City of Long Beach Business Brief
December 23, 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.
Winter holidays are a time of joyous celebrations, beloved traditions, and long-awaited get-togethers with family and friends. As the Christmas and New Years holidays quickly approach, the City of Long Beach offers tips to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season - see them here.

You can also click here to see our full Christmas and New Years holiday closing schedule list.
BizCare Up
COVID-19 Economic Disaster Damage Loan (EIDL) Deadline December 31, 2021
In response to COVID-19, small business owners, including agricultural businesses and nonprofits in all US states, Washington DC, and territories, can apply for the Economic Damage Disaster Loan ( EIDL) COVID-19 with the US Small Business Administration (SBA).

To obtain a loan for COVID EIDL, small business owners must meet the eligibility requirements.
In addition, they must meet the credit rating requirements:
loan of $ 500,000 or less: credit score of 570
loan over $ 500,000: credit score of 625

Small businesses must qualify for a certain loan amount by completing the economic damage formula that takes into account two-year income and cost of goods sold to produce an eligible loan amount.
KIVA Loan
There are 19 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 32% 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.
The City, through its contract with property management consultants, will perform work related to the removal, transportation, and removal of window / storefront coverings (plywood). The work will be paid for by the City and contracted directly with the property management consultants. The estimated value of each grant is estimated to be between $ 100 and $ 600 (maximum) per location, subject to the size of the store. Maximum plywood pieces to remove, 30 pieces.

We will accept applications from July 28, 2021 through January 31, 2022. The SRBR program will assist applicants on a first-come, first-served basis for plywood removal only. Any applicant 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.