The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) announced the opening of applications for the third cohort of its Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program.
The program will assist 20 small business owners with supportive services, workshops and $10,000 in grant funding to help take their small business to the next level.
Level Up LB will connect selected entrepreneurs with essential business support, resources and comprehensive workshops focused on strengthening business and marketing plans. Upon completion of an eight-week course, selected businesses will receive grant funding to help grow their small business.
Level Up LB will be led by EDO staff, with coordinated support from local partners, including Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Long Beach SBDC, SCORE Long Beach/South Bay and Visit Long Beach.
Last year, 24 small businesses were awarded $220,000 through Level Up LB. In the adopted Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, the Long Beach City Council approved one-time funding of $230,000 toward another round of Level Up LB as part of the Mayor’s Small Business Rebound Initiative.
“Small businesses drive our local economy and provide more than half of jobs in Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “With another round of Level Up LB, we’re reaffirming our commitment to the entrepreneurs who create jobs, spark innovation and help shape a stronger, more connected economic future for our city.”
EDO’s BizCare staff will provide in-person technical assistance with the application process on March 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and March 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Adult Career Services site (4811 Airport Plaza Drive).
“Level Up LB is about investing in the people behind our small businesses — and their passion, creativity, hard work and commitment to our community,” said EDO Director Bo Martinez in a public statement. “We are proud to support local entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow and succeed, because when small businesses thrive, Long Beach thrives.”
Applications will be open through March 31. Information regarding eligibility requirements is available at longbeach.gov/levelup.
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 BizCare@longbeach.gov.
