The Californer - City of Long Beach Launches Sidewalk to Success Program to Support Business Development

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has announced the launch of a new sidewalk vending support program, "Sidewalk to Success," as part of the Long Beach Recovery Act. This program aims to ease the financial burden for small businesses in the first year of the City's recently approved Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, which goes into effect today.

The City Council approved the development of this program to cover the costs of required business licenses and health permits for sidewalk vendors in their first year of operation. Additionally, reimbursements will be provided for insurance costs during this time period. Under the Sidewalk to Success Program, all costs will be covered at the time of application, except for insurance costs which will be reimbursed up to $450.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his support for small businesses and their role in economic development in Long Beach. He stated, "The new Sidewalk Vending Support Program will provide small business owners with support and resources to safely serve their Long Beach customers."

The program is now available for businesses to apply. Those who apply for a sidewalk vendor business license and permit between February 26, 2024 and February 26, 2025 will not have to pay the $300 fee. During this time period, applicants who also require a health permit and/or plan check will not have to pay associated fees. All sidewalk vendors are required to obtain general liability insurance coverage, which will be reimbursed by the City up to $450 upon submission of actual costs between February 26, 2024 and February 26, 2025.

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The goal of this program is to support eligible sidewalk vendors who are interested in participating. The number of vendors and financial support provided may vary depending on participation levels and outcomes. Additional funding may need to be explored depending on these factors.

More information about the program can be found at longbeach.gov/sidewalkvending. The Long Beach Health Department can also be contacted at 562.570.4132 for questions about health permits, and the Financial Management Department can be reached at 562.570.6211 for questions about business licenses.

In addition to the Sidewalk to Success Program, the City's Inclusive Business Navigators program, also funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act, offers free business coaching and advising services to small businesses in Long Beach. This program partners with four community-based organizations to assist sidewalk vendors with obtaining business licenses, health permits, and required insurance, among other business needs. Contact information for Inclusive Business Navigators can be found at longbeach.gov/biznavigators or by calling BizCare at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or emailing 4Biz@longbeach.gov. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and Khmer.

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The City had previously announced a sidewalk vending support program in January 2023 after the Long Beach City Council approved a new sidewalk vending ordinance with a unanimous vote of 9-0. This ordinance aligns with California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946), which decriminalized sidewalk vending. The development of this ordinance was a result of extensive outreach and direction from the City Council.

The Sidewalk to Success Program is made possible by the Long Beach Recovery Act, which aims to fund economic and public health initiatives for residents, workers, and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More information about this act can be found at longbeach.gov/recovery. This program also aligns with Goal 4 of Long Beach's Racial and Reconciliation Initiative to improve health and wellness in the City by addressing social and economic disparities that contribute to below-average health outcomes.

Filed Under: Government, City

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