The City of Long Beach is providing a significant boost to its local entrepreneurs with a recent award of $266,000 in grants. These funds were dispersed to 29 small businesses as part of the Level Up LB program, a city initiative designed to assist in the growth and development of local enterprises. This effort aligns with Long Beach's broader goal to nurture an environment conducive for businesses to succeed and plays a critical role in the city's economic strategy.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson articulated the city's position, saying, "Level Up LB reflects the City’s commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and business-friendly environment that drives Long Beach," according to the City of Long Beach press release. With a range of recipients including restaurants and health and wellness facilities, the initiative seems to effectively distribute its resources across a diverse business landscape. Each awardee was required to impressively complete a comprehensive application process, encompassing workshops, counseling, and business plan development to qualify for the assistance.
The Level Up LB program was competitive, drawing 183 applications, out of which 95 met the criteria for a closer look by a selection panel. The grant funding, which consisted mostly of $10,000 segments, also included additional support such as a one-year membership to the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and marketing packages. This multifaceted support underscores Long Beach's approach to not simply provide monetary aid but to equip businesses with the tools and networks necessary for sustained success.
Looking ahead, Level Up LB is poised to receive ongoing support from the city with the recent approval of a half-million-dollar funding in Long Beach’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. "Investing in entrepreneurs and small businesses is essential to our local economy and makes our community stronger and more authentic," Bo Martinez, the Economic Development Department Director, told the press. The anticipation for the program's next cohort is already palpable, with application windows set to open in the coming year.
Level Up LB's role in reinforcing Long Beach's business infrastructure is evident in the city's broader outreach to the local business community. Since its inception, over 2,750 businesses have received support and guidance through the BizCare Team, and more than 27 entrepreneurs have benefited from small business loans. These efforts are seen as extensions of Long Beach's commitment to fostering a thriving business ecosystem that is both inclusive and robust.
Programs like Level Up LB highlight how the city is leveraging resources to lay a strong foundation for what is an undeniably vibrant and industrious metropolitan hub. To learn more about the small business resources offered by the City of Long Beach or for inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the City’s BizCare Hotline or visit the city's official website for further details and updates.
