2022 year in review 133 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201 leanrocketlab.org
a message from the lab To Our Lean Rocket Lab Family and Friends, It has been both joyful and humbling to reflect on 2022. We feel so blessed to have played a part in what was accomplished in and through the amazing community that makes up LRL. We've seen more creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, students and professionals impacted by our programs, our partners and our team than ever before. 2022 was marked by an overflowing coworking space, growth for many of our member companies, continued excellence in our incubator and accelerator programs, and the launch of our LOCAL program with American 1 Credit Union. In short- our impact has grown, our arms open wider each day to serve more of our neighbors and we are privileged to share in the victories of our members and clients. Thank you, Brandon, Ken and The Team. Pictured above: Michigan Tribe's 2022 Business Shower
1 measured impact 1 1 1 New jobs Created $4,277,800 Revenue Generated by Client companies 6 1 New Jobs Forecasted $27,342,000 Funds Invested acheived through Angels, VC's, Smartzones, SBIR, STTR, Banks & more 114 Companies Served Across LOCAL, ManuTech, i4.0 Accelerator, and Entrepreneurial Services $504,100 Funds spent in MIchigan with suppliers & vendors 43 patents, copyrights & trademarks issued Lean Rocket Lab client companies had a big year in 2022... 20+ Minority, female, disabled, veteran owned businesses served
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Removing common barriers for local entrepreneurs by providing funding, resources, and training. What was once a vision of providing more robust services and resources to our local entrepreneurs in Jackson, now celebrates its first class of LOCAL Bootcamp graduates. 3 In Q1 of 2022, Lean Rocket Lab opened the application process for the newly launched program; LOCAL. This program was designed to expand its mission to accelerate the growth of neighborhood and place-based businesses. To our surprise, we received 60 applicants from Jackson county companies looking for robust support to grow! In an effort to properly support more than just our cohort of Fellows, we extended the following services to the top 26 finalists: A six-month complimentary basic co-working membership & invitation to host pop-ups at LRL featuring products, food, etc 1:1 coaching with LRL team and meeting with Small Business Development Center to help draft their business plans and pro forma Connect with American 1 Credit Union financial advisor to begin building credit and balance sheets
Left: Martha Fuerstenau, President/CEO at American 1 Credit Union Center: Felicia Carter, Owner of Shorties Sweets Eats & Treats Right: Christie Myers, Director of Lean Rocket LOCAL AMERICAN 1 TAKES THE LEAD LEAN ROCKET LOCAL Christie Myers joined our team as the Director of our LOCAL Program and with the vision of Martha Fuerstenau of A1CU, we launched something that has truly changed our community. 4
5 METRICS FROM LOCAL $ 2 7 , 5 0 0 grant dollars received by fellows for completed milestones 1 0 0 % Fellow recommendation to participate in program $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 A1CU Loan Dollars Dispersed 4 0 H O U R S of bootcamp completed by each Fellow "The Jackson Anchor Initiative has forged a mutually beneficial partnership with Lean Rocket Lab to nurture new small businesses in Jackson. Over the past several years, we’ve worked together to help several companies scale up. We’ve assisted them in finding incentives and financing options to purchase properties where their ventures can continue to grow and expand. One such company is Uncharted Film Co. a video content production company. After Uncharted Film Co. launched their company at LRL, we helped them access the financial resources they needed to take the next step on their growth path – the purchase of their own building. We look forward to continuing our partnership with LRL to benefit other small businesses and strengthen the Jackson business community." -Scott Fleming, Jackson Anchor Initiative
UNCHARTED FILM CO. A local video production agency who creates compelling video content for brands and businesses. 01 Developed customer journey and quoting process 02 Secured a downtown building for their growing business 03 Organized financial pro forma, expenses, payroll, and found an accountant MILESTONES 6 208 S Jackson St, Jackson, MI 49201
"When I joined the Lean Rocket Lab in December of 2018, I wasn't sure how much longer I would be able to run my own business. Finding clients, motivation, and connecting with others was a constant battle. When I joined the lab that all changed very quickly. Over the past four years we've grown from occupying half of an office to two full offices, hiring our first employees, and most recently, purchasing our own building downtown. The connections, relationships, and mentorship we've gained from our time at the Lab has helped us grow our business quicker and stronger than we ever could have on our own." JACOB CROSS, UNCHARTED FILM CO. 7
"As new female entrepreneurs, the LOCAL program has been a tremendous opportunity where we have gained insight into business fundamentals and been given tools and resources to dig deeper as needed. Additionally, we have been fortunate to meet wonderful people whom we have been able to form both professional and personal relationships with. We know this will continue to help our business grow tremendously." -Mallory THE FIVE FORKS Providing bespoke cakes and other treats that are both beautiful and delicious to enhance all occasions. 8
"On March 23, 2022 I reached a major goal for my business, a storefront for Chelsea Cakes, located at 2300 Lansing Ave Jackson, MI 49202. I officially opened to the public November 2022! I started as a home baker and now Chelsea Cakes has elevated to making all types of custom treats. I specialize in custom cakes, wedding cakes, gourmet cupcakes, treats, dipped treats, cheesecakes and so much more all from home." -Chelsea CHELSEA CAKES The cake you desire for your next engagement, tasting as good as it looks! 9
The Manu-Tech Virtual Incubator is a robust, resource packed platform designed to guide entrepreneurs through the process of Ideation, Validation, Start Up, Commercialization and Growth. Manu-Tech is unique in the way it combines the resources, network and expertise of two manufacturing incubators, the Lean Rocket Lab and Centrepolis Accelerator. Accepted teams get access to the full breadth and depth of Lean Rocket Lab's and Centrepolis entrepreneurial ecosystem, resources, and partners, at a very low cost. The program is supported by a SmartZone Business Incubator Gateway Grant from the MEDC. Versaware Technologies relocated from California to Michigan for the resources of the Manu-Tech Incubator Lilypad, a solar boat designed to share, won first place at the Manu-Tech Physical Product Pitch Competition in March 2022. Supporting startups developing physical products, Manu-tech & advanced materials
ZEPHYR SYSTEMS Zephyr Systems specializes in all facets of drone operations and manufacturing. They have developed multiple VTOL drones that can carry anywhere from 5lbs up to 600 lbs. of cargo/payload. 01 Acquired Equipment 02 Moved to Jackson, MI 03 Started Shipping Product 2022 BUSINESS MILESTONES 11
Centrepolis Accelerator is on a mission to fuel the growth of Southeast Michigan’s small manufacturers and hardware entrepreneurs by providing access to key resources including mentors, workshops, cutting-edge technologies, corporate connections, student & faculty engagement, events, workspace, and a collaborative community of peers. Accelerator members have access to a state-of-the-art 6,200 square foot facility featuring additional workspace, training facilities, and a premier manufacturing technology lab. 12 CENTREPOLIS AWARDS LRL PARTNER OF THE YEAR Centrepolis and Lean Rocket Lab are operating partners across multiple programs, including the Industry 4.0 Accelerator and Manu-Tech Incubator. When it comes to hardware and product development, there is no one better in the midwest than the Centrepolis team. Their support for startups across the state is an invaluable resource, and they're bringing manufacturing to Jackson because of it.
MANUFACTURED IN JACKSON MAXFIT PRO MAXPRO is a Concentric Resistance Training (CTR) machine whereby the resistance is engaged during the lift (or pull phase) of an exercise or movement. CTR allows you to achieve higher contribution reps at higher resistance levels leading to greater workout volume. MORE GOLF The More modular approach to club design demands the highest level of control and precision. Casting isn’t precise enough. Forging isn’t either. Only a 100% Billet-Milled manufacturing process meets our rigorous standards. WAREOLOGIE Wareologie™ Portable Parallel Bars are a revolutionary FDA device designed to facilitate ambulation earlier in recovery in the privacy and convenience of your patient’s room – supporting national patient safety goals. Lomar Machine and Tools is one of Jackson County's many great manufacturing companies. They have been engaged by multiple LRL and Centrepolis startup clients to support contract manufacturing and assembly. 13
The Industry 4.0 Accelerator, the first of its kind in North America, brings the best and brightest industry 4.0 companies from around the globe to Michigan's manufacturer's. Through the Industry 4.0 Accelerator, we accelerate manufacturers adoption of I4.0 technologies, increasing global competitiveness. The program is operated by Lean Rocket Lab and Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Tech University through support from the MEDC, Automation Alley, the Economic Development Association and other partners. CATALYZING TECHNOLOGY IN MANUFACTURING 1 12 Industry 2 4.0 Technology startups presented and exhibited to a packed audience at the mint in Southfield. The audience included top corporate VC's from GM, Lear and Magna, as well as system integrators and manufacturers from across Michigan. Learn More
LIGHTSPEED CONCEPTS Enabling the agile production foundry by going beyond prototyping with an affordable, faster, greener, tool-less mold & core builder & enhanced lightweight metallurgy. LightSpeed is passionate about Innovation and Continuous Improvement in the American Manufacturing industry. Our vision is for manufacturing processes and products that enable lean and lightweight products at production speeds that transform the competitive landscape. NEW UPDATES Manufactured in Jackson Secured IP Runner Up: Manu-Tech Physical Product Pitch Competition in March 2022 15
ULENDO Ulendo Announces Revolutionary Software that Doubles the Speed of 3D Printers Flashforge Chooses Ulendo to Supercharge Their 3D Printers Runner Up: Early Stage i4.0 Company at i4.0 Accelerator Pitch Competition 16 Born out of the Mechatronics Program at the University of Michigan, the team at Ulendo is on a voyage, or “Ulendo,” to use software to enable manufacturing machines to achieve their full potential as ubiquitous tools for modern manufacturing. Brenda Jones is a serial entrepreneur currently serving as Ulendo’s CEO. Ms. Jones had previously served as the CEO of Kinetica Labs, Inc. which was acquired by VelocityEHS in July 2021. She has also held key executive leadership positions in organizations focused on software, SaaS industry and technology commercialization
MEET THE TEAM 17 Left To Right: Rebekah Cotton: Member Services Assistant, Kaiti McDonough: Director of Member Services, Zach Kraabel: i4.0 Accelerator Project Coordinator, Ken Seneff: Co-Founder and COO, Brandon Marken: President and CEO, Christie Myers: Director of Lean Rocket LOCAL INITIATIVE. VISION. BOLDNESS.
Steve Rick Abbott Thompson THANK YOU 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 21 Alex Masten Enterprise Group Board Chairwoman Brandon Marken Lean Rocket Lab President and CEO David Shirkey Orbitform Jennifer Rivera FMC USA Board Treasurer Ken Seneff Lean Rocket Lab COO Nadia Abunasser Michigan Economic Development Corporation Richard Collins Commonwealth Associates Sean Hilbert Cobra Aero Lean Rocket Lab 2022 Board of Directors
THANK YOU Michigan Economic Development Corporation Jackson Anchor Initiative The Hurst Foundation Walters Foundation American 1 Credit Union Peak Manufacturing Gerdau The Lavery Foundation Consumers Energy Foundation Phil and Pat Willis Foundation True Community Credit Union Jackson Area Manufacturers Association Meridian Wealth Management of Michigan Jackson Downtown Development Authority INVESTORS Enterprise Group of Jackson Eaton Aerospace Corporation Michigan Tribe Jackson Chamber of Commerce The Walton Insurance Group Orbitform Bond & Co RPM Holdings, LLC Lally Group Henry Ford Allegiance County National Bank Lomar Machine Alro Steel Securencrypt 19
Membership /mo /mo
OPEN: Monday - Friday 7AM to 6PM, Saturday 9AM to 2PM Located inside Lean Rocket Lab! Fresh Coffee | Healthy Bites Fortress Coffee is a small batch roaster providing the freshest possible whole bean coffee. Each batch is carefully crafted and roasted to order.
"We remove barriers for startup teams and existing companies by providing an ecosystem full of high energy entrepreneurs, advanced educational programming, collaborative space, helpful business resources, and access to startup capital so ideas and businesses can thrive. " lean rocket lab