City of Long Beach Business Brief
November 12, 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.
Governor Newsom Statement on Passage of $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by Congress 
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed the importance of President Biden’s $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act bill package. The once-in-a-generation investment will help to create quality jobs for Californians, support the modernization of key state infrastructure, improve transportation systems and help fund the expansion of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. 

More details on how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will benefit California can be found here. California expects to receive: 
 
  • $25.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $4.2 billion for bridge replacement and repairs over five years
  • $9.45 billion over five years to improve public transportation options across the state
  • $384 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state and the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging
  • A minimum of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state
  • $84 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $40 million to protect against cyberattacks
  • $3.5 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure clean, safe drinking water for California communities
  • $1.5 billion for infrastructure development for airports over five years
Save the Date!
Accelerate Long Beach, the quarterly economic forum from the Long Beach Economic Partnership is back Thursday, December 9.

This free, virtual event will explore skyline-changing projects that were recently completed, are under construction or are in the pipeline. Investors who are in-the-know are building on a solid foundation and betting on Long Beach’s future.
 
We'll also hear from the Cal State University, Long Beach Office of Economic Research about Long Beach’s economic picture, and how the city has been experiencing massive growth in development over the past couple of years. The buildout of thousands of residential units and millions of square feet of commercial real estate help attract and retain professional workers and world-class corporations to this waterfront metropolis.
 
This live, virtual conference is FREE and open to all. Live Q&A sessions with our speakers and experts will give you a chance to get deeper insight into Long Beach’s economic picture.
 
The information and data we'll share will be useful not only to those already doing business in the city, but anyone looking to relocate, work or invest here.
Updated Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element
The 2021-2029 Housing Element draft plan has been updated based on both community feedback and input from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). On Tuesday, November 16, the City Council will receive a report on the Housing Element update. The City Council is being asked to confirm the proposed 2021-2029 Housing Element Plan and direct staff to finalize the proposed plan and re-submit it to HCD. The City Council meeting agenda and staff report will be available on or around November 12 and can be found at longbeach.legistar.com. View the notice of public hearing.
Founders First Grant and Accelerator Program
A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 30 businesses in Southern California.
Grants are a great way to receive growth capital for your small business. With a simple application, you can receive cash and full tuition scholarship to one of Founders First stellar accelerators. Hear first hand from grant recipients and partners.

  • Grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs.
  • Cash infusion can be used to purchase, fix or enhance equipment necessary to help you manage growth challenges and scale for the future.
  • Founder identify as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area.
  • TO QUALIFY: Must be located in the Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, and San Diego regions and have a current staff of 2-20 employees. Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months. Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million.

The application deadline is November 30, 2021. Please email [email protected] with any questions about the Job Creators Quest Grant.
Upcoming Webinars
Join these important webinars to help business owners be in a better position to ride out and recover from any potential disasters and become more resilient.  The first webinar is this Friday, November 12th at 11:00am. In this webinar we will share ideas and provide information on the “Outsmart Disaster Challenge.”
California's Venues Grant Program
The California Venues Grant Program is now open! The deadline to apply is November 19, 2021. This grant program will support eligible INDEPENDENT LIVE EVENTS VENUES that have been affected by COVID-19. Eligible independent live events venues must have a physical address and operate in California, which will be validated through submitted business tax returns. If your business tax returns do not reference a California address, you will be deemed ineligible.

Grants awarded under this Program shall be in an amount equal to the lesser of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or 20 percent of the applicant’s gross earned revenue in California for the 2019 taxable year.
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.