City of Long Beach Announces Awardees for Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department (Department) today announced awardees for the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program, a new effort that will help propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. The initiative will connect selected entrepreneurs with essential business support resources and comprehensive workshops that focus on crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the Program, selected businesses will receive $10,000 in grant funding to help grow their small business.

"Long Beach is committed to supporting its small businesses and fostering an environment where every entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "The variety of businesses selected contribute to our local job creation, drive innovation and enhance the economic vitality of our great city."

The Program application period launched in April. The Department led the selection process and is coordinating all program activities, with support from local partners through the City's Inclusive Business Navigators Program. The City received 183 applications for the Program, of which 95 qualified for review by a selection panel. Panelists consisted of City staff and representatives from the City's Economic Development Commission, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Council, Service Corps of Retired Executives and local small businesses. Businesses were scored and selected for their need and readiness to participate, the potential impact of the Program to their business, and diversity of representation across all parts of the city and multiple industries.

Selected businesses include:

• Back to Basics Learning Programs
• Beacon House Thrift Shop
• Candy Spot
• Caravana Furniture
• Club Viva Mejor Activo
• Feel Good Salsa Kitchen
• Gemmae Bake Shop
• La Gaviota Meat Market
• Long Beach Barber Shop
• Long Beach Vintage Etc
• The Merchant
• Mesi Muya LB Market
• Musical Theatre West
• Paramount Dental Care and Specialty
• Park Avenue Salon
• Pigeon's Roller Skate Shop
• Pupuseria Brisas de Acajutla
• R & S Water and Ice
• Rose Hanna Counseling Services
• Roselyn's Beauty Salon
• Sal's Gumbo Shack
• The Sconeage Bakery
• Simple Health Acupuncture & Wellness
• Sweet Grass Sugarcane Juice
• Used Work Clothes

"Small business is big business-they serve as cultural hubs in our neighborhoods and are essential to the economic prosperity of Long Beach. We are proud that this Program will help entrepreneurs take their business to the next level," said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez. "By supporting and investing in businesses, we are advancing the vibrancy and sustainability of our city while boosting the local economy."

The City continues to seek participants for the Inclusive Business Navigators Program, which will support the implementation of the Level Up LB: Small Business Makeover and Grant Program by offering informative workshops, Program application assistance, one-on-one support and more. Small business owners are encouraged to visit longbeach.gov/biznavigators for more information. Businesses can also receive assistance and information about this Program by calling the City's BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4249 or email at [email protected].

The Level Up LB: Small Business Makeover and Grant Program aligns with Goal 4, Strategy 2 of Long Beach's Racial and Reconciliation Initiative, which focuses on partnering with local organizations to facilitate business navigation services through inclusive, neighborhood-based business centers.

This program is made possible by the Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers and businesses critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than $20 million has been allocated to provide direct business support, which includes prioritizing small businesses and nonprofits heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act is available at longbeach.gov/recovery.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Department of Economic Development is available at longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment or stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City's Business Brief.

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