Economic Development

Small businesses are central to the Long Beach community and a vital part of the city's culture and economy. As the holiday season draws near, residents are encouraged to support local businesses by participating in Small Business Saturday, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a nationwide initiative to promote and celebrate small businesses and their contributions to their community.

Reasons to Shop Local

• Shopping locally reduces your environmental impact. 
• Local businesses are more likely to reinvest in their communities.
• For every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community.
• Small businesses increase local competition and innovation. 
• Small businesses account for over 60% of all new jobs.

Free Parking

Enjoy free metered parking at the following locations on Small Business Saturday:

• Downtown Long Beach: Street parking south of 10th Street, including the Pike Outlets.
• Belmont Shore: Street parking and at the five public parking lots.

The City Place garages located in Downtown Long Beach will continue to remain free for the first two hours. City Place garages A, B, and C are accessible on Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Streets between Pine Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard. No validation is required for the first two hours.

Business Improvement Districts

Discover local businesses by exploring Long Beach's business improvement districts, known as BIDs.

• Belmont Shore Business Association
• Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association
• Downtown Long Beach Alliance
• Fourth Street Business Improvement Association
• Midtown Property & Business Owner's Association
• Uptown Property and Community Association
• Visit Long Beach
• Zaferia Business Association