Welcome to our latest newsletter! We are excited to share news about Long Beach's continued economic growth, an update on our Kiva Long Beach Loan Program and news on the latest developments in our city! We are continuously working to bring about new programs and strengthen partnerships that will help sustain this growth for all Long Beach workers, investors, and entrepreneurs. Please keep reading for updates and information on upcoming workshops and events!
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Mayor Robert Garcia’s ‘Building a Better Long Beach’ Presentation Highlights City’s Unprecedented Development Activity
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On Tuesday, August 28, Mayor Robert Garcia, in partnership with the Long Beach Business Journal, provided an update on the City’s record level of new development and construction activity currently underway. The Mayor’s Building a Better Long Beach
presentation
highlighted several new high-rise projects and a growing trend of more sustainable and iconic spaces on the horizon.
“The unprecedented growth and resurgence seen throughout the city reflects our vision for creating a 21st century city,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “High-quality sustainable development attracts more investment opportunities to our city, and makes Long Beach a great place to live, visit and do business.”
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The City of Long Beach Joins Newest Startup in Residence Cohort!
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Long Beach will be joining cities across the country as part of this year's Startup in Residence (STIR) Cohort! STIR is an innovative 16-week program that connects government partners with technology startups to work together on civic challenges through a streamlined procurement process. Launched in 2014, the program has supported the creation and customization of 47 projects for government organizations and is now entering its fifth year. Learn more about STIR
here.
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Three Local Entrepreneurs added to Kiva Long Beach Roster!
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Through the Kiva Long Beach initiative, Long Beach entrepreneurs can access zero interest, no-fee loans to start or grow their business, and residents can help local small businesses with loans as small as $25. With a dollar-for-dollar loan match provided by the Los Angeles Local Initiatives Corporation (
LA LISC
), Kiva Long Beach borrowers can accomplish their fundraising goal quickly. Learn more about our current Kiva borrowers and how you can help fund their loans below!
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Brandon Cheea took a leap of faith when he purchased Donut Kingdom in 2016 and is now ready to take his business to the next level, with your help! A $10,000 loan will be used to renovate his shop and to improve quality and increase efficiency with new kitchen equipment.
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Diedre Norville is a passionate entrepreneur who opened Our Essence Beauty Supply with the intention of serving her community. A $10,000 loan will be used to purchase equipment for a point of sale inventory system, maintain current employee, conduct research, and increase advertising to attract customers.
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Steve Tsepelis purchased Broadway Video earlier this year and will be using a loan of $10,000 to invest in expanding inventory, increasing product promotions and advertising. Funds will also be used to upgrade computer equipment, complete store repairs, create jobs and keeps this store open for another 38 years!
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KCET: Addressing Employment Inequality in the City of Long Beach
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The unemployment rate in Long Beach hit historic lows this year. But, taking a look at unemployment rates by census track reveals that some areas of the city have unemployment rates as high as 33.63%. To address this issue, the City adopted the
Blueprint for Economic Development
which includes key focus areas relating to unemployment, such as Workforce Development and Economic Inclusion. To implement recommendations in the Blueprint, the City partnered with the
Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network
(PGWIN). PGWIN
connects adults, youth, and businesses by linking job seekers to employment opportunities. Additionally, the City Council approved a package of initiatives to improve the economic opportunities for all residents called the
'
Everyone In' Economic Inclusion Initiative
.
Learn more about the City's efforts to decrease the unemployment rate across the city
here.
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The Press Telegram: First look at Long Beach’s “8 by ’28” Projects, Coming as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games
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Last February, Mayor Robert Garcia unveiled his “8 by 28” plan for capital improvements, and the City Council approved it. Projects include a Belmont Veterans Pier rebuild, Belmont Pool, lifeguard towers, beach concession stands, Long Beach Arena improvements, a Pine and Ocean hotel, airport improvements and Metro Blue Line improvements.
Long Beach is set to host water polo, handball, triathlon (Olympic and Paralympic), marathon swimming, BMX racing and sailing, with the potential of more events being added as venues develop. A Long Beach Sports Park at and near the Long Beach Convention Center will be the focal point here, but the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier will host sailing, and other events run down the coast. Read more
here.
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Upcoming Events & Workshops
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Small Change, Big Impact — Take the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Survey!
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The City of Long Beach is developing its first-ever Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), and we want you to be part of the process! Anyone who lives, works, or plays in Long Beach is encouraged to take the CAAP survey to share ideas, priorities, and solutions to help establish and achieve the City’s climate goals. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog. Together, we can make Long Beach a safer, healthier, and more sustainable city.
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Having a business planning process is a necessity for your business whether you are trying to build an internal road map for your business concept or you need to write one because you are looking for funding. This workshop will cover all aspects of creating a business plan, as well as emphasize the importance of setting measurable strategies and tactics to help achieve these goals.
Date:
09/20/2018
Time:
6:00-8:30 PM
Status:
Open - 6 places remaining
Cost:
FREE
Location:
SBDC at LBCC
4900 E Conant Street, Bldg. O2, Room 234, Long Beach CA 90808
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Do you have an idea for a product, service, or application that could become a hot new business? The Innovation Challenge might be your ticket to help turn that idea into a reality.
The winning team receives support for their business, including $10,000 in seed funding, and space, marketing, legal and accounting services totaling up to $40,000.
Stay up to date with upcoming workshops and mixers by signing up
here.
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Are you considering buying a franchise and unsure where to start or worried about making a mistake? If so, this workshop will give you the tools to help you make the right decision.
Is a Franchise Right for You?
is a highly informative workshop that covers key topics, such as what franchising is and is not, time-saving tips to research the franchise opportunity and legal and financial steps to consider before buying.
Date:
8/13/2018
Time:
7:00-9:00PM
Cost:
FREE
Location:
Ironfire
4195 North Viking Way #D
Long Beach, CA 90808
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