The City of Long Beach announced a new program Wednesday, March 9 that will provide a total of $8.4 million in grant funding for small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by the pandemic.
“These grant programs will provide much needed support for our local businesses and nonprofits,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “Businesses are an integral part [of] our Long Beach community and economy. The City is committed to building our economic recovery with equity as a central goal so we can preserve the diversity that enriches our community.”
The Long Beach Recovery Act Small Business and Non-Profit Relief grants will help eligible small businesses and nonprofits afford various expenses, such as payroll, rent, personal protective equipment (PPE), technology upgrades, marketing and more.
According to the City, grant opportunities through the program fall under the following four categories:
- Restaurant, Brewery and Bar Relief Grant will give direct financial relief to small Long Beach food and beverage businesses. Eligible small businesses will be able to receive between $5,000 and $25,000 in grant funding.
- Personal Services and Fitness Relief Grant will give direct financial relief to small Long Beach personal services and fitness businesses. Eligible small businesses will be able to receive between $5,000 and $25,000 in grant funding.
- Small Business Relief Grant will provide between $2,500 and $10,000 in direct financial relief to eligible small Long Beach businesses that do not qualify for the Restaurant, Brewery and Bar Grant nor the Personal Services and Fitness Relief Grant.
- Non-Profit Relief Grant will provide between $5,000 and $25,000 in direct financial relief to eligible 501c3, 501c19, and fiscally sponsored nonprofits.
According to the City, the application period for the Long Beach Recovery Act Small Business and Non-Profit Relief grants will begin March 16 and close May 15. Additional information related to the application process and eligibility requirements will be announced in the future.
The grants are funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act, which allocated a total of $20 million to support businesses.
The City is also continuing its BizCare Program, operating multiple pop-ups throughout the City to inform people of grant opportunities and help them apply.
Those interested can learn more about how to receive free application assistance for small businesses and nonprofits by calling the City’s BizCare Hotline at 1-562-570-4249 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., email the BizCare team at 4Biz@longbeach.gov, or visit the BizCare webpage at longbeach.gov/bizcare.
