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 City of Long Beach launched a new website for its upcoming First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (Program), which will provide approximately 100 eligible families with up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The application process for qualified residents is expected to open in early 2023. Facilitated by the Development Services Department, the Program, which is a grant and not a loan or mortgage service, will assist low- and moderate-income families traditionally underrepresented in homeownership with purchasing their first home and building multi-generational wealth. Applicants will need to be first-time homebuyers presently residing within a federal Community Development Block Grant designated census tract in Long Beach, among other requirements. More program details, including eligibility information, are available on the Program website at longbeach.gov/lbhomegrant.

The City of Long Beach launched its electric-powered shuttle service for the Downtown Long Beach – Alamitos Beach neighborhoods as part of the Micro-Transit Shuttle program. This is the second and final fleet of electric-powered shuttles, which will operate Thursdays through Sundays*, and are intended to support mobility programs for economic recovery, promote non-automotive transportation modes for trips under three miles and alleviate parking impacts by connecting to nearby underutilized parking lots.

All riders are encouraged to download the Ride Circuit mobile app, available from any app store, or by visiting ridecircuit.com/ride for more information. For more information, visit the City of Long Beach Micro-Transit Shuttle program webpage.

The City of Long Beach is seeking a qualified organization with experience in affordable housing, and trust among Long Beach residents and neighborhood organizations, to establish and operate a Community Land Trust (CLT) Program. The City has launched a Request for Proposals (RFPs) for the establishment of a CLT Program as part of the City’s strategic goal to build stronger communities through investments in housing and neighborhoods.

All criteria and specific details, including program scope, eligibility requirements and submission instructions, are available in an RFP that was launched today and posted on Long Beach Buys. Eligible organizations are encouraged submit proposals through Long Beach Buys by 11 a.m. (PST) on Jan. 31, 2023.

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced a second round of nearly $45 million in new funding for the California Venues Grant Program. The program provides grants to eligible independent live events venues whose revenues were impacted by COVID-19 in 2020.

The first round of the California Venues Grant Program application period is December 19, 2022, through January 31, 2023. Distributing more than $111.5 million in the fall of 2021 to nearly 830 eligible independent live events venues, including more than 150 women-owned businesses and 587 small businesses in low-income areas.

The City of Long Beach recently launched its new Long Beach Collaboratory (LB Co-Lab), to engage residents with civic technology design and equip them with technology skills to thrive in our “smart” economy. The LB Co-Lab will engage local Long Beach stakeholders in a collaborative community engagement process to implement new pilot technology projects in four targeted neighborhoods of focus: Hamilton, Ramona Park, Willmore, and the Lower Westside.

This program will ensure the City invests in technology enhancements based on community-identified needs, while also teaching community members about technology design and development! Those interested in participating in the program are encouraged to submit an interest form on the LB Co-Lab webpage.

The next California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) application period starts Tuesday, January 3, 2023, with $120 million in available tax credits. Businesses interested in applying can register to view a live webinar explaining the application process.

The deadline to submit applications is Monday, January 23, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. and the online application website will automatically close once this deadline has passed. The online application can be accessed starting January 3, 2023, at www.calcompetes.ca.gov.

The City of Long Beach continues to encourage residents to support local businesses in Long Beach this holiday season. Shopping local supports our local economy and the diverse business owners that enrich our community as well as reducing your environmental footprint. Learn more about Shop Small Long Beach.

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 [email protected].

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.

The Long Beach Water Department is offering a Free Spray Valves Program for Long Beach Restaurants. To register for your free replacement and installation of high efficiency pre-rinse spray valves and faucet aerators, please visit the registration site and complete the form in its entirety.

Following your registration, the LBWD program representative will contact you to schedule your installation. If you require assistance, email [email protected]

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.

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 Connect, Equip, 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.

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.

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.