Middle Village, a business accelerator program created and managed by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust Credit Union, is now accepting applications for its 2026/2027 cohort.
Applications are open now and will close on March 1, 2026, with the new cohort set to take residence on June 1, 2026.
Designed for retail concepts ready to take the leap into brick-and-mortar, Middle Village offers a year-long program that includes reduced rent, business education, marketing & social media support, and an opportunity to test the market in a supportive, real-world retail environment.
Since launching in 2021, Middle Village has supported 20 entrepreneurs, with 90 percent of graduating participants still in operation. Eight alumni businesses have successfully graduated into permanent brickand-mortar storefronts within the Lansing region.
“Middle Village is about creating opportunity and reducing the barriers that often keep great retail ideas from becoming reality,” said Kate Litwin, Community Development Director, at Downtown Lansing Inc. “This program gives entrepreneurs the tools, mentorship, and space they need to grow with confidence while contributing to a downtown that truly reflects Lansing’s creativity and diversity.”
Each year, DLI selects three to five retail businesses to participate in the accelerator. Participants benefit from a vibrant shared retail space, hands-on business programming, and marketing support in a safe, inclusive environment made possible through the generous financial backing of Lake Trust Credit Union.
