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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 March 31, 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 September 1, 2020. 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. Applications opened as of December 30, 2020 and will close January 13, 2021 at 11:59pm. For more information visit https://careliefgrant.com

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.

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.

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.

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses.
  • 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.
How to Apply
 
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, and federally insured credit union that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. 

Business Financial Assistance (Videos)

Please see the video links for additional information about business financial assistance below.

Reopening Resources

Please see the links to additional information and resources below.

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.

COVID-19

Overview of COVID-19
Business and Worker Resources »
Business Resources »
Property Owner Resources »
Worker Resources »
Employer Resources »
Damaged Property Resources »
Real Estate
Development Resources »
Economic Relief Package »
Safer at Home Health Order »
City News and Press Releases »

For COVID-19 Business,
Property Owner, and
Worker-Related Support

Contact the Business Hotline and Call Center

Phone Number: 562-570-4BIZ (4249)
Days: Monday – Friday
Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

City staff will respond to voicemails made after business hours within 24 hours