“With all the transformational projects going on across the city of Grand Rapids in the public sector and also in the private sector, we really wanted a way to grow our MLBE subcontractor community as best as possible, and this is one of the tools that we are taking to achieve that goal.”
Amaad Hardy is business developer for the city. He says the two-year pilot program will connect Micro Local Business Enterprise construction businesses, or MLBE’s, with certified public accountants and bonding agencies, with Grand Rapids serving as a link between these small businesses and third-party partners.
“How this came about is, what is a way to really reduce those economic barriers for our small business community, especially in the trades?”
To participate, small businesses must be certified as an MLBE with the city’s Office of Equity and Engagement, complete a prequalification process with the city’s Engineering Office and be prequalified for projects under $250,000.
“We hope that once they do have these barriers lifted that they begin to get larger jobs across the community, whether that’s with the city of Grand Rapids or if that’s on a private development.”
The program will be available for eight MLBE’s which will be added on a first-come, first-served basis. More information can be found on the city’s MLBE Bonding Pilot website.
