City of Long Beach Business Brief
August 20, 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.
The deadline to apply for the Business License Tax and Fee Grant is August 30, 2021. This grant provides financial relief to full-service independently owned restaurants by paying the following business license taxes and fees charged by the City between the period of January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020:

1. Business License Taxes
2. Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments
3. Health Permit Fees
4. Fire Permit Fees
5. Penalty or late payment fees incurred in the eligible period for the above taxes or fees

Approximately $1.3 million is available for the new program. The maximum grant available per eligible business will depend on the total taxes and fees each business was charged between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

Information about additional business assistance and resources is available on the City’s Business Support webpage or by contacting the City’s Business Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ(4249)
We are thrilled to feature a Microenterprise Loan recipient Scholars Collective. Scholars Collective's goal is to promote convenience for parents and quality learning activities for kids. Parents can drop in without reservations! Scholars Collective is an alternative to child care with an enrichment center where children can be engaged in hands-on fun learning activities with the added convenience of a drop-in hourly service that stays open until 9:00pm. Scholars Collective state-of-the-art tech lab provides kids (as well as adults) a space for exploring and the ability to build and work on computers, learn coding, competitive gaming, and content creation. Scholars Collective has an artist in residence program in which they share their space with local artists who provide art classes and mentoring to youth in their programs.

Join Scholars Collective at their grand opening event Saturday, August 28!

With the City of Long Beach Microenterprise Loan funds Scholars Collective was able to provide start up funds for their facility, staffing, and supplies. The Microenterprise Loan Program is designed to support Long Beach small businesses. The Microenterprise Loan proceeds may go toward business expenses, such as personnel, rent, supplies/materials, utilities, professional services, and more (proceeds cannot be spent on construction).

For more information and for a full list of City small business loan programs available click here.
The LB-ERAP application period has been reopened due to recently received and secured additional state and federal funding. The application period will remain open until all funding is exhausted. For questions or updates about applications, please visit the application portal or call the LB-ERAP Information & Support Line, hosted by Yardi Systems, the City's program partner, at 833.358.5372 from Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
The City of Long Beach (City), through its contract with “on-call” property management consultants, will conduct work related to the removal, haul away, and disposal of window/storefront coverings (plywood). Work will be paid for by the City and contracted directly with the property management consultants. The estimated value of each grant is estimated between $100 and $600 (maximum) per location, subject to the size of the storefront. Maximum pieces of plywood to be removed, 30 pieces. 

Applications will be continue to be accepted until August 30, 2021. The SRBR program will assist applicants on a first-come-first-served basis for the removal of plywood boards only. Any applicants that may require additional storefront repairs in addition to plywood removal may require additional review and experience longer application processing times.
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.