<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>k95983exv23.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
<TEXT>
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 23

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement No. 333-91434 on Form S-8 of Mercantile Bank Corporation of our report
dated May 16, 2005, which is included in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of
Mercantile Bank of West Michigan 401(k) Plan for the year ended December 31,
2004.

                                           /s/ Crowe Chizek and Company LLC
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Crowe Chizek and Company LLC

Oak Brook, Illinois
June 16, 2005
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>