June 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
The Economic Development Commission Hosts 2019 Blueprint Community Update
On April 30th, the Economic Development Commission hosted the 2019 Blueprint Community Update where Commissioners, City staff, and partners gave an update on over 20 initiatives that address each focus area of the Blueprint for Economic Development. Missed the update? View a recording of the update and presentation slides by clicking the link below!
Long Beach Public-Private Partnership Announces City's First Startup Accelerator
Photograph by the Long Beach Business Journal’s Brandon Richardson

The City of Long Beach has partnered with California State University Long Beach's Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Sunstone Management to launch the Long Beach Accelerator (LBA). This innovative public-private partnership is set to strengthen the Long Beach entrepreneurial ecosystem and retain/attract top talent by providing early state tech startups the resources that they need to succeed. The LBA (pending City Council approval) is expected to welcome its first cohort later this year!
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.
Congratulations to Emerald for reaching her funding goal in just one day! Emerald will use funds from her Kiva loan to purchase supplies for her cottage bakery, Royal Gourmet Cookies. Learn more about Emerald and her business by visiting her campaign profile!
Campaigns that are currently funding include a newly opened restaurant and an app that is changing the way brands do business! View their campaigns below and learn how you will be impacting their business by lending as little s $25 today!
Rabi | Taboon Mediterranean
Ossie | PICKL
Long Beach in the News
The Long Beach Business Journal: The Grow Long Beach Fund Helps Local Businesses Expand And Thrive
By: Pierce Nahigyan

The City of Long Beach offers microloan options for startups and small businesses with five or fewer employees, but what about established businesses that want to expand their operations? The Grow Long Beach Fund makes it possible for these businesses to receive up to $2 million in financing.

To date, Long Beach has invested $1.15 million in its Grow Long Beach Fund and provided $8,494,800 in loans to local businesses. “The program has proven to be a great venue for us to be able to help those businesses that need anywhere from $150,000 to $2 million,” Jalali told the Business Journal. 
The Grunion: CenterCal Releases List Of Leases For 2nd & PCH Center
By Hayley Munguia

Long Beach has a slew of new shops and restaurants coming its way this fall — including the likes of Urban Outfitters, Shake Shack and Sephora — when the 11-acre 2nd & PCH project opens its doors.

On Monday, May 20, CenterCal Properties, the firm behind the new development, announced 19 tenants that will join the waterfront site. Barret Bradley, developer CenterCal's representative, said a 2nd & PCH grand opening is slated for the end of October.
For full list of articles, visit our news archive
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Beach Entrepreneur Boot Camp! This free workshop series offers an intense overview of how to build a business plan with support and resources provided by CSULB's Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, The College of Business, and the City of Long Beach Economic Development Department.
Join the Small Business Develoment Center for How To Establish Credit & Improve Your Credit Score, a free credit and money management workshop where you will learn best practices around credit and tips on negotiating with lenders.



Wednesday, 6/26 | 6:00PM-7:30PM
4900 E Conant, Bldg O2 Long Beach