# The Fledge – Small Business Support Hub Partner ## Overview The Fledge is a community-based entrepreneurial hub located in Lansing, Michigan that participates in the **Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) ecosystem** through partnership with the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). Within this statewide initiative funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), The Fledge contributes programming, coaching, and community infrastructure that supports early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly those from historically underserved communities. The program is designed to strengthen Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. [oai_citation:0‡SBSH-Ecosystem Guide-240709.pdf](file-service://file-G2wHQapfor5E8ZSzKPFmEy) ## Role in the Ecosystem Within the regional Small Business Support Hub network, The Fledge functions as a **grassroots entrepreneurial hub and access point for community-based entrepreneurs**. Key roles include: - Providing **entry-level access to entrepreneurship** - Supporting **micro-enterprises and early-stage founders** - Connecting entrepreneurs to **regional ecosystem resources** - Delivering **coaching, mentoring, and community-based learning** - Hosting programs that support **business formation and growth** The Fledge works alongside partners such as: - Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) - Michigan State University entrepreneurship programs - Capital Area Small Business Development Center - Allen Neighborhood Center - Downtown Lansing Inc. - Bold Growth - Melanated Business Alliance [oai_citation:1‡SBSH-Ecosystem Guide-240709.pdf](file-service://file-G2wHQapfor5E8ZSzKPFmEy) ## Programs and Services Through its participation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, The Fledge provides several forms of support to entrepreneurs. ### Entrepreneurial Coaching One-on-one support for entrepreneurs including: - Business planning - Financial modeling - Market exploration - Strategic development ### Cohorts and Learning Programs The Fledge hosts educational programming designed to help founders move from idea to sustainable enterprise. Typical offerings include: - entrepreneur meetups - cohort learning programs - peer-to-peer learning groups - business training workshops ### Incubation and Workspace The Fledge provides a physical space where entrepreneurs can: - collaborate with other founders - test business ideas - access shared tools and infrastructure - participate in a community of practice ### Networking and Ecosystem Navigation Many entrepreneurs entering the ecosystem need help identifying the right support resources. The Fledge helps connect entrepreneurs to: - capital access programs - grants and loans - accelerator programs - technical assistance providers - specialized mentors ## Community Focus A central mission of The Fledge is supporting **entrepreneurs who face structural barriers to starting businesses**. This includes: - minority-owned businesses - women-owned businesses - immigrant entrepreneurs - LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs - low-income founders - individuals with disabilities The SBSH program requires that **at least 20% of businesses served be minority-owned**, aligning with The Fledge’s existing mission of inclusive economic development. [oai_citation:2‡2. How-To Guide for Sub-Grantees - Final Template (2.15.24) (1).pdf](file-service://file-4Q4srBzzMEb1jCa1egZ1Wj) ## Impact Metrics Data collected through the SBSH reporting process helps measure the impact of services provided. Recent survey data from businesses served through The Fledge ecosystem indicates: - **Satisfaction score:** 4.63 / 5 - **Businesses reporting new jobs:** 5 - **Total W-2 jobs created:** 10 - **Contractor jobs created:** 15 - **Other roles (interns/fellows):** 8 - **Average annual salary for new W-2 jobs:** $19,700 - **Aggregate revenue generated:** $1,076,245 [oai_citation:3‡2024_CENSUS_SURVEY_TREKHub_TheFledge.pdf](file-service://file-NQHU4gzSKGwdgRyfiuvd1L) These metrics illustrate the role small entrepreneurial hubs play in supporting **local economic activity and job creation**. ## Why Community-Based Hubs Matter Many entrepreneurs do not begin their journey in traditional startup incubators or venture capital environments. Instead, they start in **community spaces where ideas can develop organically and support systems are accessible**. Community-based hubs like The Fledge help: - reduce barriers to entrepreneurship - provide trusted local support - build peer networks - create pathways into the broader ecosystem By acting as an **on-ramp to the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem**, The Fledge helps ensure that entrepreneurship is accessible to a wider range of people. ## Long-Term Vision The work of The Fledge within the Small Business Support Hub ecosystem contributes to a broader goal: Building a **more inclusive, resilient, and locally rooted entrepreneurial economy**. Through partnerships with ecosystem organizations, universities, economic development agencies, and community organizations, The Fledge helps create pathways for entrepreneurs to: - launch businesses - grow sustainable companies - generate local wealth - strengthen the regional economy