|
In This Edition:
- *UPDATED* City of Long Beach to Host Westside Long Beach Economic and Market Study
- Application closing soon: Join the LB Co-Lab Movement! Become an Innovator in Residence
- City of Long Beach Launches Love Your Block Program
- Economic Mobility Initiative Presents The Entrepreneurial Academy
| |
*UPDATED* City of Long Beach to Host Westside Long Beach Economic and Market Study | |
The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department is inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to learn about existing market conditions and provide input on potential strategies for growing economic development and boosting investment in West Long Beach.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 8, 2025, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.). The presentation will discuss opportunities for reimagining existing properties in the area, revisiting housing as a revenue creator that supports local jobs and taking actionable implementation steps to attract and retain development opportunities. Information and resources from various City departments and opportunities for attendees to meet with and ask questions of City staff will also be available. Those interested in attending are requested to RSVP online.
| Application closing soon: Join the LB Co-Lab Movement! Become an Innovator in Residence | |
|
The City of Long Beach is seeking Innovators in Residence (IIRs) to join the Long Beach Collaboratory (LB Co-Lab) for a unique, two-year long program where you’ll work alongside Long Beach City staff to co-design and implement technology-driven solutions to address real neighborhood challenges.
Participants will be compensated $4,000 in total over the course of their 24-month commitment to the program. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to transform your community through a participatory and democratic process, this is your chance!
LB Co-Lab aims to create sustainable and scalable improvements in Long Beach neighborhoods, especially as the City prepares for the 2028 Olympics. Technology, with the community at the center of decision-making, has the potential to bring lasting positive change. As an Innovator in Residence, you’ll be part of the design team and will make the key decisions to bring the chosen solution to life.
| |
City of Long Beach Launches Love Your Block Program | |
|
The City of Long Beach, in partnership with Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, today launched Love Your Block, a community-driven initiative that empowers residents to take action and enhance their neighborhoods. With this partnership, Long Beach joins a national network of cities committed to supporting resident-led efforts to create lasting, positive change.
In its first year, Love Your Block will support the City’s Westside Promise Initiative, a 10-year community investment plan to address current and historic challenges facing West Long Beach, through the alignment of existing City efforts, strategic partnerships and investments.
| |
Economic Mobility Initiative Presents The Entrepreneurial Academy | |
|
The Economic Mobility Initiative is offering an information session on their Entrepreneurial Academy.
Join EMI for an EMI Entrepreneurial Academy Information Session on March 7th from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. and discover how this no-cost, hands-on learning program can equip you with the skills, knowledge, and network to grow your small business.
This interactive session is designed for LA County entrepreneurs who are eager to:
✅ Build a strong business foundation
✅ Gain real-world strategies for growth
✅ Connect with a supportive community of business owners & trainers
✅ Learn how EMI Academy provides the tools you need—at no cost
This session will be held at 4811 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, 90815.
| |
Small Biz Spotlight: Sal's Gumbo Shack | |
Sal’s Gumbo Shack opened in May 2012, driven by Sally's deep love for cooking and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired to take a bold leap of faith, she left her job, invested her 401k into her dream, and brought Sal’s to life. Operating at two locations (6148 Long Beach Blvd. and 4470 California Pl.), Sal's is known for its authentic Cajun cuisine and is the go-to spot for a taste of New Orleans right here in Long Beach! Dive into a bowl of their famous gumbo and experience the rich flavors that have made this family-owned gem a beloved community staple. We are proud to honor and celebrate Black-owned businesses and their contributions to our community. | |
Applications Open for Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program | |
|
The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of its Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program (Level Up LB), a program designed to support entrepreneurs and propel small businesses toward success and sustainability. The program will assist 20 small business owners with support services, workshops and $10,000 in grant funding to help take their small business to the next level.
Level Up LB will connect selected entrepreneurs with essential business support resources and comprehensive workshops that focus on crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of a ten-week course, selected businesses will receive $10,000 in grant funding to help grow their small business. Businesses selected to participate will be provided with technical assistance and resources to evaluate their business plan and financials, sales metrics and benchmark and identify strategies to reach the next level of growth.
Applications are available through 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Businesses will be scored and selected based on their need and readiness to participate and the potential impact of the Program to their business. More information about eligibility requirements is available at longbeach.gov/levelup.
| |
|
The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is conducting a feasibility study on permitting Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) in Long Beach and has developed a survey to gather community feedback. The Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation Public Survey is open now through Feb. 28, and it is available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog.
MEHKO is a type of small-scale food business that allows individuals to prepare and sell home-cooked meals directly from their residential kitchens. Operating under specific regulations, MEHKOs must comply with food safety standards, including limits on meal volume, food handling practices and sales caps. MEHKOs provide an affordable entry point for entrepreneurs to start a food business while offering their communities access to unique, freshly made meals. This model supports local economies, fosters culinary diversity and empowers home-based chefs to showcase their talents.
| |
LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Fund to Provide Assistance for Small Businesses and Workers | |
In response to the devastating 2025 Los Angeles County Wildfires, the County has established the Los Angeles County Relief Fund. The LA Region Worker Relief Fund is for workers displaced and impacted by the 2025 wind and wildfire disaster. The program will provide grants up to $2,000 for eligible applicants to access relief and find economic security and new employment opportunities.
The LA Region Small Business Relief Fund is for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the 2025 wind and wildfire disaster. The program will provide grants up to $25,000 for eligible applicants to access relief, start to recover, and rebuild their business in LA County
| |
Upcoming Events and Workshops | |
|
SCORE: How to Craft a Buzz-Worthy Brand Story to Stand Out From Your Competitors
- February 24, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
SBDC: Trademark & Copyright Explained
- February 24, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
SCORE: Business Formation Uncovered: Navigating Business Structures
- February 25, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
SCORE: Small Business AI Basics
- February 25, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
SCORE: Fix My Site & Socials LIVE!
- February 26, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
SCORE: Break the Cycle of Income Taxation: An Alternative to Cash on the Balance Sheet
- February 27, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
SCORE: Introduction to Government Procurement
- February 27, 2025, 12:00 p.m.
SCORE: The Importance of Personal Credit for Your Business in 2025
| |
|
SBDC: Consulting Success: How To Start And Grow A Consulting Business
SCORE: QuickBooks Online Setup and Customization for Small Businesses
- March 4, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
SCORE: Tips to Build Your LinkedIn Brand
- March 4, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
SCORE: Digital Advertising: An Introduction
- March 5, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
SCORE: Optimizing Your Elevator Story for Increased Sales
- March 5, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
SCORE: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations in the Workplace
- March 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
SCORE: Increase Your Website Sales & Leads Using SEO
Abilities Expo
| |
BizCare is available by phone, email, or in-person appointment. Call the BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4249, email 4Biz@longbeach.gov, or request assistance for any kind of small business assistance. BizCare can help with business advising, financial resources, city programs, and more. | |
The City of Long Beach continues to expand its innovative business resources with the launch of its Business Insights Tool, a new, free online resource for local businesses that makes big data accessible for small businesses, allowing them to benchmark performance, optimize marketing, and analyze competitors, suppliers, and underserved markets. The Business Insights tool is now available for entrepreneurs and businesses at longbeach.gov/businessinsights. | |
The Visual Improvement Program (VIP) Grant is providing direct financial relief to local small businesses and nonprofits impacted by crime and vandalism on or after 10/1/2023. Eligible businesses can receive $1,500 to cover repairs to their storefront caused by vandalism. To find more information and access the online application visit longbeach.gov/smallbizgrants. | |
Become a Certified Green Business | |
|
The Department of Economic Development will now be certifying businesses for the Green Business Program. Started in Long Beach in 2018 under the Office of Sustainability, the Green Business Program allows businesses to demonstrate their commitment to creating healthier communities and environments. The program provides free technical assistance to businesses to help them implement more sustainable practices. Our staff will support you through the process and connect you with all the resources you'll need to get certified.
This program is available to all Long Beach businesses and non-profits and is free of charge. Businesses that complete the required measures will receive their Green Business Certification good for three years. Businesses can save on utility costs and create a workplace culture that values sustainability. In addition, businesses will have access to marketing materials and gain recognition through the City of Long Beach and California Green Business Network as a Certified Green Business.
| |
Take your business to the next level with free online courses, entrepreneurship training, and marketing tools from the Long Beach Public Library. Offering notable and distinguished resources such as Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, the Library offers digital resources to help business owners (and their employees) upskill and lead a successful business. The digital resources are completely free with your library card. Visit the LBPL Digital Library page to get started! | |
The Certified Blue Restaurant (CBR) program supports and recognizes the outstanding Long Beach restaurants that achieve exceptional water efficiency in our community. Interested restaurants can enroll below to receive a no-cost, on-site efficiency survey, free water-efficient devices (if eligible), and an assessment for other possible rebates. Enroll your restaurant for the Certified Blue Restaurant Program. | |
|
Every year, the Port of Long Beach needs small businesses to partner with, to build, maintain, and service the 2nd largest Port in the United States. Small businesses earn millions of dollars as primes and/or sub-contractors on Port contracts.
Small business opportunities are available for a variety of contract types, such as construction, supplies, landscaping, recycling services, technology hardware, software, and even food services. Visit the Port’s Business Opportunities Overview webpage to download a sampling of products/services procured by each Port division.
Port of Long Beach Small Business Enterprise / Very Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program
The main goal of the SBE/VSBE Program is to promote the participation of SBEs and VSBEs on Port contracts and procurements, via prime and subcontracting opportunities. The Port has a 27% annual department-wide goal which is achieved by setting minimum SBE and VSBE participation goals for applicable construction and professional services contracts, and bureau-wide and/or division-wide SBE/VSBE goals on applicable purchases. Learn more about the Port’s SBE/VSBE Program at polb.com/sbe.
| |
Long Beach Procurement Platform "Long Beach Buys" | |
The City of Long Beach has launched Long Beach Buys, a new purchasing platform and marketplace that is free for all businesses and organizations seeking to do business with the City. Long Beach Buys is part of the City’s Extreme Procurement Makeover initiative, which aims to enhance the City’s procurement process to be more efficient, results-driven, equitable, and sustainable. | |
|
The LB Resource Line is a hotline that supports anyone in Long Beach who needs help finding local, City and community resources. Calls are answered Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also submit your contact information through our Assistance Request Form.
Connect with trained Resource Navigators for assistance with:
- Housing
- Food Access
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Legal Aid
- Mental and Physical Health
- & more!
| |
Whether you are looking to create digital marketing assets for the first time or you need to level up your current efforts, CSULB is here to help your small business grow! This program will work with CSULB students enrolled in Marketing 437: Digital Marketing and Media to create customized digital marketing materials to boost your business for free. Students will assist in creating marketing material such as website creation, email marketing, and social media marketing. | |
|
Contact the City of Long Beach BizCare Hotline for Immediate Assistance:
Phone number: 562-570-4BIZ (4249)
Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
City staff will respond to voicemails made after business hours within 24 hours.
| | | | |
