As a transplant to Grand Rapids, Leadership Grand Rapids afforded me the ability to learn the history of Grand Rapids and related systems. It allowed me to connect with a diverse group of amazing leaders that I normally would not have access to.
Diverse Business Enterprise Certifications
The Grand Rapids Chamber’s Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) certification program recognizes minority, veteran, women, tribal, disability and LGBTQIA+ owned businesses. Certifications are provided to increase transparency and to create opportunities for procurement with supplier diversity programs with the area’s largest companies.
The certification of diverse-owned businesses gives West Michigan organizations a competitive advantage when working with the greater business community without additional barriers such as pending citizenship status or access to capital. The process will be the first step to other certifications outside of our jurisdictions.
Having the support and approval of the Grand Rapids Chamber will give these businesses a competitive edge when bidding for contracts with local companies.
*A minority business enterprise is one owned or controlled by a recognized minority group, such as Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American.
