Welcome to the Economic Development Department's Business Brief! We are continuing to ensure you are updated on the latest business resources and news.

Economic Development 2023 Recap

The Business Development and Workforce Development Bureaus had numerous successful projects and accomplishments in 2023 that we aim to continue into the new year. The Economic Development Department successfully launched and managed multiple programs for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members. Our local business support ecosystem remains strong and includes numerous highlights.

• The BizCare Program provided in-person technical assistance to 77 businesses at Pop-Ups. Over 700 local businesses were informed of resources and programs through direct outreach and 884 businesses were assisted by phone and email.
• 250 participants of the Long Beach Pledge Guaranteed Income Pilot began receiving monthly payments of $500 in May. Payments will continue through April 2024.
• Pacific Gateway organized an emergency job fair to help local employees affected by the Virgin Orbit layoffs. More than 260 impacted employees connected with 40 local companies, many of whom were interviewed and moved forward in the hiring process.
• 101 grants totaling $151,500 were dispersed to local businesses impacted by vandalism and property damage through the Visual Improvement Program.
• Enrolled over 100 businesses for the ShopLB Program that provides customer rewards for shopping local through the Localight app.
• Pacific Gateway opened the City’s only standalone youth employment center, Future LB, which houses a team of five full-time staff. A team of interns, partner agencies, and youth ambassadors lead daily workshops, career awareness activities, and internship placement services.
• Launched the Inclusive Business Navigators Program in contract with four local vendors. Provided 34 business workshops to 580 total attendees and one-on-one coaching to 195 businesses with content and staff that are linguistically and culturally competent. Secured $280,000 in state grant funding to expand program services for immigrant entrepreneurs in 2024 and 2025.

2024 State of the City

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson will deliver the 2024 State of the City Address at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in the Terrace Theater (300 E. Ocean Blvd). Community member who would like to attend are encouraged to RSVP. You may also view the livestream on YouTube or LBTV3.com.

During the 2024 address, Mayor Richardson will highlight key accomplishments led by the City of Long Beach in 2023 and will discuss his priority focus areas for the year ahead including housing production and the City’s ongoing homelessness response efforts, economic development strategies through the Grow Long Beach Initiative, and measures to improve the quality and efficiency of City services to ensure a clean, safe and livable City for all Long Beach residents.

The Queen Mary

In December, the Queen Mary reopened the legendary Sunday Brunch, hosted a free community holiday event, and put on two nights of New Years Eve celebrations. All this following an incredibly successful November where the Ship’s occupancy outperformed the Long Beach and Los Angeles markets. In addition to outperforming comparative hotels, the Queen Mary obtained a new benchmark by obtaining the highest RevPAR (revenue per available room) for November, making this Queen’s most successful month in over a decade.

The arrival and departure experience will also be improved soon with a new automated parking system that is expected to be completed this month. 2024 will bring more exciting improvements to the Queen Mary including Sun Deck repairs, the opening of yet more restaurant options, and continued preservation projects throughout the Ship. The Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Special Events Park will continue its run as a premiere entertainment destination with concerts, festivals, and special events planned through the year, with the next large festival occurring in March.

New Business Liaison for Economic Development Department

The Economic Development Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Julio Miranda to the position of Business Development Business Liaison! Please join the Economic Development Department as we welcome Julio into his new role!

As the business liaison, Julio will be able to assist local small business owners by providing direct one-on-one support. This includes informing and connecting them to City resources and connect with city resources related to loans, grants, compliance, and technical support. Julio may be reached at Julio.Miranda@longbeach.gov.

Long Beach Pledge Guaranteed Income Pilot Program to Expand with Second Cohort

On January 10, the City of Long Beach will open applications to expand its Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, known as the Long Beach Pledge, to include a second cohort of 200 additionally funded households. This expansion will be available to Long Beach households with children living under the federal poverty level in 90802, 90804, 90805,90806, and 90810 zip codes. Those selected for the Long Beach Pledge will receive $500 a month for 12 months.

The online application for the second cohort will be available in early January at longbeachpledge.org/apply and will be available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. Applicants without computer or smartphone access may visit a public computer lab at any open Long Beach Public Library location and can receive computer assistance from Library staff at the Family Learning Centers at Billy Jean King Main Library and Michelle Obama Library. Selected applicants will be notified in early 2024 and payments are anticipated to begin in spring 2024.

Families that are not eligible can find out about other available resources through the Resource Line by calling 562.570.4246.

Inclusive Business Navigators RFQ

The City of Long Beach (City), Department of Economic Development, is seeking qualified organizations to deliver support services including workshops, technical assistance, and business coaching/advising, that support businesses’ and nonprofits’ continued recovery from the financial hardship and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City is interested in partnering with organizations that can provide Outreach and Education and Technical Assistance.

This request for qualifications is open now through February 1, 2024.

Climate and Disaster Resilience Grant Trainings

Philanthropy California is partnering with Gary Bess Associates (GBA) to deliver in-person and virtual grant application and technical assistance trainings to community-based nonprofit organizations that have traditionally been left out of funding processes. This series will help nonprofits and CBOs leverage private and public funding for equitable climate and disaster resilience and partner with government and foundations more effectively.

The virtual grant trainings will launch in late January 2024. Then, starting in March 2024, eight in-person workshops will be held in regions across the state to allow participants to delve deeper into the components of funding proposals. Organizations led by and/or that serve Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color are encouraged to register for the technical grant trainings, including organizations serving underrepresented California regions and Tribes that intend to apply for the LISTOS California grant. 

Additionally, GBA will soon launch a complete website to house all grant-related activities, including updates, events, resources, and more at climatecapacity.philanthropycalifornia.org. Until then, funders and grantees can join the mailing list to keep up-to-date and get notified when registration opens for the 2024 events. 

Port of Long Beach New Office Hours for Small Businesses

The Port of Long Beach kicks off new “drop-in” office hours for small and diverse business enterprises seeking assistance with potential contracting opportunities at the Port.

The Port of Long Beach is proud to announce office hours on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for small and diverse businesses looking to explore contracting opportunities at the Port, or requesting assistance with small business enterprise or disadvantaged business enterprise opportunities. Office hours will occur at the Port of Long Beach Administration Building on the first floor, located at 415 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA.

Business Insights Tool

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.

Visual Improvement Program (VIP) Grant

“We faced an unfortunate incident where rocks were thrown at our establishment, shattering our windows. The cost of repairing windows can be quite expensive. However, thanks to the grant funding we received, we were able to cover the expenses of the window repairs, as well as invest in our products and serve our valued customers.” Heather Day, owner of Pixie Toys – Children Toy Store.

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 10/1/2022. 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.

Inclusive Business Navigators Program

The City of Long Beach launched the Inclusive Business Navigators Program to provide outreach, workshops, education, and direct technical assistance for local small businesses and nonprofits to support their economic recovery from financial hardships and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City previously sought partners to administer the Inclusive Business Navigators Program to support equitable economic recovery for Long Beach small businesses and nonprofits. The City selected vendors including CentroCHA, UCC, April Parker, and RightSource Services to provide outreach and assistance to local businesses. More information on these vendors and assistance available can be found at longbeach.gov/biznavigators. Businesses can also access assistance through this program through the BizCare Hotline: 562.570.4249 or 4Biz@longbeach.gov.

Pacific Gateway Work Experience Program

Looking for an opportunity to make a positive impact while also benefiting your business? Consider partnering with Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network, the City's workforce agency. Pacific Gateway is seeking employers who can provide work experience opportunities to individuals with limited experience.  

By hosting a temporary worker through Pacific Gateway, you'll provide meaningful work experience to shape their professional growth. Pacific Gateway will serve as the employer on record and pay the worker's wages.

For more information about the Work Experience program or additional questions, please contact Sokko Kong at Sokko.Kong@pacific-gateway.org or 562-570-3728. 

Commercial Corridor Façade Improvement Program

The Commercial Corridor Façade Improvement Program (CCFIP) will provide financial assistance in the form of a grant to commercial property owners to significantly improve the appearance of the entire façade of their property that is visible from the street.

Visit the program webpage for more information and eligibility requirements.

Free Digital Marketing with CSULB

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.

Long Beach Public Library Digital Library

Take your business to the next level with free online courses, entrepreneurship training, and marketing tools from the Digital Library. Offering notable and distinguished resources such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, the Digital Library contains an invaluable wealth of knowledge to help business owners (and their employees) upskill and lead a successful business. The Digital Library is free for all LBPL cardholders. Sign up for a library card to access these Digital Library Resource. 

Certified Blue Restaurant Program

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.

Are you a small business looking for new opportunities?

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.

Long Beach Resource Line

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.