EXHIBIT 23






                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-75521 on Form S-8 of Mercantile Bank Corporation and Mercantile Bank of
West Michigan 401(k) Plan of our report dated April 17, 2003 appearing in this
Annual Report on Form 11-K of Mercantile Bank of West Michigan 401(k) Plan for
the year ended December 31, 2002.




                                        Crowe Chizek and Company LLC

Grand Rapids, Michigan
June 25, 2003