Financial Management

Local and Small Business Assistance

• SMALL BUSINESS BONDING PROGRAM

  The US Small Business Administration (SBA) can guarantee bonds for contracts up to $2million, covering bid, performance and payment bonds for small and emerging contractors who cannot obtain surety bonds through regular commercial channels. Link to SBA Surety Bond Guarantee website. 

• SMALL BUSINESS INSURANCE

  The City of Long Beach is pleased to announce an agreement with Alliant Insurance Services to provide a low-cost insurance alternative aimed at assisting small business enterprises in meeting the City's insurance requirements for bidding on small, low risk projects for the City and Port of Long Beach.

  Coverage is bound for City and Port projects only (not all work performed by the vendor/contractor). This program has low premiums, low deductibles and many pre-approved classes, which expedites contract issuance. If you are interested in participating in this program you must contact Alliant Insurance Services directly.

• 10% LOCAL PREFERENCE

  Adopted by City Council, a bid from a Long Beach vendor for furnishing materials, equipment, supplies, and non-professional services shall be reduced by 10%. Additionally, the preference applies to bids for the purchase of goods and will be applied to all small-dollar purchases under $25,000. Bids will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. In no case shall the maximum preference under this section exceed $50,000 for any bid. 
  

  Bidder must possess a current, valid business license from the City of Long Beach showing a place of business within the city limits, and must have a curren valid seller's permit (also known as a sales tax permit) showing a place of business within the city limits.

  This preference does not apply to bids for purchases made by the Director of Library Services pursuant to section 1801 of the City Charter or to purchases made pursuant to Section 1807 of the City Charter. Additionally, it shall not apply to bids for purchases funded by any tidelands fund, grant funds, or funds received from the State of California.

  This program is part of the City's ongoing commitment to support our local business community.

• BUSINESS RESOURCES HUB

  BizCare Program

  The BizCare Hotline supports Long Beach community members who want help accessing resources and information to support their small business or nonprofit. BizCare staff connect business owners and nonprofit leaders to important resources and information, such as grants, loans, technical assistance, information on City policies, and more. The BizCare Hotline is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Here are the following ways you can connect with the BizCare team to access resources and request assistance: 

  Call: 562-570-4BIZ (4249) 

  Email: 4Biz@longbeach.gov

  Request Assistance

  Visit a BizCare Pop-Up (See schedule below)
  

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  Inclusive Business Navigators

  The Inclusive Business Navigators Program provides free technical assistance, workshops, and business coaching/advising services to Long Beach small businesses. Assistance is available in multiple languages through our partners listed below. Assistance is available for:

  Grant and loan application assistance
  Business planning
  Financial accounting
  Marketing and communications
  Operations and Human Resources
  Digital resources
  Government procurement
  And more!
  
  If you're not sure who to call for the assistance you need for your business, please call the BizCare Hotline for guidance at 562-570-4BIZ (4249).
  
  

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   Explore our comprehensive Business Resources Hub – a one-stop shop for all the information, assistance and guidelines you need to thrive in your partnership with the City of Long Beach.