City of Long Beach Business Brief
June 11, 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-
Ilda's Hair Design
We continue a series focused on highlighting businesses that received small business grants thanks to support from the City of Long Beach.

This weeks grant recipient feature is Ilda's Hair Design! This hair salon located in Cambodia Town was assisted through our #Bizcare Pop-Ups where staff provided one-on-one in-person support. 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.

For the full list of upcoming and current grants click here.
Commercial Rental Assistance Grant
Are you doing business in a Community Development Block Grant area (CDBG)? 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

The Commercial Rental Assistance Grant application is now open. 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 full eligibility requirements and 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.
City of Long Beach to Align with California Department of Public Health Guidance for the Use of Masks
On June 9, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued new guidance for individuals for the use of masks for the prevention of spreading COVID-19. This updated guidance aligns with the masking guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and goes into effect on June 15, 2021.

Under the new CDPH guidance, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a facial covering except in certain settings such as healthcare settings, on public transportation, including but not limited to airplanes, buses, taxis and ride-shares, and indoor in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings, and certain congregate living settings (eg. homeless shelters and detention facilities). The City of Long Beach will align with the State on all masking guidelines.

Facial coverings remain required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses, including but not limited to restaurants, retail establishments and family entertainment centers.

The CDPH also set guidelines for mega events, characterized as indoor events with more than 5,000 people or outdoor events with more than 10,000 people.

Existing State and City mask guidance will remain in place until June 15. A state order changing the existing guidelines is expected by the State before June 15, which the City will align with. 
Long Beach Economic Partnership Quarterly Forum
On Thursday, June 17 join the Long Beach Economic Partnership for Accelerate Long Beach, which will focus on exploring the history, present and future of Long Beach’s aerospace, satellite and technology industries.

Under the leadership of Long Beach Mayor Dr. Robert Garcia, Long Beach has become Space Beach, a growing hub for cutting edge companies focused on spaceflight. The city is attracting dozens of startups that are bringing thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in investment. Hear from the mayor at Accelerate Long Beach.

Additionally, participants can expect to hear from the Cal State University, Long Beach Office of Economic Research about Long Beach’s economic picture, and how the long history of aerospace innovation in the region means the road to Mars goes through the LBC. 
 
You'll also hear from space and technology business leaders on how starting their business in Long Beach or relocating to the area set their company up for success in this increasingly competitive field.
 
This live, virtual conference is free and open to all! Live Q&A sessions with the speakers and experts will provide deeper insight into Long Beach’s economic picture, and the future of the local aerospace and technology industry.
 
The information and data they'll share will be useful not only to those already doing business in the city, but anyone looking to invest in Long Beach.
Free Entrepreneur Courses
Do you have a brilliant business idea? Are you ready to hire your first employee? Do you need capital to expand your business? DreamBuilder empowers entrepreneurs through free online entrepreneurial training. DreamBuilder offers online courses that teach the skills and knowledge to start or grow a business.

Courses are interactive, convenient and available in both Spanish and English. Best of all, they're free.

TWO PROGRAMS:

1) DreamBuilder - 13 sessions - How to start or grow your business. You will develop a personalized business plan, and receive a Certificate of Completion.
2) Finance Your Dream - 1 session - Learn about different types of capital and create an action plan to secure it. You will develop a Capital Action Plan and receive a Certificate of Completion.
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.