PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department (Department) today announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of its Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program (Level Up LB), a program designed to support entrepreneurs and propel small businesses toward success and sustainability. The program will assist 20 small business owners with support services, workshops and $10,000 in grant funding to help take their small business to the next level. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and make up 52% of jobs in Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The continuation of the Level Up LB Program reflects our commitment to supporting small businesses, bolstering local job creation, innovation and connection, and the economic future of our city.” 

Level Up LB will connect selected entrepreneurs with essential business support resources and comprehensive workshops that focus on crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of a ten-week course, selected businesses will receive $10,000 in grant funding to help grow their small business. Level Up LB will be led by Department staff, with coordinated support from local partners. Businesses selected to participate will be provided with technical assistance and resources to evaluate their business plan and financials, sales metrics and benchmark and identify strategies to reach the next level of growth. 

Applications are available through 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Businesses will be scored and selected based on their need and readiness to participate and the potential impact of the Program to their business. More information about eligibility requirements is available at longbeach.gov/levelup. The Department’s BizCare staff will provide in-person technical assistance with the application process on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Adult Career Services site (4811 Airport Plaza Dr.). Additional times and locations will be posted on the Level Up LB webpage as they are scheduled. 

“With Level Up LB, we are investing directly in the dreams and hard work of our entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez. “We are proud to provide the support and resources needed to help our local businesses grow and contribute to the fabric of our community. When small businesses succeed, our entire city succeeds.”  

Last year, 29 small businesses were awarded $266,000 through Level Up LB. As part of the adopted Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, the Long Beach City Council approved a one-time funding of $500,000 to support business improvement districts and small businesses, with $250,000 being allocated toward continuation of Level Up LB. 

For information about Level Up LB and other assistance for small businesses, those interested can visit longbeach.gov/bizcare, call the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or email 4Biz@longbeach.gov. 

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, and follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City’s Business Brief.