City of Long Beach Business Brief
June 18, 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.
Small Business Grant Recipient-
Patricia's Restaurant
We continue a series focused on highlighting businesses that received small business grants through support from the City of Long Beach.

This weeks grant recipient feature is the family owned Bixby Knoll’s Mexican restaurant, Patricia’s Restaurant. Patricia's Restaurant received a City of Long Beach grant by visiting our BizCare Pop-Up's, the owner was provided resources and information regarding financial support available. Learn what grants are currently available here.
 
To learn more about other business and community resources, such as loans and free technical assistance, visit us at our BizCare Pop-Ups. Business owners can additionally connect with Economic Development staff through our Bizcare Call Center at (562) 570- 4BIZ for assistance. 


The City of Long Beach is committed to helping small businesses survive and recover. Businesses may benefit from grant programs that the City of Long Beach provides. Some of these programs will be available in June 2021 while others will launch later this summer.
Commercial Rental Assistance Grant
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. To qualify, your business must be:

  • Located within a CDBG area
  • Be a for-profit business
  • Employ fewer than 50 full-time employees
  • Must hold current business license
  • Be in compliance with current City of Long Beach Health Orders

*Current proof of payment is acceptable documentation to most current commercial lease/ rental agreements. Please contact BizCare at (562) 570-4249 if you have any questions. 

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.
State Health Guidance of Full Reopening
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued new guidance as the State fully reopened to the economy, Tuesday, June 15. The City issued an updated Health Order in alignment with the State. 

Beginning June 15, everyday activities will be allowed and businesses can open at full occupancy with risk-reduction measures in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As the State continues to monitor the transmission and effects of COVID-19 and its many variants, CDPH is strongly encouraging the following general public health recommendations:

  • Everyone should get vaccinated when eligible.
  • Indoor spaces should be well-ventilated (i.e., open all windows and doors to increase natural air flow), following current CDPH and California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) guidance.
  • Everyone should sign up for CA Notify as an added layer of protection for themselves and the community to receive alerts when they have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
City Extends Application Period for Emergency Rental Assistance Program
 The City of Long Beach for the second time is extending by 30 days the deadline for residential landlords and tenants to apply for the Long Beach Emergency Rental Assistance Program (LB-ERAP). The new deadline for the multi-million-dollar program is now July 11, 2021.

All LB-ERAP applications can be submitted via the program’s online information and service portal at longbeach.gov/erap. People may call the program support line at 833.358.5372 for assistance Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The program provides rental assistance to residential landlords and income-eligible tenants in Long Beach who have experienced financial loss or economic hardship due to COVID-19. In addition, applicants who only need assistance with utility payments may also apply for the LB-ERAP funding.
City of Long Beach Library Services Survey
Research an industry, start or expand a business, or explore a new career. LBPL features an extensive collection of business and career books, as well as resources in the Digital Library to support job seekers and entrepreneurs.

All resources are free with a Long Beach Public Library Card.

Long Beach Public Library wants to hear from you! Please take a minute to respond to the following questions to help understand your preference for library hours and services. Thank you, in advance, for participating in this short survey. Your feedback is important and appreciated.
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.