Economic Opportunity
Revitalizing the Grand River Corridor creates work and career opportunities for everyone.
Two of the biggest barriers to gaining a good job is having the right skills and access to a professional network.
If you don’t have connections, it’s hard to get through the hiring process or land the contract. We’re building a strong network of trusted partners focused on helping people and small businesses connect to the many jobs and economic opportunities associated with revitalizing the Grand River Corridor.
Riverfront Contractors' Collective
Purpose
A coalition of community partners that serves as a central hub of information and resources for underrepresented contractors seeking opportunities to contribute to river revitalization and development projects.
- We build relationships in the construction industry to increase meaningful participation from Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBE) and Women Owned Business Enterprises (WBE)
- We help small businesses grow through connections to community resources and support services
- We track data across many riverfront partners and projects to understand impact, improve outcomes and identify best practices
Partners
City of Grand Rapids
Clark Construction Company
Construction Allies in Action
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.
Pioneer Construction
Rockford Construction
Urban League of West Michigan
Wolverine Building Group
Grand River Workforce Collaboratives
Purpose
A network of community-based organizations connecting individuals with high quality jobs and career pathways in the construction industry through holistic workforce development that includes:
- Earn-As-You-Learn training programs with hands-on apprenticeships on transformative riverfront projects
- Wrap-around support services to overcome common barriers to education and employment
- Job opportunities in electrical, construction core, residential construction, and more.
Partners
City of Grand Rapids
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Gerald R. Ford Job Corps
Goodwill Industries
GRCC M-Tec
Kent County Essential Needs Task Force
Kent ISD
LINC UP
Next Steps of West Michigan
Steepletown Neighborhood Services
Urban League of West Michigan
West Michigan Hispanic Center
West Michigan Works!
YouthBuild GR
Questions?
For questions or comments, please contact Economic Opportunity Program Manager James Peacock III at jpeacock@downtowngr.org.