Business Resources
Business License Relief
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is waiving all penalties that would have applied to past due business license tax bills starting on March 16, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2021. This will allow additional time for businesses to pay their business license tax bill without receiving penalties or any additional penalties if penalties had applied prior to March 16, 2020. If a past due bill remains unpaid, then penalties will begin to apply again starting on July 1, 2021. For more information, business owners can email lbbiz@longbeach.gov or call 562-570-6211.
Business Financial Assistance
There are several loan and grant options for businesses affected by COVID-19.
California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant
The California Office of Small Business Advocate began accepting applications for the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant. This relief includes $500 million in grants. Round five applications opened March 25, 2021 and will close March 31, 2021 at 6:00 pm. For more information visit https://careliefgrant.com
Economic Injury Disaster Loan
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal loans for working capital to small businesses and non-profit organizations that are suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) can be used for business expenses such as rent, payroll costs, accounts payable and other operating expenses. For more information, visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) website.
Long Beach Emergency Microloan
The Emergency Microloan Program supports Long Beach micro-enterprises with five (5) or fewer employees on a first-come, first-served basis. Loans from $2,500 to $10,000 are available. Loan proceeds can be used for business expenses such as payroll costs, rent, supplies and materials, utilities and more. For more information and to apply for the loan, potential borrowers must sign-up for an appointment with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) by visiting the SBDC website or calling 562-938-5100.
Los Angeles County Small Business Stabilization Loan Program
The Los Angeles County Development Authority has launched an affordable and flexible business loan program to support and help stabilize businesses in the region. Small Business Stabilization Loans range from $50,000 to $3 million, and can be used for working capital, equipment purchases, inventory, or refinancing of existing loans at higher interest rates.
Business Eligibility
- Businesses must have a physical location within Los Angeles County.
- Businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of two years at time of application.
- Click here for a list of ineligible businesses.
Interest rate:
Fixed Wall Street Journal Prime rate. (Currently at 3.25%)
Loan Term:
- Working Capital - 5-7 years.
- Equipment - Up to 10 years.
- Real Estate Acquisition and Construction - Up to 20 years.
Kiva Long Beach Loan
The Kiva Long Beach Loan Program is an online community-lending program that supports Long Beach small businesses. Loan proceeds can be used for business expenses such as personnel, rent, supplies/materials, utilities, professional services and more. For more information and to apply for the loan, potential borrowers can visit the Kiva Long Beach Loan Program website.
Paycheck Protection Program
- PPP loans have an interest rate of 1%.
- Loans issued prior to June 5 have a maturity of 2 years. Loans issued after June 5 have a maturity of 5 years.
- Loan payments will be deferred for borrowers who apply for loan forgiveness until SBA remits the borrower's loan forgiveness amount to the lender. If a borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, payments are deferred 10 months after the end of the covered period for the borrower’s loan forgiveness (either 8 weeks or 24 weeks).
- No collateral or personal guarantees are required.
- Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
Business Financial Assistance (Videos)
Please see the video links for additional information about business financial assistance below.
- Long Beach Emergency Microloan Program
- Kiva Long Beach Loan Program
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Reopening Resources
Please see the links to additional information and resources below.
- Orders of The Health Officer
- Appendix A - Physical Distancing Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix B - Retail In-Person Shopping Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix C - Small Charter Services Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix D - Outdoor Equipment Rental Services Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix E - Tennis Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix F - Golf Course Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix G - Office Worksite Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix H - Dine-In Restaurant Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix I - Hair Salons and Barbershop Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix J - Mobile Food Vendor Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix K - Protocols for Public Swimming Pools (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix L - Grocery Facility Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix M - Gym and Fitness Facilities Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix N - Day Camp Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix O - Campground and RV Park Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix P - Museum, Gallery, and Aquarium Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix Q - Hotels, Lodging, and Short Term Rental Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix R - Music, Film and Television Production Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix S - Protocol for Professional Sports Leagues and Facilities - Spectator-Free Events (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix U - Nail Salon Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Appendix V - Personal Care Establishments Protocols (Spanish) (Khmer) (Tagalog)
- Drive-in Dining Guidelines
- California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Automobile Dealerships and Rentals
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance for Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation
- Essential Activities and Businesses
- Changes to Alcohol Sales
- Memos to Businesses
- Print-Yourself Posters
SafeBiz (Physical Distancing Self-Certification)
SafeBiz, is a web-interface that allows businesses, which may open according to the “Safer at Home” Health Order to self-certify that they are committed to re-opening their business safely. SafeBiz guides business owners through a checklist of safety measures required by the “Safer at Home” order to prevent the spread of COVID19. This includes measures to protect employee health, to keep crowds from gathering, to keep people at least six feet apart and prevent unnecessary contact, and to increase sanitation measures to support a safe environment for patrons. For more information, business owners are encouraged to reference the SafeBiz Form.
Free Virtual Business Consultation
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the country and its territories. The SBDC is providing free virtual business consultation and is assisting small businesses with disaster preparedness and recovery. Business consultants are available to help answer questions regarding supply chain disruption and liability, technology plans for setting up remote work stations for employees, concerns about cashflow during disruption and concerns about credit and finance issues. For business consultation assistance, contact the local SBDC at 562-938-5100 or visit the SBDC website.
Accelrate Uptown
Accelerate Uptown's Mission is to foster econonimc equity with a focus on women and minority owned businessess, through entrepreneurship, advancing careers in technology and supporting the transition of the re-entry community from prison to life. Accelerate Uptown offere free business coaching on a variety of issues ranging from business planning, digital marketing & communications, and more. Click here to schedule an appointment today.