Micro Local Business Enterprise (MLBE) Certification

The City of Grand Rapids Inclusion Plan is strongly encouraged for projects seeking City economic development incentives tied to private development. While not currently required in all cases, the Inclusion Plan is an important tool used by the City to promote meaningful contracting opportunities for Minority-owned (MBE), Woman-owned (WBE), and Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBE) and to advance the City’s equitable economic development goals 

Through the Inclusion Plan, applicants are encouraged to establish aspirational participation goals, conduct intentional outreach during the bidding process, and share information on contractor utilization over the life of the project. The Plan is designed as a collaborative, good-faith framework between the City, developers, prime contractors, and subcontractors, with an emphasis on transparency, learning, and continuous improvement rather than strict compliance or enforcement 

When used, the Inclusion Plan provides structure across all phases of a project—from application through construction and close-out—and helps the City better understand participation trends, identify gaps, and strengthen pathways for MBE, WBE, and MLBE firms to compete for work on City-supported private development projects. Additional details, examples, and reporting expectations are outlined in the full Inclusion Plan document linked below

Inclusion Plan Overview

For questions about the Inclusion Plan or how it applies to a specific project, please contact the City of Grand Rapids Economic Development Department

In an effort to increase opportunities for small contractors on both City of Grand Rapids construction projects and river-related projects, the City has launched the MLBE Bonding Pilot Program. The program is designed to support Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBEs) by addressing the financial and structural barriers that often limit access to bonded work.

The program provides subsidized Certified Public Accountant (CPA) services to help contractors develop the financial documentation and practices needed to pursue bonding. In addition, through partnerships with third-party providers, the program helps reduce the cost and risk associated with obtaining surety bonds, supports bonding readiness, and expands bonding capacity for eligible MLBE contractors.

The MLBE Bonding Program is supported by a series of public workshops and informational events, designed to help contractors better understand bonding requirements, financial readiness, and how to position their businesses for future City and river-related construction opportunities.

By strengthening financial readiness, access to bonding, and peer learning, the MLBE Bonding Program aims to build a stronger local contractor pipeline, increase MLBE participation on City and river-related projects, and support sustainable, long-term business growth.

Learn more about the program at the link below:

MLBE Bonding Pilot Program Webpage

Our office is focused on ensuring Equity in the river redevelopment project and adjacent projects associated with the river. We focus on enhancing equity for residents seeking to utilize river amenities and suppliers seeking to do business on river projects.

Grand River Equity Framework

The Grand River Equity Framework is a framework created by community stakeholders ranging from residents, non-profit organizations, and public institutions in efforts to create access and connectivity to river related projects. We collect and share City related data to inform the progress of metrics created in the framework. Please learn more about the framework below:

The Grand River Equity Framework

Grand River Restoration Initiative 

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 with a wide variety of industries 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.

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:

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
• Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC)
• Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (GLWBC)
• Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)