Funds to help launch kitchen incubator space for local food startups in Lansing
LANSING, Mich. (May 13, 2025) - Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) has been awarded a $100,000 Small Business Accelerator Grant from The Hartford, in partnership with Main Street America, to create a culinary accelerator kitchen that will serve as a launching pad for 16 startups.
The grants will benefit The Macotta Club, located at 300 S. Washington Sq., and will occupy 22,800 square feet within Lansing’s historic Knapp’s Building. The space, which is expected to open in early 2026, is set to feature six restaurant options and 16 different food concepts, including five food trucks and five food makers, along with a full-service bar.
“At the Hartford, we have the privilege of working with small business owners every day, and we are proud to partner with Main Street America to address one of their biggest challenges - access to commercial real estate,” said The Hartford’s head of Small Business, Chris Jones. “This initiative will enable business owners to connect with their local community, attract new customers and contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of main streets.”
“We are grateful to be awarded a grant from The Hartford, as it represents a transformative investment in Lansing’s local food scene and the future of our downtown,” said Cathleen Edgerly, executive director of Downtown Lansing Inc. “The Macotta Club will serve as a springboard for diverse culinary startups, bringing new energy, flavors, and foot traffic into the heart of Michigan’s Downtown. We’re thrilled to see this kind of support for small businesses that are building community and driving innovation.”
In addition to serving as a multi-concept restaurant, the accelerator space will also provide the participating startups with educational resources, which will be tailored to the unique challenges small businesses face.
This grant is part of The Hartford’s multi-year, $2 million Small Business Accelerator Grant program benefiting 15 communities and approximately 1,500 small businesses across the country in partnership with Main Street America.
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About Downtown Lansing, Inc.
Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) is the downtown management agency dedicated to revitalizing and promoting economic development and community engagement in Michigan’s Downtown. A certified Main Street organization, DLI’s mission is to strengthen and nurture the culture, health, and sustainability of Downtown Lansing. Downtown Lansing is home to nearly 200 unique businesses, offering global dining experiences, wide-ranging retail offerings and unique events and attractions for all ages at all times of the day. In 2024, DLI received recognition as an industry-leading Main Street organization after being named a top 10 semifinalist in the 2024 Great American Main Street Award. Learn more about DLI at DowntownLansing.org.
About The Hartford
The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, employee benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com.
The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice.
About Main Street America
Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 40 years. Today, it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Learn more about Main Street America.
