The Grand Rapids Chamber’s Center for Economic Inclusion (CEI) delivers technical assistance to the business community at large, with intentionality towards underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses. We envision the Chamber at the center of Grand Rapids business, providing the resources, connections, and introductions businesses need to thrive.
Read below to learn more about the impact of CEI in Q 2.
BY THE NUMBERS:
DBE CERTIFICATIONS:
The Grand Rapids Chamber’s Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) certification recognizes minority, veteran, women, tribal, disability and LGBTQIA+ owned businesses. Certifications are provided to increase visibility and give a competitive advantage with contracts and opportunities in the West Michigan community. In Q2, eight new businesses were certified, and two certifications were renewed, for a total of 65 certified businesses. View the full list here.
Minority-Owned Businesses:
- Do It All Painting
- JKB Construction
- Preferred Flooring
- Pure Architects
- Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts
Woman-Owned Businesses:
- Blue Blaze Public Relations
- Kennari Consulting
- SALT Productions
- Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts
- W Talent Solutions
Tribal-Owned Businesses:
WHAT MEMBERS SAY
“Over the years, the Grand Rapids Chamber has been amazingly helpful. They sent a team from their Center for Economic Inclusion to experience our 5-star VR entertainment, which includes 50 multiplayer games and experiences. We excel in servicing diverse company groups looking for unique, new, team-building opportunities, and I’m very excited to see what this team does to help us. They already generated a few ideas that I’m sure will be just as helpful as their other services have been, like the Business Exchange Luncheon, Chamber After Hours, and Business Growth Workshops!”
– Greg Wander, Owner/President, Amped Virtual Reality
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Business Growth Workshop: Human Resources on a Small Business Budget*
April 18 | Attendance: 34
West Michigan Minority Contractors: Accounting Essentials Workshop*
April 23 | Attendance: 122
Economic Inclusion Summit: The State of Economic Inclusion in Grand Rapids
May 8 | Attendance: 196
Mosaic Business Collective Quarterly Meeting
May 22 | Attendance: 19
Business Growth Workshop: Funding Your Business*
June 25 | Attendance: 29
* Spanish interpretation was offered to limited English proficiency (LEP) attendees.
UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Business Growth Workshop: Grow Your Business through Acquisition | Tuesday, August 13
West Michigan Minority Contractors | Thursday, September 26
Business Growth Workshop: Defining Your Target Market | Tuesday, October 13
Diversity & Talent Summit | Tuesday, November 12
West Michigan Minority Contractors | Thursday, November 14
Business Growth Workshop: Marketing & Sales Strategy | Tuesday, December 10
For more information or to get involved in our CEI work, please reach out to our team members:
CEI PROGRAM SPONSORS
Program Underwriter
Chamber Champions
