City of Long Beach Business Brief
July 9, 2021
Welcome to the Economic Development Department's Business Brief! We are continuing to ensure you are updated on the latest business resources and news.
Commercial Rental Assistance Grant Still Accepting Applications
Do you have a business in a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) area? The Long Beach Commercial Rental Assistance Grant can provide financial relief to eligible small businesses to pay your commercial lease payments. Businesses can receive up to $4,000!

Deadline to apply is Thursday, July 22, 2021, at 5 p.m. For more information, businesses may visit the City’s Commercial Rental Assistance Grant webpage to review eligibility requirements and submit an application.

For assistance applying, call our BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4BIZ (4249) to make an appointment with Economic Development staff, visit us at our Bizcare Pop-up locations, or email at 4biz@longbeach.gov.
Personal Care Services and Health and Wellness Grant Program
In response to the devastating effects that COVID-19 has had on our local economy, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) is developing several grant programs to help provide financial relief to our small business community.

The Personal Care Services and Health & Wellness Grant is dedicated to supporting brick-and-mortar businesses within the personal care service and health and wellness industries in Downtown Long Beach. Businesses must operate in applicable areas.

The grant was designed to provide needed financial relief and recovery to small businesses and independent contractors that were temporarily closed due to LA County and City of Long Beach Health Orders. In total, $90,000 will be made available to small businesses for grants ranging from $1,250 to $4,750 depending on the type of business.

The application period will open on Wednesday, July 7 and will run until August 31st or when all funds are exhausted. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

​The PBZ Grant is awarded in amounts ranging from $500-$5000 and is designed to help business owners offset the cost of operational expenses such as​:
  • Business filings (license, incorporations etc.)
  • ​Funds towards deposit of rent or other down payment
  • Subscriptions for service (zoom, GoDaddy, legal zoom)
  • Development of a website or app

In addition, the grant may be used to sponsor nonprofits that support these entrepreneurs, but the funds must go directly to entrepreneurs in the form of prizes for Pitch contest, working capital, low interest loan etc.
SBA Learning Platform
SBA's online learning programs are designed to empower and educate small business owners every step of the way. Whether you're looking to start a small business or expand your current one, SBA's digital learning platform has everything you need to educate yourself on entrepreneurial best practices and available financing options. 
  • Learning Center: Start, pivot, or grow your small business with courses from SBA's Learning Center.
  • Ascent for Women: A free online learning platform for women interested in starting or growing their small businesses. 
  • Boots to Business: Entrepreneurial education and training program for transitioning service members and their spouses
  • Emerging Leaders Initiative: Executive-level series designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential small businesses in America’s underserved cities
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.