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City staff announces Connect Local GR meet‑the‑buyer event to link small businesses with institutional buyers
Summary
The Office of Equity Engagement briefed the commission on 'Connect Local GR,' a meet‑the‑buyer procurement event at DeVos Place on April 2 to connect small suppliers with buyers; organizers reported about 69 buyer tables reserved and roughly 80 small businesses registered.
City staff from the Office of Equity Engagement told commissioners the city will host Connect Local GR on April 2 at DeVos Place, a meet‑the‑buyer event designed to connect local small businesses with institutional buyers and procurement officers.
The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the meet‑the‑buyer portion concentrated between 10:00 and 11:45 a.m., followed by a noon panel and awards recognizing micro‑ and minority‑owned business suppliers. Staff said departments, Kent County and private buyers such as Meyers and Gentex will staff tables and provide broad procurement forecasts (example buckets: construction, landscaping, goods and services).
Organizers reported about 69 buyer tables reserved and said roughly 80 small businesses were signed up at the time of the briefing. Participation for partner organizations and technical assistance providers was described as free; small businesses register to hold paid or reserved tables for buyer access.
Staff framed the event as a tool to reduce repetitive staff inquiries and to increase supplier readiness by allowing buyers and technical assistance providers to offer procurement forecasting and capacity guidance in one location. "It really allows staff to get in front of vendors and answer questions in a one‑stop shop," the Office of Equity Engagement representative said.
Registration details and outreach were ongoing; staff said the city will coordinate marketing with partners to increase small‑business participation and to align the event with Small Business Week efforts next year.
