The City of Long Beach recently opened up applications for its new small business success initiative, encouraging local entrepreneurs to apply for an extensive marketing makeover.
Led by the Long Beach Department of Economic Development, Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program will work with 25 small business owners to provide support services, business plan workshops and $10,000 in grant funding.
Applications are open from now until May 21 at 5 p.m.
“Our small businesses are essential to the economic prosperity of our city,” said Director of Economic Development Bo Martinez in a statement from the City. “By shopping and investing in small businesses locally, we are investing in the vibrancy and expansion of our neighborhoods, jobs, and local economy.”
The City’s Inclusive Business Navigators Program, which launched in February 2023, will conduct business outreach, application assistance, program workshops and more as part of Level Up LB. Businesses that are selected for Level Up LB will be assisted with evaluating their business plan and financials to identify potential areas of growth.
During the program, participants will have access to a variety of services to grow their business, including:
- One-on-one business coaching and advising
- Strategic business planning
- Marketing and branding
- Social media promotion
- Business finance
- Government procurement opportunities
Business owners who participate in the workshops and complete their business and grant investment plans will be eligible for $10,000 in grants that can go towards equipment, facility and technology improvements, marketing and employee training and retention.
Anyone interested in learning more about the eligibility requirements for Level Up LB is encouraged to visit longbeach.gov/levelup. For more information about the Inclusive Business Navigators, small business owners are advised to visit longbeach.gov/biznavigators or reach out to the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4249 or 4Biz@longbeach.gov.