City of Long Beach Business Brief 2.26.21
Welcome to the Economic Development Department's Business Brief! We are continuing to ensure you are updated on the latest business resources and news.
Governor Newsom Signs California Relief for Individuals, Families, and Small Businesses 
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a $7.6 billion coronavirus relief package into law this week. The comprehensive package of immediate actions will speed needed relief to individuals, families and businesses suffering the most significant economic hardship due to COVID-19. The package of immediate actions includes:
  • relief for small businesses
  • direct cash support to individuals and households
  • child care
  • community college financial aid and more
The package sets aside more than $2 billion in grants for struggling small businesses. Businesses with annual revenues between $1,000 and $2.5 million are eligible for the funds. Grants will range from $5,000 to $25,000, with a priority given to businesses owned by women and minorities and businesses in areas with high unemployment rates. Approximately $50 million will be allocated for non-profit cultural institutions. Money from this package builds upon the $500 million that has already been distributed to small businesses since the pandemic began.
Mark your calendars! The Long Beach Economic Partnership for Accelerate Long Beach, will be hosting an economic forum, where they'll explore the trade and logistics industry. 

We'll hear from the Cal State University, Long Beach Office of Economic Research, City of Long Beach and Port of Long Beach officials, and from business leaders on how they're looking toward the future and planning for a post-COVID recovery.

The information and data that will be shared will be especially useful to people who operate businesses in Long Beach or are looking to invest here.

This event is free and open to all, participants can join from wherever they are around the globe! Participants will have the opportunity to interact with each other, sponsors, and speakers. 
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to extend the County’s Temporary Eviction Moratorium through June 30, 2021. The Moratorium, originally introduced in March 2020, places a Countywide ban on evictions for residential and commercial tenants, including mobilehome space renters. Under the County’s Moratorium, tenants may not be evicted for nonpayment of rent or unauthorized pets or occupants – if related to COVID-19, or no-fault reasons, nuisance, or denying entry to a landlord. The updated motion put forth by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Sheila Kuehl, not only extends protections for renters facing COVID-19 hardships and increases the length of the Moratorium for three months, but it also incorporates additional protections introduced by Assembly Bill 3088 and Senate Bill 91.

For more information on the State Eviction Moratorium, visit www.housingiskey.com. To learn about the County’s Temporary Eviction Moratorium at DCBA.lacounty.gov/noevictions, or speak with a Rent Stabilization Counselor by calling 833.223.RENT (7368).

LACI's Free Small Business Accelerator Program Deadline Extended
Founders Business Accelerator (FBA) is an impact acceleration program aimed at increasing the economic, community, and environmental impact of small businesses and micro-enterprises in the City of LA. In this 6-month virtual program, small business owners learn how to increase their resilience and develop their strategy in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. 

Tap into resources, connect and network with other small business owners as you receive support and training from LACI Executives-In-Residence and industry experts. Deadline to apply is Monday, March 1, 2021.
Paycheck Protection Loans
In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA in partnership with Lendistry will offer Paycheck Protection Program loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Tuesday, March 9, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable.
Up & Running California Program
In partnership with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, eBay invites you to join Up & Running California. This free, 6-week ecommerce training program offers interactive coaching and instruction to help your business thrive online.

This one-time program is open to all eligible, California-based businesses. Applications close March 11, and the program begins the week of March 29.

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.