The partners and members of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) in partnership with MSU students created the The Next Bright Idea Competition in December of last year. The goal of the "idea" competition is to foster smart and 
innovative thinking by rewarding the winner with $5,000 and many other resources. The competition hopes to encourage students to stop sitting on their ideas and to start acting on them.
The deadline to enter the competition has been extended to January 24 and is open to any student currently enrolled in any Ingham, Eaton or Clinton County higher education institution. The community is encouraged to visit the website and vote for their favorite ideas. The top 10 ideas voted on will earn a place in the final competition held on February 18.
"I think the competition can play a huge role in positively impacting the Lansing area," says Kelly Steffen, one of the student organizers of the competition. "First, on an individual level, I think those submitting their ideas will realize that Lansing has many of the resources that they need to start their own business or to act on their idea. Showing those bright and talented students that they have the option to stay in Lansing is huge."
Source: Kelly Steffen, Next Bright Idea
Writer: Suban Nur Cooley
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