PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach, through the Long Beach Recovery Act, is launching microgrants to support startups and micro-entrepreneurs with access to small amounts of capital to launch or grow their business. The Program, led by the Economic Development Department, will distribute $2,500 and $5,000 grants to qualified businesses, with up to $80,000 in total funding.

“Access to capital should not prevent anyone from starting and growing a thriving business in Long Beach. Supporting our micro-businesses helps to advance the more inclusive and equitable economic growth of our city,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Micro-businesses are encouraged to apply and take advantage of all the programs, resources and tools that the city has available.”

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to work with one of the City’s Inclusive Business Navigators to complete a basic business plan and a plan for investing grant funding in their new or micro-business. All businesses interested in applying will be offered technical support to assist with the completion of Program applications. Applicants can contact BizCare for a referral at 562.570.4249 or 4Biz@longbeach.gov.

“These grants are an investment in our local entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their small business,” said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez. “Small businesses are the foundation of our city, and we’re committed to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering an environment where every business owner has the opportunity to flourish and thrive.”

Applications are available through 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. For more information about program eligibility and requirements, businesses can visit longbeach.gov/biznavigators.

The Inclusive Business Navigators Microgrant Program aligns with Goal 4, Strategy 2 of Long Beach’s Racial and Reconciliation Initiative to partner with local organizations to facilitate business navigation services through inclusive, neighborhood-based business centers.

This program is made possible by the Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers and businesses critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than $20 million has been allocated to provide direct business support, which includes prioritizing small businesses and nonprofits heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act is available at longbeach.gov/recovery.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Economic Development Department, visit longbeach.gov/ed, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City’s Business Brief.