Long Beach has opened applications for the second round of its Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program.
Level Up LB was created to financially assist aspiring entrepreneurs with their small businesses and help them craft sustainable business plans. Through this program, 20 small business owners will receive support services, participate in workshops and earn $10,000 in grant funding to advance their business goals.
The chosen applicants for Level Up LB’s second cohort will be connected with resources and informative workshops throughout a ten-week course that will center around creating new business and marketing plans. Following the course’s completion, businesses will be awarded $10,000 in grant funding to grow their business and implement their plans.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and make up 52% of jobs in Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “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.”
Applications are open now through Thursday, March 20 at 5 p.m.. Businesses that apply will be evaluated based on their need, readiness to participate and potential program impact on their business growth. For further eligibility details, visit longbeach.gov/levelup.
Level Up LB is led by staff from the Economic Development Department alongside support from local partners. Businesses chosen for the program will assess their business plan, financials, sales metrics and ways to reach the next level of growth.
The Economic Development Department’s BizCare staff will provide in-person technical assistance with the application process on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Adult Career Services site (4811 Airport Plaza Drive). Further times and locations for technical assistance will be posted on the Level Up LB webpage when 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 in a public statement. “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.”
In 2024, 29 small businesses received $266,000 through the first round of Level Up LB. As part of the City’s adopted Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, the Long Beach City Council approved a one-time funding of $500,000 towards business improvement districts and small businesses, with half ($250,000) allocated to Level Up LB.
To learn more about Level Up LB and additional small business assistance, visit longbeach.gov/bizcare, call the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4BIZ (4249) or email 4Biz@longbeach.gov.