City of Long Beach Business Brief

November 23, 2022

Welcome to the Economic Development Department's Business Brief! We are continuing to ensure you are updated on the latest business resources and news.

EN ESPAÑOL

City Encourages Residents to Shop Local by Participating in Small Business Saturday

The City of Long Beach is encouraging residents to support local businesses by participating in Small Business Saturday, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Shopping local supports our local economy and the diverse business owners that enrich our community as well as reducing your environmental footprint. Shoppers can also enjoy free parking Downtown and in Belmont Shore.


Visit longbeach.gov/SmallBizSaturday to learn more, and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with #ShopSmallLB.

Long Beach Pledge Application Now Open

The City of Long Beach launched the application period for the Long Beach Pledge, the City’s guaranteed income pilot program. The program will provide $500 a month for 12 months to 250 families with children who live in the 90813 zip code, are below 100% of the federal poverty line and have one income earner for their household. The application is open for eligible residents now through Jan. 17, 2023, at 4:59 p.m.


The online application is now open at longbeachpledge.org/apply and is available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. Applicants without computer or smartphone access may visit a public computer lab at any open Long Beach Public Library location.

City Launches Sidewalk Vending Survey

The City of Long Beach invites the community to take the Sidewalk Vending Survey, now available at longbeach.gov/sidewalkvending, to provide their input on the future of sidewalk vending in Long Beach. Now through Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, community members may complete the survey online. Those without computer access can visit an open Long Beach Public Library location to take the survey at one of the available public computer labs or complete a paper survey. Both the online and paper surveys are available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. 


For more information, visit longbeach.gov/sidewalkvending. For additional questions, people may call 562.570.6211 or email lbbiz@longbeach.gov with the subject line, “Sidewalk Vending.” 

Certified Blue Restaurant Program

The Certified Blue Restaurant (CBR) program supports and recognizes the outstanding Long Beach restaurants that achieve exceptional water efficiency in our community. Interested restaurants can enroll below to receive a no-cost, on-site efficiency survey, free water-efficient devices (if eligible), and an assessment for other possible rebates. Enroll your restaurant for the Certified Blue Restaurant Program.

Upcoming Workshops

SBDC: Session 2 Using an Excel Document for Financial Modeling and Forecasting

  • November 29 - 9:30am - 10:30am

SBDC: How to Sell When You're Not a Salesperson

  • November 29 - 5 - 6:30pm

SBDC: Session 2 Business Finance Literacy Series

  • November 29 - 9:30am - 10:30am

PACE Finance Corporation: Create a Marketing Plan for your Business

  • December 1 - 1pm - 2pm

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce: Holiday Mixer

  • December 1 - 5:30pm - 8pm

SBDC: Business Finance Literacy Series

  • December 6 - 9:30am - 10:30pm

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce: Holiday Mixer

  • December 1 - 5:30pm - 8pm

New BizCare Schedule and Location

The BizCare Pop-Ups have transitioned to once per week taking place Thursdays at different locations throughout the city. Find the latest schedule at longbeach.gov/bizcare.


Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment with one of our Pop-Up staff members with services are delivered in English, Spanish, and Khmer: Niyah (English)Rachel (English, Khmer)Ana (English, Spanish)Sam (English, Spanish)Ariel (English, Spanish).


To learn more about the BizCare Pop-Ups or for questions call the BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4249 or email 4Biz@longbeach.gov.

The City of Long Beach to Provide Free Hotspots and Chromebooks to Residents, Businesses and Non-profits

The City of Long Beach Technology and Innovation Department, in collaboration with nine Long Beach Recovery Act community partners, is re-launching the Free Internet Services and Computing Devices Program. to provide free connectivity, technology, computer literacy training and technical support services to qualified Long Beach residents, businesses and non-profits critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.


Low-cost internet services, computer resources and free computer literacy training are also available to qualifying Long Beach residents through Human-I-T’s ConnectEquip, and Include Programs. Residents may also qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), that provides people in need with monthly subsidies and device discounts to help them get online and stay connected to the internet. Long Beach residents can text “City of Long Beach” to 562.561.2565, call 888.391.7249 or visit Human-I-T's website for more information.

Long Beach Procurement Platform "Long Beach Buys"

The City of Long Beach has launched Long Beach Buys, a new purchasing platform and marketplace that is free for all businesses and organizations seeking to do business with the City. Long Beach Buys is part of the City’s Extreme Procurement Makeover initiative, which aims to enhance the City’s procurement process to be more efficient, results-driven, equitable and sustainable.

Doing Business with the City Webinar

Join the City of Long Beach Purchasing Division for information on how to do business with the City. These webinars will be held every Third Thursday of the month on Zoom.


The webinar event will feature an overview of contracting processes, a look at Long Beach Buys, the City's online procurement platform, information on business licensing, and a chance to ask questions of City staff. The next webinar will be held Thursday, December 15 at 11am. Register online for the webinar for Doing Business with the City.

Long Beach Resource Line

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.


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411 W. Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 570-4249