Our Economic Growth team delivers strategies and technical assistance to the business community at large (Chamber members and non-members), with intentionality towards historically marginalized entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The Chamber is at the center of West Michigan business, providing the resources, connections, and introductions businesses need to thrive.
Our goal is to empower wealth creation through business ownership by providing:
- One-on-one business consultations
- Connections to existing services and opportunities
- Programs and services needed to scale
This work is fueled by the Center for Economic Inclusion, a strategic initiative of the Grand Rapids Chamber.
Welcome New Certified Diverse Business Enterprises
Our Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Program recognizes minority, veteran, women, tribal, disability, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Certifications are provided to increase transparency and to create opportunities for procurement with supplier diversity programs with the area’s largest companies.
This certification gives West Michigan organizations a competitive advantage when working with the greater business community. Join us in welcoming our new Certified Diverse Business Enterprises from this past quarter!
Minority-Owned Businesses
- Infinity Staffing Professionals
- Artman Outdoor Rentals LLC
- Shyanne Queen Real Estate LLC
- ROI Design
- KolbyKo, LLC
Woman-Owned Businesses
- Angela Morrill Leadership & Life Coaching
- Shyanne Queen Real Estate LLC
- ROI Design
- KolbyKo, LLC
- Vargo Innovations LLC
- Copper Fiber LLC
- The Blissful Clean
LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses
Native-American-Owned Businesses
Some businesses are recognized in multiple categories based on eligibility. Find the full list of certified businesses here.
Member Story
“The work being done at the Grand Rapids Chamber is priceless – making a significant positive impact on thousands of businesses and their families, sharing their stories, and inspiring others. The culture at Grand Rapids Chamber is infectious. Every person I meet with is always wishing well for others and asking what they can do to help, providing resources, playing a match-making role, connecting the dots, etc. They are truly elevating communities.”
— Jay Ahmed, Highpoint Community Bank
Economic Inclusion Summit Recap
On Tuesday, May 6, the Economic Inclusion Summit brought over 200 leaders together to discuss how we can work together to support diverse-owned businesses, create community impact, and build a thriving economy for all.
“To create an economy that works for everybody, we need to tackle problems from all angles at once, said Jenny Waugh from the Grand Rapids Chamber. When businesses, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurial support organizations, and governments all work together on a related goal, we can make a bigger impact than any of one of us could alone.”
Save the date for next year’s Small Business Week kick-off event on Monday, May 4, 2026!
Upcoming Events & Programs
The West Michigan Minority Contractors program provides a platform for minority- and women-owned contractors to connect, learn, and grow through relationship-building and strategic partnerships. Join us Thursday, September 4 to hear from Drew Sorenson of Wolverine Building Group and John Parker of EV Construction on building strong industry relationships and upcoming bid opportunities.
For Microsoft 365 users, Copilot is a strategic business tool that integrates seamlessly with your existing investment. In our Tech Week workshop on Tuesday, September 16, Ben Rupp and Dean Sternik from InsITe will show you exactly how Copilot transforms business operations
Connect with our Team
For more information, 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
- Alex Benda, Business Consultant, alex@grandrapids.org