PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – Today the City of Long Beach launched applications for the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant program, a new program designed to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. This initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential business support resources and undergo comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. The program will assist 25 small business owners with support services, workshops and $10,000 in grant funding to take their small business to the next level.

“Supporting our small businesses will advance inclusive economic growth for our city,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “With one-on-one coaching and $10,000 grants, Level Up LB takes our business support to the next level. I encourage Long Beach small businesses to take advantage of all the resources, tools and programs available through the City and our local partners.”

The City’s Department of Economic Development will lead the Level Up LB program and oversee all program activity, with coordinated support from local partners within the Inclusive Business Navigators program. Businesses selected to participate in the program will be provided with technical assistance and resources to evaluate their business plan and financials, sales metrics and benchmarks, and identify strategies to reach the next level of growth.

Through a series of no-cost training sessions, participants will have access to a myriad of support services and business tools, including but not limited to:

• One-on-one business coaching and advising
• Connecting with City and local business support resources
• Strategic business planning
• Marketing and branding
• Social media promotion
• Business finance
• Government procurement opportunities

Additionally, business owners who participate in the workshop series and complete their business and grant investment plans will be eligible to receive $10,000 in Level Up LB Grants that can be used for equipment upgrades, technology upgrades, employee training and retention, facility improvements, and marketing.

“Our small businesses are essential to the economic prosperity of our city,” said Director of Economic Development Bo Martinez. “By shopping and investing in small businesses locally, we are investing in the vibrancy and expansion of our neighborhoods, jobs, and local economy.”

Applications are available now until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. For more information about program eligibility requirements, businesses can visit longbeach.gov/levelup.

The City previously announced the Inclusive Business Navigators program which will support the implementation of the Level Up LB: Small Business Makeover and Grant program by conducting inclusive business outreach, providing program application assistance, conducting program workshops, and providing one-on-one support for businesses participating in the program. Small business owners are encouraged to visit longbeach.gov/biznavigators for more information and details on participating with the Inclusive Business Navigators program. Businesses can also receive assistance and information about this program through the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4249 or 4Biz@longbeach.gov.

The Level Up LB: Small Business Makeover and Grant 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. More information about the Department of Economic Development is available at longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment or stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City’s Business Brief.