Local Contractor Outreach Events Calendar

The Local Contractor Outreach Events Calendar is a public resource designed to keep local contractors and small businesses informed and connected. The calendar highlights in-person City-hosted and partner-led meetings, pre-bid events, workshops, and networking opportunities where businesses can learn about upcoming projects, engage directly with decision-makers, and position themselves for future work.

If you have an event you would like considered for inclusion on the calendar, please complete the submission form below. Staff with the Office of Equity and Engagement will review all submissions and follow up accordingly.

Local Contractor Outreach Events Calendar Submission Form

May 27
Lunch & Learn Networking Event 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join the Urban League of West Michigan's Center for Entrepreneur and Business Development for a free midday networking event open to small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Grand Rapids area. This month's session features Attorney Te D. Smith of Smith Attorneys Group (SAG), presenting on business planning and what it takes to set your business up for long-term success.

Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to strengthen the foundation of an existing one, this is a great opportunity to get legal and strategic insight directly from an expert and connect with others in the local business community.

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Location: Urban League of West Michigan, 745 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Cost: Free
Jun 22
Contractor Capabilities Exchange Event (C2E2) 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Construction Allies in Action, in partnership with Newco & Blox Design Build for the Contractor Capabilities Exchange Event (C2E2), a strategic event designed to put underrepresented construction business owners in the same room as the region’s top project owners, developers, and construction managers.

This isn’t a standard networking mixer. C2E2 uses a structured, one-on-one exchange format, ensuring every participating minority-affiliated contractor has dedicated time to present their capabilities statement, discuss project experience, and get the specific requirements to join upcoming bid lists. If you are a local construction business owner focused on scaling your commercial operations and securing a spot on major West Michigan project rosters, this speed-networking exchange was built for you.

Sign up here:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/contractor-capabilities-exchange-event-c2e2-2

Location:

Newco & Blox Design Build

Date:

June 25, 2026 from 4:30-8pm
4:30pm - Check In
5-7pm - One-on-One speed networking sessions
7-8pm - Networking
Jul 07
Business & Bagels Networking Event 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Join the Urban League of West Michigan for a free morning networking event built for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Grand Rapids area. This month's session features Tyler Schewe, Associate Advisor and Investment Analyst at Advantage Commercial Real Estate, presenting on how to find the right space for your business.

Whether you're looking to lease your first location, expand to a new space, or just want to better understand the commercial real estate landscape, this is a great opportunity to get expert insight and connect with fellow business owners in your community.
Jul 22
Lunch & Learn Networking Event 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch & Learn Networking Event Hosted by the Urban League of West Michigan

Join the Urban League of West Michigan's Center for Entrepreneur and Business Development for a free midday networking event open to small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Grand Rapids area. This month's session features Leslie Fiorenza, Voice Confidence Strategist, Speaker, Author, and Creator of the 5 S.T.E.P.S. framework, presenting on how to craft and deliver a captivating 60-second introduction.

Your elevator pitch is often the first impression you make — this session will give you the tools and confidence to make it count. Whether you're networking, pitching to buyers, or simply looking to communicate your business more clearly, this is a practical and engaging session you won't want to miss.

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Location: Urban League of West Michigan, 745 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Cost: Free
Jul 22
Associated Builders & Contractors Western Michigan: Connecting the Industry: Grand Rapids (July) 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join ABC Western Michigan for Connecting the Industry: Grand Rapids.

Our no-agenda meetup where everyone from the jobsite to the office can connect and unwind.

Why attend?

Catch up with industry peers Chat with ABC board members & staff Learn about ABC and ways to get involved & make new industry connections!

No Program, No Pressure - Just Good Company.

Event Location: Founders Brewing - Centennial Room

Amaad Hardy

Business Developer

ahardy@grcity.us

616-456-3096

Alvin Hills IV

Business Manager

ahills@grcity.us

616-456-4610