City of Long Beach Business Brief
October 22, 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.
On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, the Long Beach City Council voted to extend the Temporary Parklet and Sidewalk Dining program until June 30, 2022. Existing temporary permit holders can continue to operate their parklets and sidewalk dining until June 30, 2022.

In an effort to gauge the effectiveness of the existing Temporary Parklet Program, community outreach will begin this month.

The City of Long Beach is committed to providing a safe and successful program that works for all residents and businesses.

Temporary Parklet and Sidewalk Dining Permit Requirements 
We encourage temporary parklet and sidewalk dining permit holders to review the guidelines and requirements as listed in their temporary permit in order to remain in good standing with the City of Long Beach. 

If applicable, please update your ABC Temporary Catering Authorization, Updated Certificate of Insurance and Additional insured endorsement (CG 20 12 or CG 20 26 or equivalent) prior to the expiration date.

Permanent Parklets 
If your business is interested in maintaining your parklet or sidewalk dining beyond June 30, 2022, please note the following:  

  • Any temporary parklet holders interested in a permanent parklet will not be allowed to utilize the same equipment and must convert their existing temporary parklet into a permanent one. 

  • Any business owner interested in a permanent parklet or sidewalk dining shall refer to the City’s Permanent Parklet Permit requirements. Please review the permanent parklet guidelines and application: Parklet and Sidewalk Dining Handbook.

  • There are a number of additional requirements and limitations for permanent parklets that were not applicable to temporary parklets so please read through the guidelines.


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Open Streets Program team at goactivelb@longbeach.gov or call 562-570-6331. 

The survey will be available between
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 - Wednesday, November 3, 2021.
Vendor Engagement Survey
Over the last year, the City of Long Beach has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation and remaking of its procurement systems and processes, in collaboration with the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL). The goal is to make procurement more efficient, consistent and forward-looking, so that all vendors are better positioned to successfully propose, be awarded and deliver on business opportunities to best serve businesses and residents.
 
As part of the ongoing process, the City is now collecting input from previous and current vendors, as well as potential future vendors and organizations that have tried but have not been awarded contracts. An anonymous online survey, currently available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, closes on Friday, November 12.
The goal of the survey is to: 
  • Identify barriers faced by prospective and current vendors
  • Improve vendor outreach, especially to Long Beach businesses
  • Design and implement new solutions to increase opportunities for contracting

Already, improvements have included a redesign of the request for proposals document, forecasting of upcoming City procurement needs and training staff on procurement best practices. Future changes will focus on building stronger connections to local, diverse and disadvantaged businesses to build equity and inclusion among the vendors signing contracts to work with the City.

For more information, or to troubleshoot any technical questions regarding the survey, respondents should contact lbpurchasing@longbeach.gov.
Southern California Edison’s Small Business Summit
Attend Southern California Edison’s Small Business Summit! The Summit will offer educational sessions and resources for small businesses. Edison is bringing together experts in different areas critical to business growth:
  • Access to Capital
  • State Financial Programs and Incentives
  • Small Business Consulting
  • Permitting Assistance
  • SCE Small Business Solutions
Date: Thursday, October 28, 2021
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual

RSVP: Please register by October 27 at bit.ly/SCESmallBizSummit.
California's Venues Grant Program
The California Venues Grant Program announced its programs launch date will be Friday, October 29! This grant program will support eligible INDEPENDENT LIVE EVENTS VENUES that have been affected by COVID-19. Eligible independent live events venues must have a physical address and operate in California, which will be validated through submitted business tax returns. If your business tax returns do not reference a California address, you will be deemed ineligible.

Grants awarded under this Program shall be in an amount equal to the lesser of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or 20 percent of the applicant’s gross earned revenue in California for the 2019 taxable year.
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.