City of Long Beach Business Brief
September 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.
Join the U.S. Small Business Administration for this years National Small Business Week Virtual Summit from September 13 – September 15, 2021. The free online conference assists business owners to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners, and chat with industry experts! This 3-day, action-packed event will include educational webinars, updates on resources for small businesses, and a networking chat room for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
California Launches Dedicated Small Business Portal Ahead of National Small Business Week
California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced the launch of calosba.ca.gov - a website that connects California’s small business community with critical resources available through state-funded small business technical assistance program and other state resources.

Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups can access the following information:
  • Small business technical assistance centers that offer specialized support for no-cost or at a low-cost
  • Financing information including state and federal capital programs and tax/credit incentive programs
  • Business Learning Center that helps business owners navigate the varying stages of the business development process
  • Permits, licenses, and regulations
  • Access to new markets, including e-commerce, international trade, and procurement and supply chain programs

For more information, visit calosba.ca.gov.
Business License Tax and Fee Grant
The deadline to apply for the Business License Tax and Fee Grant is September 30, 2021. This grant provides financial relief to full-service independently owned restaurants by paying the following business license taxes and fees charged by the City between the period of January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020:

1. Business License Taxes
2. Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments
3. Health Permit Fees
4. Fire Permit Fees
5. Penalty or late payment fees incurred in the eligible period for the above taxes or fees

Approximately $1.3 million is available for the new program. The maximum grant available per eligible business will depend on the total taxes and fees each business was charged between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

Information about additional business assistance and resources is available on the City’s Business Support webpage or by contacting the City’s Business Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ(4249)
Round 9 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Now Open
Round 9 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant is now open through Thursday, September 30, 2021. Eligible applicants are current waitlisted applicants from certain previous rounds and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria, eligibility criteria can be found at CAReliefGrant.com. Businesses may be eligible for a grant award between $5,000 – $25,000
Need further assistance applying? Contact the COVID-19 Relief Fund Call Center at (888) 612-4370, Monday through Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM PST.
The Storefront Reopening and Board-Up Removal Program has been extended until October 31, 2021. The SRBR program will assist applicants on a first-come-first-served basis for the removal of plywood boards only. Any applicants that may require additional storefront repairs in addition to plywood removal may require additional review and experience longer application processing times.

The City of Long Beach (City), through its contract with “on-call” property management consultants, will conduct work related to the removal, haul away, and disposal of window/storefront coverings (plywood). Work will be paid for by the City and contracted directly with the property management consultants. The estimated value of each grant is estimated between $100 and $600 (maximum) per location, subject to the size of the storefront. Maximum pieces of plywood to be removed, 30 pieces. 
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.