The Economic Development Corporation voted to continue a $30,000 funding stream to Construction Allies in Action, the fourth consecutive year of support, to sustain a program that city staff and participants described as critical to expanding local contractors' capacity.

Christian (city staff) framed the request as part of the strategic plan implementation and said the funding complements other grants and initiatives that strengthen small, minority- and women-owned businesses. "This funding is not about starting something. It's about protecting a homegrown ecosystem that Grand Rapids already relies on," Elizabeth, who spoke for Construction Allies, said, describing the organization's role in providing contract coaching, back-office support and industry introductions.

A program participant, Allison Castillo, chief executive of Ultimate Caulking, described how the program connected her business to customers and helped her scale since joining in 2023. Board members praised the program's role at the intersection of inclusion plans and construction procurement and approved the $30,000 funding by voice vote.

Next steps: the EDC will disburse funds according to the grant agreement and Construction Allies will continue reporting program metrics to the EDC.