Capital Region at
Lansing Community College
Serving Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties
Lansing Community College
309 N. Washington Square, Suite 115
Lansing MI 48933
Laurie Lonsdorf, Regional Director
Email: SBDC@LCC.EDU
Phone: 517.483.1921
Hours: 8am-5pm ET Monday-Friday
(Fridays we work by virtual appointment only)
Your business journey starts here.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, growing your company, or navigating challenges, we’re here to help. Our expert team provides no-cost consulting, market research, business education, and the resources you need to succeed.
Serving small businesses across the Capital Region, we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs like you build strong, resilient businesses. Let’s take your next step—together. Ready to get started?
Capital Region Team
We’re more than just business consultants—we’re your partners in success. Our dedicated team is here to provide expert guidance, no-cost consulting, and valuable resources to help your small business thrive. Whether you’re starting, growing, or overcoming challenges, we’re ready to support you every step of the way. Let’s build something great—together!
Laurie Lonsdorf
Regional Director
517.483.1921
lonsdorl@lcc.edu
Laurie Lonsdorf is a certified small business consultant and community advocate who passionately supports entrepreneurs in launching, managing, and promoting their businesses. She brings firsthand experience as a former business owner, having run Persuasive Communications, a Seattle-based marketing consultancy that served both Fortune 500 clients and small businesses. As the Regional Director and previously Capital Region’s senior consultant, Laurie has empowered thousands of business owners through one-on-one consulting and practical workshop training sessions. Her extensive background in business ownership and marketing, combined with her collaborative approach, makes her a vital resource for anyone looking to grow their business.
Darryl Horton
Senior Business Consultant
(517)483-1918
hortond3@lcc.edu
Darryl Horton is a Senior Business Consultant with the Michigan SBDC – Capital Region. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Sarbanes-Oxley expert and financial statement analysis. Darryl brings over 25 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and business consulting. His background includes serving as a former Director with the State of Michigan in Internal Audit and Health Licensing, along with corporate experience at UPS and Exxon. As a former small business owner himself, Darryl understands the challenges entrepreneurs face and is passionate about helping businesses grow and succeed.
Kelly West
Business Consultant
(517) 483-1514
westk17@lcc.edu
Kelly West is a Small Business Consultant with the Michigan SBDC, where she draws on more than 30 years of leadership experience to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting, growing, and sustaining their businesses. As the founder of The MilesWest Group, a consulting firm specializing in global operations strategy, RFP management, and inclusive supplier ecosystem design, Kelly brings a practical, real-world perspective to every client engagement.
Her background includes senior executive roles at Bristol Global Mobility and Conduent HR Services (formerly Xerox), where she led global operations with revenues exceeding $200 million. She is also a former SBDC client and understands firsthand what it takes to launch and grow a successful business.
Whether advising startups or scaling companies, Kelly is known for her strategic approach, operational expertise, and commitment to helping small business owners build with purpose and resilience.
Dr. Janet Atkinson
Contract Business Consultant
janetatkinsonsbdc@gmail.com
Dr. Janet Atkinson is a seasoned business strategist and entrepreneur with over 23 years of experience in marketing, branding, and business development. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Keiser University, along with an MBA from Strayer University and a Bachelor’s from Eastern Michigan University. As founder and CEO of her own company, she specializes in business credit strategies, digital branding, and marketing campaigns to help entrepreneurs grow their ventures. Dr. Atkinson previously founded a marketing company focused on unique selling propositions and social media strategy, and served as an adjunct marketing instructor at Ashworth University. She also established Youth Builder Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit that teaches young people to create online businesses using mobile devices. Known for her collaborative approach, she combines academic expertise with practical experience to drive economic empowerment and business transformation.
Seth Murphy
Intake Consultant
517-483-1921
murphs17@lcc.edu
Seth Murphy is the Intake Consultant with the Michigan SBDC at Lansing Community College, where he leverages over 10 years of experience in client relationship management, sales, and business development to serve as the primary point of contact for new business clients seeking guidance. Specializing in client triage and assessment, he expertly evaluates entrepreneurs’ needs and connects them with appropriate resources while managing the regional Salesforce CRM database and implementing efficient intake processes that maximize client satisfaction. Prior to his role with the Michigan SBDC, Seth gained valuable private sector experience across diverse industries, including exceptional hospitality expertise at Shinola Detroit and e-commerce expertise at A2I Wheel and Tire Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Sociology from Michigan State University, complemented by certifications in CompTIA A+ and MOZ SEO Essentials. Known for his collaborative approach and technical mindset, he combines analytical expertise with genuine passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed. Whether working with startups or established small businesses, Seth is committed to helping business owners find their path with the Michigan SBDC and beyond.
Client Success Stories
Baryames Tuxedo & Suit
Established in 1922, Baryames Tuxedo & Suit has been a cornerstone in Lansing, offering...
Northside Barber Shop 2010
Gilbert has been expertly cutting and styling hair for over 20 years on Lansing’s...
DRM International
Thank you to the MI-SBDC for allowing entrepreneurs like me the opportunity to connect...