News

Center for Economic Inclusion: Q2 Quarterly Update

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:

Woman-Owned Businesses:

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:

Jenny Waugh, Vice President of Economic Growth, jenny@grandrapids.org
Claire Colley, Economic Growth Program Manager, claire@grandrapids.org
Samuel Sanestin, Economic Growth Program Manager, samuel@grandrapids.org

CEI PROGRAM SPONSORS

Program Underwriter

Amway

Chamber Champions

 Flagstar Bank Logo    Gentex Logo   Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Be Independent Bank  LMCU    RoMan Manufacturing  Walmart-Logo

Share:

Related News

Fixing Earned Sick Time and Minimum Wage/Tips Must Be Addressed; Stopping Tax Increases Through Employer-Funded Unemployment and Workers’ Comp, Plus Costly Regulations is Critical LANSING,...

With only a handful of days left in this session, the Michigan Legislature is taking up bills that will directly impact our business climate. We...

The first week of session since the election took place last week, kicking off Lame Duck as House Democrats prepare to no longer have the...

Upcoming Events