City of Long Beach Business Brief
August 27, 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.
Every August, the U.S. honors the rich heritage of Black entrepreneurship, and helps focus our attention on the Black-owned businesses that sustain our communities. In 2021, National Black Business Month is particularly important more than ever given the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black communities and the ongoing recovery. Even before the COVID-19 crisis, minority entrepreneurs, who own 37% of all US businesses, faced greater challenges in starting, running, and growing their companies. 
 
For a list of resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration for Black-owned businesses click here.
The deadline to apply for the Business License Tax and Fee Grant is August 30, 2021. This grant provides financial relief to full-service independently owned restaurants by paying the following business license taxes and fees charged by the City between the period of January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020:

1. Business License Taxes
2. Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments
3. Health Permit Fees
4. Fire Permit Fees
5. Penalty or late payment fees incurred in the eligible period for the above taxes or fees

Approximately $1.3 million is available for the new program. The maximum grant available per eligible business will depend on the total taxes and fees each business was charged between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

Information about additional business assistance and resources is available on the City’s Business Support webpage or by contacting the City’s Business Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ(4249)
Round 8 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Opens August 27
Round 8 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant is now open. The application window is open until September 8, 2021. Approximately $16 million remain under the Nonprofit Cultural Institutions Program. Eligible applicants for round 8 are only non-profit cultural institutions with any revenue size that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com. Businesses may be eligible for a grant award between $5,000 – $25,000.

Eligible nonprofit cultural institutions must complete a new application even if they already applied in Rounds 1,2, 5, or 6. Nonprofit cultural institutions that applied in Round 4 do not need to re-apply; grants will only be available to nonprofit cultural institutions that did not receive funding in any previous rounds. Grants will be prioritized based on the documented percentage revenue declines based on a reporting period comparing Q2 and Q3 of 2020 versus Q2 and Q3 of 2019.

Round 9 will open Thursday, September 9, 2021 through Thursday, September 30, 2021. Eligible applicants are current waitlisted applicants from certain previous rounds and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com.

Join the upcoming CA Relief Grant Application Webinar this Saturday, August 28 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT for an informative Q&A that provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Need further assistance applying? Contact the COVID-19 Relief Fund Call Center at (888) 612-4370, Monday through Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM PST.
Downtown Long Beach Alliance Announces New Round Of Grant Funds To Drive Growth Of Women-owned Businesses
The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) announced the grant application for its popular Woman-Owned Business Accelerator (WOBA) program will open on September 15. In its fourth year, the DLBA grant program enables women-owned businesses to share $10,000 of funding provided by Long Beach-based Farmers & Merchants Bank (F&M). In partnership with the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at California State University, Long Beach, the program provides funding, technical assistance and coaching support for up to five businesses in DTLB to help accelerate growth.

The WOBA program application details can be found on the DLBA website here. The main grant criteria include:
• Located within the DLBA’s Downtown Business & Parking Improvement Area (DPBIA)
• Active DTLB business license or willingness to relocate within DPBIA boundaries
• For-profit or non-profit business
• Fewer than 24 employees
The City of Long Beach (City), through its contract with “on-call” property management consultants, will conduct work related to the removal, haul away, and disposal of window/storefront coverings (plywood). Work will be paid for by the City and contracted directly with the property management consultants. The estimated value of each grant is estimated between $100 and $600 (maximum) per location, subject to the size of the storefront. Maximum pieces of plywood to be removed, 30 pieces. 

Applications continue to be accepted until August 30, 2021. The SRBR program will assist applicants on a first-come-first-served basis for the removal of plywood boards only. Any applicants that may require additional storefront repairs in addition to plywood removal may require additional review and experience longer application processing times.
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.