City of Long Beach Business Brief
July 16, 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 Closing Soon!
The deadline to apply for the Long Beach Commercial Rental Assistance Grant is this Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 5 p.m.!

The grant is elegible to businesses in a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) area. The Long Beach Commercial Rental Assistance Grant can provides financial relief to eligible small businesses to pay commercial lease payments. Businesses may be eligible to receive up to $4,000!

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.
Official Statement by City of Long Beach Health and Human Services Health Officer Regarding Indoor Mask Requirements
The City of Long Beach has seen a 288% increase in average daily cases over the past two weeks as well as a current case rate of 7.5 per 100,000 residents, up from less than 1 per 100,000 on June 15. 

These trends are similar to those reported by LA County. In addition, the CDC lists Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, as an area of “substantial” virus transmission. The delta variant, which is more highly transmissible, is now the dominant strain in California, including in Southern California, comprising 60% to 70% of new cases. 

Given these numbers, the City of Long Beach will align with LA County in requiring masking indoors regardless of vaccination status. Additional information on the implementation of this requirement will be available soon through an amended Health Order.
 Join the City of Long Beach Budget Conversation
The City of Long Beach invites all residents to provide their input and help shape the City’s spending plan for the next fiscal year and into the future. Please share your budget priorities in an online survey; and attend a Citywide Community Budget meeting and additional meetings of the City Council and its Budget Oversight Committee. 
California Roars Back: Governor Newsom Highlights Immediate Relief for Californians as Part of Largest Economic Recovery Package in State History
Under the Governor’s Plan, California is now offering the largest renter assistance package of any state in America with a total of $5.2 billion to help low-income renters and landlords, covering 100 percent of back-rent and all prospective rent for several months into the future. The Plan includes an additional $2 billion for overdue water and utility bills.
 
Creating the largest small business relief program in the nation, the Plan invests an additional $1.5 billion for a total of $4 billion in direct grants to California’s small businesses – on top of $6.2 billion in tax relief. Working to address opportunity gaps, the Plan also invests $35 million for the California Dream Fund to provide microgrants of up to $10,000 to seed entrepreneurship and spur small business creation in underserved groups and communities. In addition, $500 million in new grants will be used to create opportunities for workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic.
 
Governor Newsom’s California Comeback Plan seizes this once-in-a-lifetime moment to address long-standing challenges by taking on threats to our state’s future and ensuring every California family – regardless of their race or zip code – can thrive.
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.
An Education on Homelessness for Business Owners with Justin Dupee
The purpose of this presentation is meant to educate and provide insight and context to the public about mental health issues and homelessness in our community. It will provide tools on how to safely and effectively engage with people experiencing homelessness and mental health issues as well as provide useful resources to help both business owners as well as the people experiencing these issues.
Join the webinar:
Mon, July 19, 2021
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PDT
United Cambodian Community Webinar
UCC provides culturally competent social services to the Cambodian community in Long Beach, home of Cambodia Town. UCC is a multi-service agency providing youth development, workforce development, gang prevention, and mental health services to address the changing needs of the growing Cambodian population. Currently, UCC’s mission is to elevate the Cambodian community through local engagement and leadership that embodies Cambodian cultural values.

Join the upcoming webinar!
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.