City of Long Beach Awards $220,000 to Level Up Small Businesses
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs with the successful completion of its Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program. On September 4, 2025, Mayor Rex Richardson and Economic Development Director Bo Martinez proudly stood alongside 24 businesses who were awarded a total of $220,000 in grants.

The Level Up LB program, led by the City's Economic Development Department, aims to provide essential support and resources to help small businesses grow and thrive. "Each investment in our local small businesses sparks new opportunities, drives innovation and enriches the fabric of our community," said Mayor Richardson.

The application period for the program's second cohort was announced in February, receiving an overwhelming response of 229 applications. After a thorough selection process led by the Department and supported by local partners such as Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, Small Business Development Center and Visit Long Beach, 24 businesses were chosen to participate.

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These businesses represent a diverse mix of industries including restaurants, retail shops and health and wellness facilities throughout the city. They were selected based on their need and readiness to participate in the program, as well as their potential impact on their business and representation across all parts of the city.

Over the course of 10 weeks, participating entrepreneurs completed workshops, received personalized business counseling and established comprehensive business plans. As a result of their hard work and dedication, 20 small businesses were awarded $10,000 in grant funding. Additionally, four alternate businesses who successfully completed the program were each awarded $5,000 grants. They also received a one-year membership to the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and a marketing package from Visit Long Beach.

Among the selected businesses are Andrade's Notary & Tax Service, Coffee Parlor, Dreamy Vegan and The Muse Academy. "Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses fuels the heartbeat of our local economy and helps our community grow in strength and character," said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez.

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The success of the Level Up LB program has not gone unnoticed, as it was recently recognized by the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) with an Award of Merit in the category of programs and promotions. This prestigious award is a testament to the City's dedication to empowering small businesses.

In addition to Level Up LB, the City has also provided support and resources to over 1,884 businesses through its BizCare team and assisted over 467 businesses through the Inclusive Business Navigators Program. Last year, $266,000 was awarded to 29 businesses who successfully completed the first cohort of Level Up LB.

This program aligns with Goal 4, Strategy 2 of Long Beach's Racial and Reconciliation Initiative, which focuses on partnering with local organizations to provide business navigation services through inclusive, neighborhood-based business centers. It also aligns with the City's Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint.

The second cohort of Level Up LB was made possible by one-time funding approved by the Long Beach City Council as part of the adopted Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. For those interested in learning more about programs and resources for small businesses, they can contact the City's BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or email BizCare@longbeach.gov. The City remains committed to empowering small businesses and helping them reach new heights.

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