Last night, Rathbun Insurance CEO Ben Rathbun and Producer Marcy Rzepka had a great time connecting with local entrepreneurs at the Plug-In Small Business Resource Mixer hosted by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP).
This event was a great fit for business owners who have been running independently and want to explore what local support and resources are available. With more than 20 local resource tables, two short and practical workshops, and plenty of real conversations focused on clear next steps, the mixer created an approachable and energizing environment for small business owners at every stage.
Ben and Marcy had the opportunity to talk with many entrepreneurs who are in the process of launching their businesses or thinking seriously about what comes next. A big focus of those conversations was commercial insurance—what it is, why it matters, and how it supports smart business and risk management decisions.
For small businesses, commercial insurance is about more than checking a box. It helps protect what owners are working so hard to build, including the business itself, employees, income, and operations if an unexpected disruption occurs. As businesses grow, having the right coverage in place becomes an important part of long-term planning and stability.
Events like the Plug-In Small Business Resource Mixer are especially meaningful to Rathbun Insurance because they allow us to meet business owners early in their journey, listen to their goals and concerns, and provide education around protecting their businesses. Being present in spaces like this helps us better understand the evolving needs of small businesses and reinforces our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs throughout our community.
We’re grateful to LEAP for hosting a valuable and well-organized event and for bringing together so many local partners and business owners. Opportunities like this remind us why being there truly matters most.