City of Long Beach Business Brief
November 19, 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.
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the BizCare Hotline and Pop-Ups will be closed.

For the full list of City facilities and services adhering to closure schedules, click here.
Accelerate Long Beach
The quarterly economic forum from the Long Beach Economic Partnership is back Thursday, December 9.

This free, virtual event will explore skyline-changing projects that were recently completed, are under construction or are in the pipeline. Investors who are in-the-know are building on a solid foundation and betting on Long Beach’s future.
 
We'll also hear from the Cal State University, Long Beach Office of Economic Research about Long Beach’s economic picture, and how the city has been experiencing massive growth in development over the past couple of years. The buildout of thousands of residential units and millions of square feet of commercial real estate help attract and retain professional workers and world-class corporations to this waterfront metropolis.
 
This live, virtual conference is FREE and open to all. Live Q&A sessions with our speakers and experts will give you a chance to get deeper insight into Long Beach’s economic picture.
 
The information and data we'll share will be useful not only to those already doing business in the city, but anyone looking to relocate, work or invest here.
Long Beach Ranks First Nationwide as a 2021 Top Digital City
The City of Long Beach has been recognized as a Top Digital City in the Center for Digital Government (CDG)’s 2021 Digital Cities Survey, which evaluates how cities across the nation use technology to advance city goals, operations and services to the community. This is the eleventh consecutive year the City has been recognized as a Top 10 Digital City, this year ranking first in its population size nationwide. Now in its 21st year, the annual survey recognizes cities across the nation that utilize technology to tackle social challenges, enhance services, and strengthen cybersecurity, among other initiatives. It honors cities in five population classifications, with Long Beach assigned to the 250,000 to 499,999 population category. Within this category, Long Beach placed first, its highest ranking over the past 11 years!

Find out more information below:
 Fast Break for Small Business
Legal Zoom teamed up with the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League to assist communities by helping small business. LegalZoom is committing $6 million in grants and services to help small business owners who need better access to funding and legal services. Their goal is to change the game for small business owners and remove the barriers often faced by minorities, women, immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Submit your application by November 23, 2021!
Founders First Grant and Accelerator Program
A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 30 businesses in Southern California.
Grants are a great way to receive growth capital for your small business. With a simple application, you can receive cash and full tuition scholarship to one of Founders First stellar accelerators. Hear first hand from grant recipients and partners.

  • Grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs.
  • Cash infusion can be used to purchase, fix or enhance equipment necessary to help you manage growth challenges and scale for the future.
  • Founder identify as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area.
  • TO QUALIFY: Must be located in the Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, and San Diego regions and have a current staff of 2-20 employees. Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months. Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million.

The application deadline is November 30, 2021. Please email socal.jobcreators@foundersfirstcdc.org with any questions about the Job Creators Quest Grant.
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.