DIRECT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The goal of the Direct Technical Assistance Program is to provide free technical assistance to equity applicants and equity licensees to help them acquire the knowledge and/or skills necessary to start, sustain and grow a viable cannabis business in Long Beach. This program is currently funded by cannabis equity grant funds awarded to the City of Long Beach by the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).

The direct technical assistance provides Equity Applicants assistance through the One-on-One Advisory Services program provided by consultants that specialize in the following areas:  

• Site Location and Lease Negotiation
• Assessing Financial Needs
• Finance and Accounting Support
• Regulatory Compliance Support

Q & A

• HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE ONE-ON-ONE ADVISORY SERVICES PROGRAM?

  Equity Applicants interested in receiving One-on-One Advisory Services from a hired consultant can submit an interest form here. After submitting an interest form, Equity Appicants can expect to hear back from staff within 1-2 weeks. For further questions, please contact CannabizLB@longbeach.gov or by phone at (562) 570-6099. 

• CAN I RECEIVE ONE-ON-ONE ADVISORY SERVICES IF I AM NOT AN EQUITY APPLICANT?

  Services are only available for Equity Applicants. To qualify for the Equity Program, individuals must be verified as Equity Applicants by the Economic Development & Opportunity Department, learn more here.  

• WHO ARE THE CURRENT CONSULTANTS PROVIDING SERVICES?

  
  
  
  Currently, contracts have ended with previous consultants. An RFP has been released and onboarding of new consultants is expected within the next months.

  Please do not contact vendors directly for services without prior approval from Economic Development.  

• HOW ARE CONSULTANTS SELECTED?

  Consultants are selected by formally submitting proposals through the City’s procurement process. This process consists of meeting eligibility requirements and qualification standards aligned with the needs outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). Through the RFP process, consultants are reference-checked and attend a formal interview process with a selected panel. The selected panel reviews and makes a final consultant selection. 

• WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM PARTICIPANTS DURING ONE-ON-ONES?

  Participants are expected to be prepared with questions for consultants. Be open to recommendations from consultants and overall have the drive to grow as a cannabis entrepreneur. 

• DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE ONE-ON-ONE ADVISORY SERVICES?

  Consulting services for One-on-One Advisory Services are covered through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO Biz).  

• HOW CAN I BE NOTIFIED TO SIGN UP FOR UPCOMING PROGRAMS?

  Equity applicants are automatically added to an email list that provides updates on any new and upcoming direct technical assistance opportunities from the Economic Development and Opportunity Department. 
  
  To updates or remove your email from the email list contact CannabizLB@longbeach.gov