City of Long Beach Business Brief
Welcome to the Economic Development Department's Business Brief! We are continuing to ensure you are updated on the latest business resources and news.
Business Grant and Loan Programs
CARES Act Small Business Transition and Technology Grant

The application closes Friday, December 11, 2020 at 11:59 P.M. (PST)
 
The Small Business Transition and Technology (SBTT) Program provides grants to support small businesses operating in Long Beach. The SBTT Program will provide Working Capital Grants up to $5,000 and Technology Grants up to $2,000. 
 
Eligible uses of grant funding include, but are not limited to:
 
 Working Capital Grant
  • Commercial rent
  • Inventory
  • Payroll
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Furniture, fixtures, and equipment that help businesses safely operate
 
 Technology Grant
  • Technology solutions that help business safely operate and transition to digital services and build their online presence, such as contactless payment systems, queuing systems, website development, digital marketing, and more.

Applicants may be eligible to receive up to $7,000 in grant funding.
City of Long Beach Emergency Microloan Program

The Emergency Microloan Program is designed to support Long Beach businesses and non-profits with 5 or less employees that have been financially burdened by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  • Between $2,500 to $10,000 is available for small businesses operating in Long Beach
  • Interest rate: 2.44 percent
  • No fees
  • Repayment period ranges from 5 to 7 years
  • Borrowers may access a grace period of up to 9 months
  • Loan proceeds may go toward business expenses, such as personnel, rent, supplies/materials, utilities, professional services, and more
  • Funding is subject to availability and submittal of a loan application does not guarantee funding

To get started, potential borrowers must sign-up for an appointment with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at longbeachsbdc.org or by phone at (562) 938-5100. 
Upcoming Webinar
Top Legal Issues for Small Businesses in the Age of COVID-19
Wed, December 16, 2020
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST

These Legal Webinars are a free event bringing together top lawyers to present on pertinent legal areas for LA's COVID-19 impacted small business community.
Learn about the legal frameworks to protect your business, including entity structure, contracts, commercial leases, licensing and permits Updates for COVID-19 are included as applicable. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up to be screened for pro bono legal representation and will be given information on applying to Bet Tzedek for free legal services related to the impact of COVID-19 on their small businesses.
City of Long Beach Announces Free Mobile Hotspots and Computers for Long Beach Residents
The Long Beach Technology and Innovation Department (TI) in partnership with human-I-T and the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) is launching a new free internet services and computing devices program to help connect Long Beach residents to free digital inclusion resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
More than 550 free tablets with keyboards and 250 mobile hotspots with one-year paid internet service plans are available on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified, low-income Long Beach residents with proof of income eligibility, while supplies last. 
 
Long Beach residents can apply for the program by calling the City’s Digital Inclusion Resources Hotline at 562.570.7000 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The hotline is closed on alternating Fridays as part of the City’s furlough schedule. Distribution of the free mobile hotspots and tablets will begin following review of applications and determination of eligibility, which is conducted by City staff referred to as digital inclusion navigators. 
 
Digital inclusion navigators will be available by phone to facilitate the application process. Proof of qualifying income of 200% below the Federal Poverty Guidelines will be required for all applicants. For additional information, residents can email or text digitalinclusion@longbeach.gov
 
Low-cost internet services, computers and a free virtual digital literacy course are also available to qualifying households through human-I-T's Connect , Equip and Digital Literacy Training Programs. Long Beach residents can text “City of Long Beach” to 562.372.6925, call 888.391.7249 or visit human-I-T's website for more information. 
 
In July 2020, the Long Beach City Council approved a spending plan for the City’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds and allocated $1,000,000 to support digital inclusion programs as part of the City’s Digital Inclusion Initiative. 
 
Long Beach remains committed to ensuring digital inclusion and providing equitable access and use of digital literacy training, the Internet, technology devices and other digital inclusion resources regardless of background, identity and income. 
 
The City is also in the process of developing a Digital Inclusion Roadmap to further address the digital divide and advance digital equity and inclusion in Long Beach. The foundation of the Roadmap will include collaborating with the community and cross-sector partners to uplift communities most in need during the development and implementation phases. 
 
Earlier this year, the City was designated a “2020 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer” by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). Digital Inclusion Trailblazers is an honor roll of local government initiatives that promote digital literacy and broadband Internet access for underserved residents. This is the second time that the City has received this distinct recognition. City staff was also awarded the 2020 Digital Equity Champion Award by the NDIA. Two honorees received this national award which recognizes outstanding leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity and inclusion and addressing the digital divide. 
 
For more information on the City’s Digital Inclusion Initiative in Long Beach, go to longbeach.gov/ti.
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.