Small Business Development Center
• Identity personnel needs — recruit, interview, and hire staff
• Hire an accountant/bookkeeper and lawyer
• Manage your digital environment: IT, hardware, security, merchant services, etc.
• Establish a policy and employee manual
• Budget for future investments

Step 3: Prepare to Launch

• Coordinate a grand opening event and ribbon cutting ceremony, and add it to DLI’s Events Calendar
• Publish a press release about the grand opening, and share it with DLI and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Execute your marketing strategy
• Secure licensing with City of Lansing and Ingham County Health Department

Step 4: Open and Maintain Your Business

• Schedule yearly inspections 
• Stay up-to-date with yearly licensing
• Market your business in the district 
• Participate in downtown events and programs