EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement of Mercantile Bank Corporation on Form S-3 of our report dated January
17, 2003 on the 2002 consolidated financial statements of Mercantile Bank
Corporation which report is included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Mercantile Bank Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2002 and to the
reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the related Form S-3.



                                   /s/ Crowe Chizek and Company LLC


Grand Rapids, Michigan
September 17, 2003