What happens when universities, business leaders, and local organizations come together to fuel innovation? A thriving startup ecosystem that’s reshaping the future of the entrepreneurial movement!

517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week is in full swing, bringing together some of the brightest minds in Michigan’s business and startup community.
But what’s really driving this transformation, and why does it matter beyond this week?

🎙️ In today’s episode, host Julie Holton Smith sits down with Harrison R. Leffel-Jones to explore the real impact of 517EI Week and what it means for the future of business in the Lansing region.

✔️ How organizations like Michigan State University, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Lansing Regional SmartZone, and local partners are unlocking funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities
✔️ The resources available to startups — from funding to mentorship to strategic partnerships
✔️ The long-term impact of 517EI Week on businesses, startups, and the regional economy

Learn more about 517EI: https://www.517ei.com/