City of Long Beach Business Brief
May 6, 2022
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Welcome to the Economic Development Department's Business Brief! We are continuing to ensure you are updated on the latest business resources and news. |
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Economic Development Commission Meeting |
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Join the Economic Development Commission Meeting on Monday, May 9 at 4:00 p.m. Be a part of planning the City’s Blueprint for Economic Development! The Blueprint focuses on advancing a 10-year vision of making Long Beach a City of opportunity for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
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Long Beach Recovery Act Grants Still Open |
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The City of Long Beach continues accepting applications for the Long Beach Recovery Act Small Business and Non-Profit Relief grants, a new recovery program to help small businesses and nonprofits that have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now until 8 p.m. on May 15, 2022 and June 15, eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply to receive working capital to help pay for a variety of business expenses.
Applications can be submitted through LiveStories, the City’s vendor application portal. The City will begin to review and award grant applications as early as April 15, so businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Additional information, including eligibility requirements, required documentation, application questions and the application process, is available at longbeach.gov/smallbizgrants.
Currently available grant opportunities include:
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Restaurant, Brewery and Bar Relief Grant will provide direct financial relief to small Long Beach food and beverage businesses. Eligible small businesses can receive between $5,000 and $25,000 to support their business.
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Personal Services and Fitness Relief Grant will provide direct financial relief to small Long Beach personal services and fitness businesses. Eligible small businesses can receive between $5,000 and $25,000 to support their business.
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Small Business Relief Grant will provide direct financial relief to small Long Beach businesses that do not qualify for the Restaurant, Brewery and Bar Grant nor the Personal Services and Fitness Relief Grant. Eligible small businesses can receive between $2,500 and $10,000 to support their business.
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Non-Profit Relief Grant will provide direct financial relief to 501c3, 501c19, and fiscally sponsored nonprofits. Eligible nonprofits can receive between $5,000 and $25,000 to support their nonprofit.
The City is partnering with community-based organizations to serve as Business Navigators and offer free assistance for small businesses and nonprofits applying for grant programs and has contracted with LiveStories to provide comprehensive grants administration support services.
Businesses and nonprofits can access free application assistance by calling the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4249, emailing [email protected],
Technical support for the LiveStories online portal is available weekdays from
This opportunity is made possible by Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers and businesses critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $20 million has been allocated for business support under the Recovery Act. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act is available at longbeach.gov/recovery.
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The City of Long Beach has launched a Request for Proposals seeking organizations to partner with the City’s Department of Economic Development to provide outreach, education and technical assistance for local small businesses and nonprofits to support their economic recovery from financial hardships and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit proposals through the City’s Vendor Portal, PlanetBids, by 11 a.m. on June 1.
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The City of Long Beach is seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals to provide direct technical assistance to Cannabis Social Equity Program participants (“Equity Applicants”) pursuing cannabis business ownership or operating legal cannabis businesses in the City of Long Beach. Eligible firms or individuals are encouraged to submit proposals through the City’s Vendor Portal, PlanetBids, by 11:00 a.m. on May 20, 2022.
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NEXT Long Beach Small Business Accelerator |
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Is this the year you take your business to the next level?
Building your business is challenging – but you don’t have to do it alone.
Run your business with CONFIDENCE.
The FREE program includes personalized mentorship, Mastermind sessions for peer idea exchange and accountability, expert workshops, and online networking events with other highly motivated entrepreneurs in our community.
Own your business. Own your future.
If you or someone you know is interested: Apply Today! (May 15 deadline)
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Did you know that a crowdfunding campaign can bring in money for your business plus add to your marketing, improve your products, and build a community of supporters?
Learn how you can move your business forward with this capital strategy during our free webinar on May 11 at 8:30am PT.
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The launch of the Smart City Initiative in 2019 established guiding principles and pathways to using technology and data to improve the lives of all Long Beach residents. The Smart City Initiative is built upon principles of equity, inclusion, resilience, innovation, and community collaboration.
Find out what our City has been up to explore, implement, and create new technology to make our City better. From augmented reality, to smart traffic signals, to data privacy protections; we’re working hard to make sure technology works for you!
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City of Long Beach Seeks Community Input on Local Priorities for Federal Funding |
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The City of Long Beach is developing the next five-year Consolidated Plan to help determine the programs and services that should be prioritized and funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants. The community is invited to get involved and provide input on this important process by participating in a community needs assessment survey, available online now through May 9, 2022.
For more information about the Consolidated Plan, visit longbeach.gov/lbplan. For questions or to provide comments, contact Alem Hagos, Housing & Neighborhood Services Operations Officer, Long Beach Development Services Department, 562.570.7403 or [email protected].
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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
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