City of Long Beach Business Brief
December 10, 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.
Omicron Variant of COVID-19 Virus Found in Long Beach
On December 6, 2021, the Long Beach Health Department received confirmation of its first case of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with the new Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). The individual, who was fully vaccinated and is asymptomatic, returned to Long Beach on Nov. 29, 2021, after international travel (not to the southern African region). 

As of now, the impact of Omicron is not fully known, but everyone is urged to reduce COVID-19 transmission by getting vaccinated or boosted, wearing masks indoors and at large outdoor events, and by getting tested when feeling sick or if exposed to COVID-19. 

This variant may be more contagious, but it is believed that current vaccines should provide some protection against the Omicron variant.   
The Health Department urges everyone to become vaccinated and get their boosters if eligible. The more people who are vaccinated, the lower the chance that any variant, including Omicron, can get a foothold in our community. The Delta variant, which is highly contagious and for which the vaccine is effective, remains the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Long Beach. 
Economic Development Commission Meeting
Join the Economic Development Commission Meeting this upcoming Monday, December 13 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.
KIVA Loan
There are 32 days remaining for the KIVA campaign for Rosie's business Whimsical Charm of a $9,500 loan! The business is a line of uniquely handmade and personalized embroidered baby blankets, fun robes, and quality apparel designed for parents who desire to provide their children with warmth, comfort, and style all locally made in the USA. Currently, the campaign is 27% funded. The KIVA loan will allow Rosie to create jobs and hire cyclical staff members including three youth from underserved disadvantaged communities. These resources will assist in creating a happy and healthy environment for everyone involved while creating and maintaining an ongoing network of creatives.

Check out Rosie's KIVA campaign:

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.

To learn more about other City of Long Beach loan programs click here.
Applications are OPEN for Social Justice Entrepreneurship! Running a successful business doesn’t have to mean destroying the environment and exploiting employees. The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is offering a five-week workshop on Social Justice Entrepreneurship (SJE) that will teach you how to make a profit while making positive contributions to your community.

Apply now to (re)structure your business to meet the triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profits. Whether you have an existing product, service, experience, or an idea for one, we’ll work with you to help bring your ideas to life. Applications are open to campus and the community.

Sessions are two hours each March 2nd-23rd and April 6th. Participants who attend the first four sessions can compete for cash prizes by presenting your ideas for a just and sustainable business in a final pitchfest. Last year’s pilot program was a resounding success, and we look forward to supporting more social justice entrepreneurs in our community!

Apply for FREE today! >> https://bit.ly/SJE_2022
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.