April 2018

Welcome to our first newsletter! The Economic Development Department is committed to creating economic opportunities for the all residents and business owners in the city. This is an exciting time for Long Beach so please continue to read our newsletters for updates on whats happening in our beautiful city!

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Economic Development Blueprint

The Blueprint, which was adopted in 2017, advances a 10-year vision of Long Beach as “the city of opportunity for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs.” It defines priorities that will lead to creation of businesses, well-paying jobs, and increase the standards of living for our diverse residents.  The Blueprint has the following seven focus areas:  Engines of Growth Economic Inclusion Jobs & Workforce Development Business Assistance Development Environment Quality of Life Economic Leadership & Cooperation To read the Blueprint, click here

Long Beach Becomes a Kiva City!

The City of Long Beach has partnered with The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to offer zero interest loans to local business owners. Through Kiva, everyday residents can loan as little as $25 to small businesses of their choice as part of a crowdfunded loan program. Loans are approved through “social underwriting,” where trustworthiness is determined by friends and family lending a portion of the loan request and a by a Kiva approved Trustee who will vouch for the borrower. To learn more about Kiva, please visit their website.

Upcoming Events

CSULB's Student Entrepreneurs to Compete in Innovation Challenge Attend CSULB's Innovation Challenge Awards Ceremony and hear student entrepreneurs pitch their innovative business ideas to judges. The winning team will receive up to $10,000 in seed funding and services totaling up to $40,000. The award ceremony will be held on April 12th from 4:00PM to 7:30PM at the Walter Pyramid at CSULB. RSVP Here

Upcoming Workshops

DLBA & IIE Present: Entrepreneurship Education Series A partnership between Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) and the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE) at California State University, Long Beach introduces the Entrepreneurship Education Series. This education series is focused on providing the tools and skills needed to start and run a successful business. The series is 5 weeks with 10 learning modules, followed by Pitchfest in the 6th week. Participation in this education series may qualify you for applying to receive a DLBA Small Business Grant. Register here. Learn more about the Small Business Grant here .

This Month at the SBDC Get to know the Small Business Development Center at Long Beach City College at their new client orientation on April 9th from 6:00PM – 7:30PM.   You will learn how the SBDC can help you launch and/or take your business to the next level! The SBDC is also offering the following workshops at no cost: April 12 : Starting a Small Business April 19: Creating an Effective Business Plan April 25: Target Marketing for Your Small Business Time: 6:00PM - 8:30PM Location: 4900 E Conant Street, Bldg. O2, Room 234, Long Beach CA 90808 Sign up here

STAY CONNECTED ‌ ‌ Visit Our Business Portal 333 W. Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 570-6805