Apply for Micro Local Business Enterprise Certification

Gather your official documents from the State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Department (LARA)

(MLBE eligible businesses must have been in operation for at least one year (12 months). There are exceptions for businesses who have not been in operation for at least one year (12 months). Please contact the Business Developer for details.

Search for your business entity on the LARA website

Example of required documentation 

It is necessary for you to identify the Primary North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code relative to your industry or business sector. (Please use the code that best describes your business service.)

Find your NAICS codes

You need to provide a utility bill or rental lease to prove that your small business operates within Kent County. The business name and address given to the State of Michigan must match the utility bill or rental lease given to the Office of Equity and Engagement.

The utility bill or rental lease must be dated before the last six months or 180 days before your application.

(Recommended but not required)

It is highly recommended that businesses create a Capability Statement to effectively showcase their services. While this is not a requirement for completing the MLBE Certification, it serves as a valuable tool for engaging with potential partners and other organizations.

As a resource, our office has provided an example and a template to assist in the development of your Capability Statement.

Please use the link below as a valuable resource to identify your State of Michigan Commodity Codes and complete your vendor registration with the City.

These codes are essential for specifying the goods and services your business offers and its recommended that you have these codes selected before proceeding to the Vendor Self-Service application. To maximize your business’s visibility, ensure that you select all applicable commodity codes that accurately reflect the services your company provides.

DTMB - Commodity Code Lookup (michigan.gov)

Please Complete your Vendor Registration with the City's Purchasing Department. 

Use this Step-by-Step Guide for a resource on how to complete this registration

Please provide a notarized letter from a CPA verifying that your net worth is below $242,000 (via January 2007) using the SBA (8a) status (13CFR124.104c(2)) formula. (Amount will keep up with rate of inflation provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Note: The personal net worth verification statement does not include your primary residence.

Download a Personal Net Worth Example Letter

Please provide your most recent tax returns. The Office of Equity and Engagement (OEE) requires up to the past three (3) years of tax returns or a statement indicating the number of permanent employees at your company.

To determine which documents are necessary for your business, please refer to the Small Business Administration (SBA) Table of Size Standards document. Eligible businesses must be at or below 25% of the size standard for the applicable NAICS Code.

If your business has been operating for fewer than three years (36 months), please submit the tax returns you have available for that period. 

If your business operates within the Construction category, please

a) Submit and Complete the Engineering Department’s Prequalification Application (and)

b) Register on their bidding platform via BidExpress

c) You can see the Engineering Department Current Bids here

Goods & Services and Professional Services:

If your business falls under the Goods & Services or Professional Services categories, please

a) Register on the Purchasing Department’s bidding platform through the MITN Purchasing Group

b) You can see the City's Current Bid Opportunities here

Note: Some businesses may fall under both categories and will need to complete both registration processes.

We reward businesses for engaging in activities that complement the City's Strategic Plan. Discounts are also awarded to businesses that employ GR residents, participate in community partnerships, promote a clean environment, and more.

Micro-Local Business Enterprises are eligible for discounts as well.

Note: Discounts are given on an annual basis. At the end of the year received, discounts given must be renewed by participating businesses. 

For more information and to find Bid Discount Applications please go to our Supplier Diversity webpage.

You can find out more about their upcoming projects and vendor registration with the link below:

Register as a vendor (GRPS)

You can find out more about their upcoming projects and vendor registration with the link below:

Register as a vendor (GRPS)