Construction Allies in Action

06/05/2026

We're excited to welcome The Christman Company as a Construction Ally this year.

Their investment is a big reason why our training and resources stay accessible to emerging and underrepresented trade contractors.

That support gives local business owners the practical tools and network connections they need to stabilize their operations and step up to bid on larger commercial jobs.

The Christman team understands that a more capable, diverse network of trade partners makes the entire construction industry stronger.

Thank you to Christman Co for supporting our mission and investing in the growth of our local trades!

Learn more about getting involved at https://constructionallies.org/get-involved/

06/02/2026

This year's C2E2 at Newco & Blox Design Build gives us the perfect layout to bring in a strong lineup of regional GCs and project owners.

More space means more tables, more conversations, and more direct opportunity to get your business prequalified and on bid lists.

We have plenty of room for trade contractors to sign up, and walk-ins are welcome. Just remember that the rotation schedule favors the prepared!

Check out the event timeline, arrive early to lock in your slot, and bring plenty of printed copies of your capabilities statement.

Claim your spot at the table: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/contractor-capabilities-exchange-event-c2e2-2

05/27/2026

You don’t need an hour to get on a bid list; you just need five minutes with the right person.

The Contractor Capabilities Exchange Event (C2E2) pairs underrepresented trade contractors directly with regional GCs and project owners that want to expand their list of reliable subs.

Whether you're in drywall, landscaping, electrical, or cleaning, this is five minutes of focused time to make an introduction, share your capabilities, and find alignment on upcoming projects in Michigan.

🗓️ June 25, 2026
🕟 4:30-8pm
🗺️ Newco & Blox Design Build | 4131 Roger B Chaffee Memorial Blvd SE

Sign up to attend C2E2: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/contractor-capabilities-exchange-event-c2e2-2

05/23/2026

05/22/2026

Being named this year's Non-Profit Champion by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is an incredible honor, especially considering the high-impact organizations we were nominated alongside.

While our name is on the award, this recognition belongs to the contractors we serve. Every day, we see the talent and grit in the West Michigan construction industry, and our goal is to provide the infrastructure that allows these business owners to grow and build generational wealth.

During his address, WMHCC President & CEO Guillermo Cisneros said, "When we create progress for one, we create progress for all."

That hits at the core of why CAIA exists. When we create economic prosperity for underrepresented construction business owners, the entire industry becomes more sustainable. With the volume of work coming to our region, we want our local contractors to be the ones with crews on those job sites, leaving their mark on our city.

We are so humbled, and more motivated than ever. CAIA has big things planned, including new developments specifically designed to support Spanish-speaking community members and help business owners operate at a higher level.

Thank you to the Chamber for this recognition and to our contractors for trusting us to be part of your journey. There is a lot of work ahead, and we're ready for it.

Action is priceless. ✨

05/20/2026

We spent last night at the Goei Center looking at the next few years of West Michigan projects, and there is plenty of room for underrepresented construction businesses to lead the way.

Bing Goei reminded us that when he renovated the very building we were standing in (back in 2009) he pushed beyond the standard 10% to reach 60% minority participation. As he put it, "We are a much better city when we begin to understand the beauty and value generated when we actually work together."

The evidence of that value is already showing up in the Grand Rapids skyline. The team at Pioneer Construction noted that the opportunity is massive and requires all of us to get it done. On the Acrisure Amphitheater project alone, we saw 12% minority spend. This data point represents real families and businesses leaving their mark on our community.

The pipeline for the next few years is stacked. Speakers from First Companies Inc., Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Rockford Construction, and the The City of Grand Rapids Engineering Department shared info on a new tech hub, a large-scale manufacturing facility, school bond projects, and major airport, sidewalk, and park renovations happening right here in our cities.

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company shared that their first dollar spent when bringing their team to Michigan was with CAIA because they know our programs are building contractor capacity the industry needs to keep growing.

If you were in the room, you heard the next steps.

✨ Complete your prequalification with regional GCs, and contact their teams if you need support with forms. Links to some of these forms can be found at https://constructionallies.org/michigan-resources/

✨ Connect with the City of Grand Rapids Office of Equity and Engagement to claim one of the final spots in the MLBE bonding pilot program. More information at https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/equity-and-engagement/supplier-diversity/mlbe-bonding-pilot-program/

✨ Look for joint venture opportunities. Combining strengths with other businesses is the key to competing for larger contracts.

The word of the night? Intentional.
Action is priceless. Let’s keep building.

05/20/2026

Our Foundations Plus cohort is featured in the latest Thrive + Prosper Annual Report, but the real focus is on the contractors doing the work.

Check out page 4 for a feature on a brother-and-sister duo in our network. They used the Affiliate HUB to start building a strategic pipeline and streamline operations for their construction business. Since joining Foundations Plus last June, they’ve transformed from a small trade team into a bonded, commercial-ready firm with the operational confidence to win major contracts.

This is what removing systemic barriers actually looks like. We’re helping local businesses build the operational muscle needed for long-term prosperity and generational wealth in West Michigan.

Read the full report and see the impact happening across the West Michigan ecosystem here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hx1u5b4NKo2utFAjxvR3ibriDGaJbZ-x/view

05/18/2026

✨ ProjectReady is tomorrow at the Goei Center! ✨

If you've been waiting to see what projects are in development in West Michigan, this is where you'll hear it directly from the source.

Join us tomorrow from 5:30-7:30 PM, and be sure to schedule an assessment while you're here if you haven't received your ProjectReady score yet.

Our first cohort of Foundations Plus will wrap at the end of June; establishing your baseline is the first step to getting on that invite list for the next program year!

RSVP for ProjectReady using the link in our bio, and find more info on Foundations Plus on our website!

05/18/2026

✨ ProjectReady is tomorrow at the Goei Center! ✨

If you've been waiting to see what projects are in development in West Michigan, this is where you'll hear it directly from the source.

Join us tomorrow from 5:30-7:30 PM, and be sure to schedule an assessment while you're here if you haven't received your ProjectReady score yet.

Our first cohort of Foundations Plus will wrap at the end of June; establishing your baseline is the first step to getting on that invite list for the next program year!

RSVP for ProjectReady: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/projectready-three-towers

Learn more about Foundations Plus: https://constructionallies.org/foundations-plus/

Join Construction Allies in Action and the Urban League of West Michigan to get ProjectReady for upcoming opportunities in West Michigan.PROJECT DISCUSSION: Fulton & Market Three Towers proposed development discussion + bid opportunities from multiple GCs and project owners! Moderated by Elizabe...

05/12/2026

Since the beginning, Pioneer Construction has been a consistent presence in our work.

You’ve seen their team at C2E2 tables, at our annual Gala, and at the front of the room leading workshops to share project insights with growing trades.

They don’t show up for the spotlight; they show up because they believe in the long-term sustainability of the West Michigan construction industry.

We are proud to recognize Pioneer Construction as a Community Partner.

Their leadership on major regional work is a prime example of their commitment to inclusion. We've watched them work to ensure underrepresented contractors are not just on the job site, but positioned to lead on these landmark projects.

As a Community Partner, their investment provides the stability we need to keep Strong Foundations Program free and accessible. It allows us to scale our impact and continue building the relationships that lead to real contracts for local trade businesses.

Thank you to the entire Pioneer team for your leadership and for continuing this work with us through the years!