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.
Deadline Extended for First Round of Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Applications
California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced that the deadline for the first round of applications for the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be extended until January 13, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

This grant program is not first come, first served, nor a rolling approval process. All applications will be reviewed following the now extended application deadline.

The State’s selected intermediary, Lendistry, a Community Development Financial Institution, is working with other mission-based lenders and small business advisory and technical assistance providers to help small businesses with the application process in multiple languages and formats. Many of the State-supported small business centers, which prioritize the expansion of technical assistance to underserved business groups, are also available to help. For more information on grant requirements and eligibility please visit careliefgrant.com.

Eligible business owners can apply for grant support from FOUND/LA. The application window opens Monday, January 11, 2021 at 9:00am and closes Sunday, January 17, 2021 at 11:59pm. Applicants will need to submit completed applications and required documents in order to qualify. Those who meet the eligibility requirements will be entered into a pool of eligible applicants. On designated selection days, grant recipients will be randomly selected from this pool until all funds are expended. The size of the grant will be between $5,000 and $25,000 depending on the size of the business. 

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be bricks and mortar businesses serving the neighborhood in which they’re located, where customers can come in during business hours;
  • Business must be located in LA County
  • Under 20 employees (includes full time, part time, and/or contracted workers)
  • Evidence of profitable business pre-COVID
  • Evidence of being negatively impacted by COVID
  • Company founded by February 2019
  • Revenue between $30K and $3M 
  • Must own at least 50% of the business
  • Must be willing to complete the application process and submit all required documents 
  • Must be willing to have your story told in FOUND/LA, TMC Community Capital, and/or Pacific Community Ventures’ print, digital, and audio outlets
GO-Biz Now Accepting Applications for California Competes Tax Credits 
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC). 
There are $80 million in tax credits available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding quality, full-time jobs in California that might not otherwise be created by the business or any other business. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, January 25, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) and the online application website will automatically close once this deadline has passed. The online application can be accessed at www.calcompetes.ca.gov. 

Members of the CCTC team are available to provide technical application assistance. In addition, an updated application guide, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and program regulations are available at www.business.ca.gov/california-competes-tax-credit. 

Businesses interested in learning more about the CCTC can participate in free application webinars. 

If you have any questions regarding the CCTC program or application process, please call (916) 322-4051 or email CalCompetes@gobiz.ca.gov.
Los Angeles County Launches Free Technical Assistance Program
The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) has launched a new online resource to help businesses large and small navigate through economic uncertainty and prepare them for a post-COVID-19 economy. The BizHelp Program will offer support and resources via a series of online webinars starting January 12, 2021.

The BizHelp Program is available to all businesses in the County of Los Angeles and is offered free of charge. The LACDA has teamed up with three local technical assistance providers – Acelera Advisory Group, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment, and Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation – to host webinars that will cover various topics such as tips for successfully securing financial resources, operating post COVID-19, understanding basics in accounting and bookkeeping, and improving credit for business owners. Registration is required to participate.

Registration is now open. Webinars begin on January 12, 2021. Businesses interested in participating or requiring further information can visit bizhelp.lacda.org.
Upcoming Webinars
January 12, 2021 10:00 am - 11:00 am

This workshop provides you with a detailed understanding of how to apply for forgiveness. For those who have not yet applied, you will also learn the terms and conditions for PPP funding.

Jan 19 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

This in-depth webinar addresses a multitude of important topics regarding legal entities and other important decisions business owner's need to make.

Jan 22 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join the Long Beach SBDC for our Live Marketing Q&A addressing questions on how to effectively market and grow your business. SBDC advisor and Business Growth Strategist David Mitroff Ph.D. and Brad Pollak, Director of the Long Beach SBDC, will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of topics.
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.