The Grand Rapids Chamber’s Center for Economic Inclusion (CEI) delivers technical assistance to the business community at large, with intentionality towards historically marginalized 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 Q4.
Q4 By the Numbers
Diverse Business Enterprise 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. Below are the businesses we certified in Q3.
Minority-Owned Businesses 
- Workforce Employment Specialists
- Barrett Plumbing, Inc
- Resilient Relationships
- Cerva Cleaning Services
- Brilliant Capital, LLC (The UPS Store)
- Economical Elegance Painting
- Smart Mechanical Solutions, LLC
Women-Owned Businesses 
Tribal-Owned Businesses 
Find the full list of certified businesses here.
How M&I Interiors Grew with a Diverse Business Certification
In this inspiring video, Elisa Rodriguez of M&I Interiors shares her journey of obtaining the Diverse Business Enterprise Certification through the Grand Rapids Chamber. She discusses the incredible impact the certification has had on her business growth, the opportunities it’s opened up, and how the Chamber’s support has been crucial in scaling M&I Interiors to new heights.
Hear Elisa’s story in this short video to learn about the benefits of this certification and how it can help diverse businesses thrive in the competitive marketplace.
Events & Programs Recap
ELEVATE (2024-2026)
Launched November 13 • Cohort of 7 Businesses
West Michigan Minority Contractors
November 14 • Attendance: 112
Business Growth Workshop –Â Referrals, Growth, & Marketing
December 10 • Attendance: 23
Business Growth Workshop – ESTA Compliance & Implementation
January 10 • Attendance: 110
Get Involved in our Upcoming Events
West Michigan Minority Contractors
Thursday, April 3 •  4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids Chamber
Strengthening Entrepreneurial Resilience: Strategies for Sustained Success
Tuesday, April 22 • 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Grand Rapids Chamber
Economic Inclusion Summit
Tuesday, May 6 •  7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Goei CenterÂ
Build a Thriving Community with an Inclusive Economy
The Economic Inclusion Summit brings together regional leaders to gain tools and momentum to tackle economic inclusion in West Michigan. Minority-owned business owners and community partners are invited to help develop a thriving, diverse ecosystem in our community. Register now!
Tuesday, May 6
7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Goei Center
Connect with our Team
For more information or to get involved in with the Center for Economic Inclusion, 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
Thank you to our program sponsors:
