‘Don’t give up’

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – During this Black History Month, some groups are highlighting programs that boost Black business ownership. Starting your own small business is no easy task, and Black business owners say they face a unique set of challenges. But from retail to baked goods to skin care, some are finding success in the state of Michigan. “I get text messages, pictures from people saying, hey I saw your freezer at Capitol City, I was at Meijer and saw your cheesecakes,” said Mr. Leslie’s Cheesecakes Owner Marcus Leslie. “And I’m shocked every time it happens.” With For Lease signs popping up on empty Lansing storefronts, organizations that promote Black business believe there’s room for more. “The economy does best when all people have a chance to participate in the economy and Black businesses being included in that,” said Lansing Economic Area Partnership Chief Equity Development Officer Tony Willis. Many of Willis’ Black clients tell him their greatest hurdle is a lack of access to funding, a historic struggle for the Black community. That’s when Willis points them toward the Elevate Program. “They get one on one assistance, they get access to LEAP’s network, and they get additional capital to...