March 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
LIMITLESS Long Beach - Creating an Environment for Businesses to Thrive
For decades, large businesses have chosen to locate in Long Beach to capitalize on an exciting large city with a dynamic community, convenient transportation infrastructure, business friendly governance, and urban beach lifestyle. As the second most populous city in Los Angeles County, Long Beach has also created and preserved an enviable stock of historic buildings retaining an authentic sense of place.
Read more on why businesses are choosing Long Beach in the February issue of MOMENTUM written by Sergio Ramirez, Deputy Director of Economic Development in advance of the City's delegation to Vancouver.
Monthly 1 Million Cups Event Connects Local Startups to Long Beach Community
1 Million Cups is a national meetup that was developed based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee. Each month, entrepreneurs, innovators, funders and other community members interested in investing in Long Beach or networking with other entrepreneurs attend a meetup where two startups are given the opportunity to pitch. This month's featured presenters were: Pop Up Commercials and Coco Jack.
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.
Long Beach Farms Launches Kiva Campaign!
Long Beach Farms is an urban farm with a mission of creating a more secure, local, sustainable food model. Long Beach Farms' physical farming operation is comprised of small, dedicated farm sites in the north end of the city. Owner Demitrius is crowdfunding a $10,000 loan that will allow him to implement an ambitious 5-year growth plan that includes the purchase of a farm truck vehicle, purchase of inventory and upgraded equipment. Learn more about his campaign by clicking the link below.
Long Beach in the News

The Long Beach Business Journal: City Program Helps Ambitious Ales Join The Neighborhood
By Pierce Nahigyan

Bixby Knolls’ latest brewery, Ambitious Ales, held its grand opening on February 16. Juan Carrillo, general manager and co-owner of Ambitious Ales, told the Business Journal that the Long Beach Economic Development Department and the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA), the nonprofit group that manages the neighborhood’s business improvement district, were instrumental in making it happen. “They knew we were entrepreneurs,” Carrillo said. “Our first business, getting it to the permitting process, everything was chaotic and new to us. They made us feel very welcome.”
The Long Beach Post: Renovation Plans Move Forward for Historic Breakers Building
By: Kelly Puente

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously affirmed approval of renovations for the Breakers, giving a green light for the historic building’s transformation into a 185-room boutique hotel.

The project by community-investment partnership Pacific6 will restore the 14-story building on Ocean Boulevard back to its original use as a hotel. It will feature a jazz club, rooftop terrace, spa, swimming pool and other amenities that will serve both visitors and locals. 
For full list of articles, visit our news archive
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Join the SBDC at LBCC for Understanding Your Financials, a free workshop that will help you understand the real purpose of financial reports such as Profit & Loss statements and Balance Sheets and how to use these reports to more effectively manage your business. 

Wednesday, 3/27 | 6:00PM-8:00PM
4900 E Conant, Bldg O2 Long Beach
Join SCORE Long Beach and Ironfire for How to Negotiate a Commercial Lease . Attend this free workshop where you will learn key terminology in commercial leases, pitfalls to watch for, negotiation strategies with landlords, and current trends in the local market! 

Tuesday, 3/19 | 6:30PM-8:30PM
4195 N Viking Way, Long Beach