July 2019
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!
Highlights
City of Long Beach Recognized for Excellence in Regional Planning
The City of Long Beach has received four prestigious awards by the Los Angeles section of the American Planning Association (APA). Economic Development took home the Award of Excellence in Economic Planning and Development for the ‘Everyone In’ Economic Inclusion Initiative! 'Everyone In' focuses on creating an inclusive economy that includes and benefits every Long Beach resident, prioritizing historically underrepresented communities.
Pacific Gateway Hosts Successful Cannabis Job Fair
On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, the City of Long Beach Workforce Development Bureau (Pacific Gateway), in partnership with the Long Beach Collective Association (LBCA) held the first Long Beach Cannabis Job Fair at the WorkPlace, 4811 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach 90815. The event was a huge success, with twenty businesses on-hand recruiting for over 100 open positions, and 384 hopeful job seekers looking to find employment. Visit the link below to learn about upcoming Workforce events.
Kiva Long Beach
Through the Kiva Long Beach initiative, Long Beach entrepreneurs can access 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 campaigns and how you can support by visiting the profiles below!
Active Campaigns
Long Beach in the News
Long Beach Business Journal: Pilot Program For Minority Business Owners Provides Perspective And Community
By: Alena Maschke

The City’s GROW Long Beach pilot program is an initiative designed to help entrepreneurs of color grow and expand their businesses. Spearheaded by the City’s Economic Development Department and led by GROW Long Beach Consultant Vivian Shimoyama, the program seeks to connect business owners with resources and help them develop a vision for the future growth of their companies.
Long Beach Post: Workers Break Ground on 102-unit Affordable Housing Project in Central Long Beach

The Las Ventanas development, formerly known as the Pacific Apartments, is now officially under construction and is set to house 102 affordable apartment units at Long Beach Boulevard near Pacific Coast Highway.
For full list of articles, visit our news archive
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Join SCORE for "Creating Content for Social Media: Photos, DIY Video and Graphics." A FREE workshop where you will learn how to create beautiful images and even easy DIY video for your business. You will walk away with tools to make your social media and website pop with business building excitement!

Tuesday, 7/09 | 5:15PM-7:30PM
5870 Atlantic Ave, LB 90805
Join the Small Business Development Center for Creating an Effective Business Plan, a free workshop that 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.  

Thursday, 7/18 | 6:00PM-8:30PM
4900 E Conant, Bldg O2, LB 90808