City of Long Beach Provides Additional $250,000 in Grant Funding to Support Small Businesses
The Californer/10309033

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach City Council Approves Additional Grant Funding for Local Businesses Impacted by Crime and Vandalism

During its meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Long Beach City Council unanimously voted to approve an additional $250,000 in grant funding for the Visual Improvement Program (VIP). The program, facilitated by the Long Beach Economic Development Department, aims to provide direct financial assistance to local businesses that have been impacted by crime and vandalism.

According to Mayor Rex Richardson, the small business community is a vital part of Long Beach's ongoing economic growth and vitality. He stated that the city remains dedicated to supporting and uplifting local entrepreneurs and businesses. With this expanded grant opportunity, the city hopes to provide critical support to help businesses recover, improve their properties, and keep commercial corridors vibrant.

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Eligible businesses can receive up to $1,500 to cover storefront repairs, boarding costs, insurance deductibles, and business operating expenses. The VIP was first announced in January 2023 with $350,000 in funding from the Long Beach Recovery Act. It was created to ease the burden of property crimes and vandalism citywide. In August 2024, as part of the City's Fiscal Year 2025 budget approval by the City Council, an additional one-time funding of $100,000 was allocated for the program. To date, 295 VIP grants have been provided to businesses throughout Long Beach.

Bo Martinez, Director of the Economic Development Department, emphasized that small businesses are essential for a thriving economy and serve as the cornerstone of their community. He stated that this grant opportunity is one of many offered by the department to support and uplift entrepreneurs and guide small businesses towards success.

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Businesses and nonprofits interested in applying for this grant must meet certain criteria. They must be able to prove damages sustained on or after October 1st, 2023; have a business storefront; be located within Long Beach, California; have a City of Long Beach business license; be independently owned and operated; have fewer than 200 employees; and gross no more than $2 million annually. Corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships must also have an active status with the California Secretary of State.

For additional eligibility requirements and to complete an application, interested parties can visit the city's website at longbeach.gov/smallbizgrants. Applications will remain open until funding is exhausted. For those who need assistance with completing an application or have questions about the VIP, they can contact the City's BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or email 4Biz@longbeach.gov.

The Long Beach City Council's decision to approve additional grant funding for the VIP program demonstrates their commitment to supporting local businesses and helping them recover from the impact of crime and vandalism. With this financial assistance, small businesses in Long Beach can continue to thrive and contribute to the city's economic growth and vitality.

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