Certified Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBEs) are prioritized businesses that the City of Grand Rapids looks to for all spending needs. MLBEs range from Construction, Goods & Services, and Professional Services to cover a variety of spending needs across the organization.
Benefits
- Free Certification
- Priority Vendor Status with City and Partners
- Grand Rapids Public Schools and Grand Rapids Community College honors MLBE Certification for Purchasing
- 3% Bid Discount for Goods and Services and Professional Services suppliers
- Construction Contractors provide up to 5% Bid Discount with Primes
Business Opportunity
City of Grand Rapids Annual Spending
Every year we spend millions of dollars in Construction, Goods and Services, and Professional Services to improve our City. We are always seeking to increase our spend with registered MLBE’s. Please consider being a supplier of City goods and services.
Cannabis Industry Contracting Opportunities
As the recreational cannabis industry continues to grow in Grand Rapids, many licensed operators are committing to supplier diversity by working with local small businesses. Under the City’s Cannabis Social Equity Voluntary Agreement (CISEVA), companies are encouraged to allocate a percentage of their operational spending to certified Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBEs). Some have committed up to 24% or more of their budgets toward contracting with diverse suppliers. These commitments create new pathways for MLBE-certified businesses to provide goods and services across the cannabis sector—from construction and security to marketing and professional services. To learn how your certified business can take part in these opportunities, please go to the City’s Cannabis Webpage or contact the Development Center.
River Restoration Contracting
We are preparing for a once in a lifetime project of restoring the rapids in the Grand River. This project will have both in-water and waterside design and construction, which MLBE utilization will be a priority. If your company qualifies to become an MLBE, please apply to take advantage of such a great opportunity.
Third-Party Certifications
We track our MBE and WBE spend, so we encourage all business owners to provide their current certification(s) applicable. If you are a Minority or Women Business Enterprise and have not obtained any of the following certifications, we encourage you to contact the agencies below:
Micro Local Business Enterprise Policy(PDF, 380KB)
Apply to be a Micro-LBE Here