City of Long Beach Business Brief 3.19.21
Welcome to the Economic Development Department's Business Brief! We are continuing to ensure you are updated on the latest business resources and news.
Long Beach Completes VaxLB List for Eligible Groups and Transitions to State’s My Turn Appointment System
The City of Long Beach has completed offering appointments through VaxLB for all eligible groups and has transitioned to a new online sign-up model. The City of Long Beach transitioned to My Turn, the State’s new COVID-19 vaccine notification and appointment system. My Turn is now required by the State and is intended to help manage vaccine distribution.
 
Everyone who has registered in the City’s VaxLB system will still receive notifications when it is their turn to receive a vaccine, however they will have to make an appointment through My Turn, so everyone should sign up through My Turn now. People who are currently eligible include: healthcare workers; long term care facility residents and staff; people 65 years and older; government emergency response workers; food or agriculture workers; education and childcare workers; and people with physical or mental disabilities. 

Additionally, the City began vaccinating people with underlying health conditions as of March 12. Public transit workers, custodians/janitors and airport ground crews have also been cleared by the State to be vaccinated. For vaccine appointments, people should sign up for My Turn. Eligibility information is available at www.longbeach.gov/vaxlb. 
COVID Recovery Fund for Small Business
Eligible business owners can apply for grant support now until March 21, 2021 at 11:59 PM. Those who meet the eligibility requirements will be entered into a pool of eligible applicants. On designated selection days, grant recipients will be randomly selected from this pool until funds are expended. The size of the grant will be between $5,000 and $25,000 depending on the size of the business and other factors.
Rounds for CA Relief Grant Program

  • Round 4 (non-profit cultural institutions only): Tuesday, March 16th through Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021
  • Eligible applicants: Only non-profit cultural institutions with any revenue size that meet eligibility criteria
  • Eligible grant award: $5,000 – $25,000

  • Round 5: Thursday, March 25th through Wednesday, March 31st
  • Eligible applicants: current waitlisted small businesses and non-profits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, or 3 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria
  • Eligible grant award: $5,000 – $25,000
Paycheck Protection Program
The PaycheckProtection program application deadline is almost here! Not sure where to start? Connect with a local #smallbiz advisor or mentor, who can guide you through the application process.

Deadline to apply is March 31, 2021.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/36BNuQl.
Upcoming Webinars
Digital Marketing Strategies for Measurable Results
Friday, March 19, 2021
10am to Noon
This webinar will provide an overview of the 9 Key Areas to measure and grow your online presence as defined by David Mitroff, Ph.D. with examples from his consulting work with technology startups, restaurants, and retail clients, professional service firms and entrepreneurs. To register, please click here.
 
SBDC Legal Entity Webinar
Monday, March 22, 2021
10am to 11:30am
This in-depth webinar addresses a multitude of important topics regarding legal entities and other important decisions you will need to make as a business owner. The webinar will cover the basics of regulatory filings that permit new owners to properly set up entities in California. To register, please click here.
 
Developing A Plan To Start (or Recover) Your Business In Today’s Unusual Times
Thursday, March 25, 2021
11am to 1pm
This workshop will cover all aspects of creating a business plan, as well as emphasize the importance of setting measurable strategies and tactics to help achieve these goals. To register, please click here. 
 
Live Q&A: All About Marketing Your Small Business
Friday, March 26, 2021
11am to Noon
Join the Long Beach SBDC for our Live Marketing Q&A addressing questions on how to effectively market and grow your business. SBDC advisor and Business Growth Strategist David Mitroff Ph.D. and Brad Pollak, Director of the Long Beach SBDC, will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of marketing topics. To register, please click here.
 
Live Q&A: All About Social Media for Your Business
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
2pm to 3:30pm
SBDC Marketing and Social Media advisor Deborah Deras, and Brad Pollak, Director of the Long Beach SBDC, will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of social media topics including how to clarify social media marketing goals, how to structure your messaging, which social media platforms to be on, how to schedule posts on various platforms, where to find great content, and more. To register, please click here.
Business Brief Now Available in Spanish!
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.