LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today threw his support behind a plan that will allow small businesses to participate in the state's bulk purchasing program, a move that will cut their costs and create jobs for Michigan workers.
"The success of Michigan's small businesses is key to getting our state's economy back on track," Dean said. "By tapping into the state's bulk purchasing power, small businesses will be able to cut costs and create the good-paying jobs that the hard-working residents of Michigan need to feed their families and put their children through college."
The plan allows small businesses to participate in the cooperative bulk purchasing program administered through the Department of Management and Budget (DMB). Using the program will reduce the costs of purchasing goods and services for small businesses, which tend to operate on extremely tight budgets.
Small businesses are defined as ones that are independently owned and operated, employ fewer than 30 employees, and have gross annual sales of less than $1 million. Neither small businesses nor vendors will be required to participate in the program. Businesses would pay a small fee to participate.
Currently, access to the state's cooperative bulk purchasing program is limited to certain governmental bodies and nonprofit hospitals.
"Michigan is home to many imaginative entrepreneurs who can make our state a leader in the 21st century economy," Dean said. "By giving small business owners access to this program, they will create the jobs that will turn our economy around."