Posted: Feb 3, 2021 \/ 09:59 AM EST \/ Updated: Feb 3, 2021 \/ 10:01 AM EST<\/p>\n
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is creating a new department to expand opportunities for low-income people that are primarily Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).<\/p>\n
The new department will be called the Department of Equitable Economic Planning (DEEP).<\/p>\n
Prioritizing the empowerment of historically disenfranchised communities does more than elevate those communities circumstances, said Tony Willis, the person selected as the Chief Equity Development Officer to lead DEEP. <\/p>\n
Strategically infusing equity into economic development practices grows quality jobs and increases entrepreneurship, ownership and wealth while increasing profit opportunities for our businesses, which in turn cultivates a stronger, more competitive economy on the whole, Willis said.<\/p>\n
Investing in equity practices just makes good economic sense. Since 2000, the United States economy lost an estimated $16 trillion due to discrimination, according to a September 2020 study byCiti Group. By addressing the racial wealth gap by 2028, U.S. GDP would grow by an estimated $1.5 trillion, or 6% of its current level, according to an August 2019McKinsey report.<\/p>\n
Currently, LEAPs equity-focused programming includesOne and All, an inclusive entrepreneurship initiative launched in 2020 andThe Hatchingbusiness pitch competition series. Together these programs aredesigned to increase successful entrepreneurship and small-business ownership among historically underrepresented populations and those who are struggling to maintain a basic cost of living and are open toresidents of Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee counties.<\/p>\n
Additionally, LEAP staff participates in a diversity, equity and inclusion training pilot program at Lansing Community College, which began in January 2020.<\/p>\n
In its first year, DEEPs strategic goals include plans to support the conversion of existing DBAs to LLCs andhelp support and reconstitute business organizations within the Black and Hispanic community;revising and improving LEAPs existingdiversity statement, which is readopted and signed by LEAPs board of directors each year; creating a comprehensive application, review and award process for LEAPs annual Diversity Star Award program; and developing a strategic approach to seeking grant funding to increase capacity for long-term goals and future programming.<\/p>\n
Long-term goals for the department include programs to strengthen business ownership, from supply chain advancement to cooperative creation; community empowerment and economic development education; and advocation for and implementation of progressive business policy.<\/p>\n
Addressing systemic inequitybeginsby just getting started, said Willis. As an organization and as a community, theres much work to be done. The creation of DEEP represents an important, intentional step to more vibrant, equitable communities that truly represent our vision of stronger together.<\/p>\n
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Heres how Lansing Economic Area Partnership plans to help the BIPOC community - WLNS<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Posted: Feb 3, 2021 \/ 09:59 AM EST \/ Updated: Feb 3, 2021 \/ 10:01 AM EST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is creating a new department to expand opportunities for low-income people that are primarily Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC). The new department will be called the Department of Equitable Economic Planning (DEEP). Continue reading