City of Long Beach Business Brief
October 8, 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.
City of Long Beach Small Business Loan Programs
Need capital to launch, stabilize, or grow your business? The Long Beach City Emergency Microloan Program is one of many programs that can help get your business off the ground.

Borrowers may access a grace period of up to 9 months. Loan proceeds may go toward business expenses, such as personnel, rent, supplies/materials, utilities, professional services, and more. Funding is subject to availability and submittal of a loan application does not guarantee funding.

To get started, potential borrowers must sign-up for an appointment with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at longbeachsbdc.org or by phone at (562) 938-5100. 
Long Beach entrepreneurs can access 0% interest rates, no-fee loans, and up to $15,000 through KIVA (www.kiva.org), a nonprofit organization focused on expanding financial opportunities to small businesses in the community. The City of Long Beach has partnered with LISC-LA to ensure that the business owners, that may be unable to access traditional commercial loans from a bank, can find KIVA loans to be a successful tool to sustain or grow their business.

KIVA Requirements for to business owners:
  • Must be 18 years and older
  • Business must be based in the United States
  • Food, farming, social services, fashion, or retail-based businesses are ideal

The City of Long Beach is now accepting applicants to endorse through the KIVA process. To learn more, please contact [email protected] or call (562) 570-4249.
The Microenterprise Loan Program is designed to support small businesses operating in Long Beach. Loan proceeds may go toward business expenses, such as personnel, rent, supplies/materials, utilities, professional services, and more (proceeds cannot be spent on construction) Business must create 1 full-time job for every $35,000 borrowed. Personal guarantee is required for all loans and businesses must be a for-profit entity. All loans must be approved by the City's Loan Committee.

For more information, please contact Eric Romero, Business Development Officer, at [email protected] or (562) 570-6705.
PBZ Operational Grant Still Accepting Applications
The PBZ Grant is awarded in amounts ranging from $500-$5000 and is designed to help business owners offset the cost of operational expenses such as​:
​
  • Business filings (license, incorporations etc.)
  • Funds towards deposit of rent or other down payment
  • Subscriptions for service (zoom, GoDaddy, legal zoom)
  • Development of a website or app
​
In addition, the grant may be used to sponsor nonprofits that support these entrepreneurs, but the funds must go directly to entrepreneurs in the form of prizes for Pitch contest, working capital, low interest loan etc.
Webinars
October 12 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Free

In celebration of National “Write Your Business Plan” Month, PCR SBDC launches a new workshop to help your businesses develop your business plan. You will review the purpose and benefits of a business plan, key components of the plan, and resources to help with research, business plan formats, and putting it all together. Plus get ready for homework, as you will review key components of your plan with the instructor or your advisor in a couple of weeks after the workshop.


October 13 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Free

An introduction to marketing basics. Topics Include: • What are the best ways to get customers to notice your product? • What is the pricing strategy? • How will you describe the product to customers? • How does your product compare with competitors? • How will customers purchase your product? • And more!


October 19 @ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Free

Learn to start, run and grow your business. This workshop covers critical topics such as business development, market research, business entities and so much more. Don’t waste another minute, join us in learning how to bring your entrepreneurial idea to life.

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.