Lenawee Now and the Hillsdale EDP announced the inaugural cohort of the Lean Rocket Fellows program in Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The event took place at the Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry in Hudson.
The Lean Rocket LOCAL Fellows program is a boot camp-style curriculum comprising 10 entrepreneurs. Over three months, participants meet twice a week for hands-on classes focused on skills essential for business growth. Cohort members receive access to individual coaching and milestone grants, which provide additional funding for meeting key business objectives.
At the event’s onset, the newly inducted cohort members had the opportunity to network with key organizations that could benefit their businesses, including lending and marketing services. These organizations included Hoyden Creative, Advantage Visuals, and County National Bank.
Following the networking session, American 1 Credit Union President and CEO Martha Fuerstenau made an announcement highlighting the credit union’s partnership in the program and their expanded services to meet the financial needs of small businesses.
Once Ms. Fuerstenau concluded her announcement the 2024 Lean Rocket Fellows had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share insights about their businesses and what they hoped to gain from the program:
Gwynne Marks, The Marks Trading Company: This storefront in downtown Adrian sells premium spices and locally sourced vegetables. Marks aims to find training and resources through the fellows’ program to run the business more effectively.
Heather Herrera, Way of Life Yoga: The studio, which started during COVID-19 via simulcast, has grown into a well-established enterprise. Herrera seeks to expand into a new facility with a spa and more comprehensive services, looking for resources to save time and make efficient decisions.
Lydia Lopez, Blossom and Company: Focused on eco-friendly personal care products including soaps, lotions, and shampoos, Lopez, with a background in Chemistry, seeks training for the business aspects of her company.
Justin Wells, Just’In Time Catering: Wells is a soul food caterer passionate about creating customized menus with exceptional service for his clients. As a Lean Rocket LOCAL Fellow, he seeks resources to run his business more efficiently and expand his network.
Chris Clabaugh, A Hint of…: This restaurant creates a fun family atmosphere with dine-in seating for 120 and offers disc golf and other seasonal activities. Clabaugh aims to enhance his skills in business operations, including bookkeeping and marketing.
Kandice Karll Newsome, Disaster Kraft: This family-owned business creates locally sourced and scented candles, with names inspired by various song titles and genres. Karll Newsome is seeking business resources and financial incentives.
Heather Hemmingway, Fetched Dog Grooming: Specializing in small breeds, this business offers premium dog grooming and provides employees opportunities for training and certification in dog bathing and grooming. Heather is seeking resources to more effectively operate her business.
Sonja Howell, Tranquil Parenting: This asynchronous curriculum provider creates materials for parents in high-conflict situations. Howell partners with related organizations to connect parents to her curriculum, and hopes to develop her skills as a business owner through this program.
Kate Beall, Birth Doula: Acting as a personal assistant before, during, and after birth, Beall hopes to expand her client base and obtain funding to cover expenses.
AJ Ries, AJ Ries Farms: Focused on raising cattle for consumption, Ries is currently working on the family farm and is seeking guidance to start his enterprise.
Classes start in August, meeting weekly, and cover relevant business topics including finances, marketing, and sales. The program concludes in November with a showcase and happy hour.