City of Long Beach Business Brief 3.12.21
Welcome to the Economic Development Department's Business Brief! We are continuing to ensure you are updated on the latest business resources and news.
Women's History Month
In honor of Women's History Month the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at CSULB will be hosting an innovation hour filled with a panel of young and accomplished women-identified entrepreneurs as they discuss how they navigated their entrepreneurship journey.

This March 17, 2021 event is opened to all community members.
One year after the coronavirus outbreak, nearly 30% of California’s small businesses remain closed. Women- and People of Color (POC)-owned businesses have been disproportionately impacted, with thousands expected to close permanently. This virtual summit brings together small business owners and advocates, providers, community lenders, and policy makers from across the state to examine the impacts of COVID and recovery efforts on women- and POC-owned small businesses in California, and how to create an equitable and robust ecosystem that supports diverse entrepreneurs in California.
City Unveils Proposed Long Beach Recovery Act
The City of Long Beach unveiled the Proposed Long Beach Recovery Act. The $207 million proposal focuses on various economic, fiscal and public health priorities that promote inclusive, effective and prosperous economic and social recovery for Long Beach residents, business owners and workers critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recognizing the unprecedented economic impacts the pandemic has had on Long Beach residents, workers and business owners, on December 15, 2020, the Long Beach City Council requested City staff develop an Economic Recovery Strategy to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. The proposed plan outlines various initiatives identified under three key areas of focus:

  • Economic Recovery ($51 million): Includes a targeted, data-driven and equitable approach to the City’s economic recovery strategy

  • Healthy & Safe Community ($72.8 million): Aims to address the highest needs of community members most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic 

  • Securing Our City’s Future ($83.2 million): Addresses ongoing budget shortfalls and revenue losses as a result of COVID-19 to ensure the City’s lasting recovery

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3ciSMlK
Long Beach Economic Partnership Quarterly Forum
On March 18, 2021 the Long Beach Economic Partnership for Accelerate Long Beach, will be hosting an economic forum, where they'll explore the trade and logistics industry. 

We'll hear from the Cal State University, Long Beach Office of Economic Research, City of Long Beach and Port of Long Beach officials, and from business leaders on how they're looking toward the future and planning for a post-COVID recovery.

The information and data that will be shared will be especially useful to people who operate businesses in Long Beach or are looking to invest in Long Beach.

This event is free and open to all, participants can join from wherever they are around the globe! Participants will have the opportunity to interact with each other, sponsors, and speakers. 
New Funding 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.
Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network (PGWIN) is a public agency serving Long Beach, Signal Hill, and the Los Angeles Harbor communities. PGWIN connects adults, youth, and businesses to opportunities—job seekers to employment, and businesses to skilled workers.

PGWIN’s business services include:
  • Recruitment and Hiring
  • Youth Hiring and Internships
  • Lay-Off Aversion
  • Customized Training

PGWIN helps thousands of youth and adult job seekers build their skills, find good jobs, and contribute to their community. PGWIN also connects businesses to the resources they need to find and retain qualified employees, as well as strengthen their organization.

For more information, please visit: http://www.pacific-gateway.org/
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.