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Partnerships

The Economic Development Department is proud to partner with a number of local businesses, non-profits, organizations, governnment entities and others that offer an array of resources and services for Long Beach residents and businesses.


Partnering with the City

 
  • Doing Business with the City of Long Beach

    The City of Long Beach makes it easy to become a vendor providing goods and services to the City. The City has expanded procurement opportunities, increased outreach efforts and improved the process of matching businesses to its procurement needs. 

    Find more information at www.longbeach.gov/purchasing

    Contact procurement staff with any questions: 562-570-6200 or email LBPurchasing@longbeach.gov.

  • Doing Business with the Port of Long Beach

    Sign up to become a vendor through the Planet Bids platform and view current BID opportunities.  

    To learn more information on becoming a vendor with the Port of Long Beach, you can visit https://polb.com/business/business-opportunities/#business-opportunities-overview.  

    The Port’s Small Business Enterprises (SBE)/Very Small Business Enterprises (VSBE) Program promotes more opportunities for small businesses to participate in Port contracts and procurements. Learn more about the SBE Program here http://www.polb.com/sbe  

    For questions on the SBE/VSBE Program, you can contact the Program Office:  

    Phone: (562) 283-7598  

    Email: sbeprogram@polb.com  

  • Foreign Trade Zone Benefits

    Foreign Trade Zones are designated areas within the United States where qualifying businesses are considered to be outside the country for customs purposes. Approved companies within a Foreign Trade Zone can defer, reduce or completely eliminate customs duties on imported products and materials. 

    Under the Port of Long Beach's program, any qualified business within the boundaries of FTZ-50, which includes Orange County, western San Bernardino County and most of Los Angeles County, can apply to have its existing building designated as an FTZ site.

    http://www.polb.com/economics/ftz 

Business Resources and Assistance

 
  • BizCare

    The BizCare Program supports the small business and nonprofit communities in accessing resources and information such as grants, loans, and technical assistance. The BizCare Pop-ups are also available for in person assistance to learn about resources and assistance in completing local, state, and federal grant applications. 

    Phone: (562) 570-4249 

  • Business Brief Newsletter

    The City of Long Beach Business Brief is a newsletter that shares the latest business resources such as grants, programs, and workshops available to Long Beach business owners and entrepreneurs.   

  • Business Navigators

    Inclusive Business Navigators Program provides free technical assistance, workshops, and business coaching/advising services to Long Beach small businesses. Assistance is available in multiple languages through our partners. 

    If you're not sure who to call for the assistance you need for your business, please call the BizCare Hotline for guidance at 562-570-4BIZ (4249). 

  • Digital Inclusion Initiative

    Under the Technology and Innovation Department, the Digital Inclusion Initiative offers resources for easy access to free and low-cost computers, internet services, digital literacy trainings, and more.  

    To speak with a Digital Inclusion Navigator: 

    Phone: (562) 570-7000 

  • Digital Library

    The Long Beach Library Department offers the LBPL Digital Library, allowing library patrons to access digital resources for free with a Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) card. Resources include Coursera, Linkedin Learning, Reference Solutions, etc. that can help business owners grow and develop their business and business practices. 

  • Long Beach Recovery Act

    The City of Long Beach has offered programs to assist in the recovery of community members and businesses from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently available assistance programs, grants, and contracting opportunities can be found on the Long Beach Recovery Act webpage.

    https://www.longbeach.gov/recovery/

  • Long Beach Resource Line

    The LB Resource Line is a hotline that supports anyone in Long Beach who needs help finding local, City and community resources. Calls are answered Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

    Call (562) 570-4246 or submit your contact information through our Assistance Request Form

Business Licensing and Permitting

 
  • Business License Services

    Business License services, including alarm permits and garage sales permits, are offered through the Financial Management Department. For more information on how to apply for a business license or permit or pay a bill, visit https://longbeach.gov/finance/business-license/.  

    Phone: (562) 570-6211  

    For assistance in setting up a Payment Plan, contact the Commercial Services Bureau at FM-CityCollections@longbeach.gov or call (562) 570-7600. A representative is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. When calling during normal business hours, press Option 5, then Option 3 to speak with a staff member. 

  • Health Permits

    To pay for or learn more about health permits for your business, you can contact the Bureau of Environmental Health.

    Phone: (562) 570-4132

    Email: environmentalhealth@longbeach.gov 

    Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. When calling during normal business hours, press Option 4 to speak with a staff member. 

  • Fire Permits

    To pay for or learn more about fire permits for your business, you can contact the Fire Prevention Bureau. 

    Phone: (562) 570-2563

    Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

  • Development Permit Center

    The Development Permit Center located in City Hall provides customers with services including plan reviews, assistance in submitting documentation for permits, and more. Contact information for specific permit counter services can be found on the Development Permit Center page  

    Make an appointment with the Permit Center, call (562) 570-5237. 

  • Ombudsperson

    The Ombudsperson of the City’s Development Services Department assists customers through the permitting process, brings resolution to conflicts or concerns about issues that may arise on individual projects, and facilitates process improvements for customers and staff.   

    Phone: (562) 570-6623  

    Email: DV-Ombuds@longbeach.gov 

  • Special Events and Filming

    The Office of Special Events and Filming is the bureau within the City Manager Department responsible for permitting all special events and film productions within the City of Long Beach. Staff strives to provide year-round events to cultivate civic pride, social awareness and cultural enrichment for residents and visitors by permitting special event activities such as, festivals, runs/walks, and citywide holiday celebrations. 

    http://www.filmlongbeach.com 

Financial Resources

 

Environmental Programs and Resources

 
  • Certified Blue Restaurant (CBR) Program

    The Long Beach Certified Blue Restaurant (CBR) Program supports and recognizes Long Beach restaurants that achieve exceptional water efficiency. Interested restaurants can enroll to receive a FREE on-site efficiency survey, free water-efficient devices (if eligible) and an assessment for rebate opportunities. Restaurants that become Certified Blue receive recognition from the Long Beach Water Department on social media and other marketing channels. 

    Enroll today at http://register.lbwater.org/restaurants

  • Green Business Program

    The Long Beach Green Business Program is a free program that supports and recognizes Long Beach businesses that follow guidelines for energy and water conservation, pollution prevention, waste management, toxics reduction, employee commute, and community education. Certified Green Businesses receive free marketing and promotion through City website and social media channels, free on-site green technical assistance, a certificate and window decal or sticker, and more. 

    Register today at www.longbeach.gov/greenbusiness 

  • Long Beach Recycles

    The City’s Environmental Services Bureau offers resources and services to ensure that businesses properly recycle waste. Long Beach Recycles contains guides to help business owners understand waste reduction, refuse collection, and recycling. 

Local Business/Nonprofit Advising and Navigation

 
  • April Parker Foundation

    One of the City’s Business Navigators: The April Parker Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers programs to support families and businesses in the community.  

    The APWorks program provides free technical assistance to small and emerging BIPOC businesses and nonprofits in Long Beach. This program offers high-quality technical assistance, including access to capital, contracting and procurement assistance, marketing, compliance, operations, business development, mentorship, and training to aid organizations in stabilization and growth.

    Phone: 562-485-6316

    Email: APWorks@aprilparker.org

    https://www.aprilparker.org/post/apworks  

  • Centro Cha

    One of the City’s Business Navigators: Centro CHA provides support to the business community through services such as 1-1 counseling assistance and educational workshops for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The organization also provides support and resources for the general community with youth development and workforce development programs.

    Phone: 562-285-7414

    Email: josefina@centrocha.org

     https://centrocha.org/  

  • CSULB Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

    The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at CSULB provides programming and mentoring designed to unlock the creative energy of students, faculty, staff, and the community that engages stakeholders across campus and in the community focused on the common goal of innovation and entrepreneurship.  The primary objective of the Institute is to leverage all this energy and entrepreneurial capital into a driving force for economic development for the greater Long Beach community.  

    http://www.csulb.edu/institute-innovation-entrepreneurship

  • Long Beach Accelerator

    The City of Long Beach is committed to helping the most promising entrepreneurs succeed and build great innovative companies in Long Beach. As part of the economic blueprint created in 2015, the city of Long Beach envisioned the infrastructure that supports innovation and technology startups to scale and grow.  The Long Beach Accelerator provides companies accepted into its intensive, cohort-based business acceleration program with: co-working space in downtown Long Beach, access to operating capital, mentorship and coaching, access to an industry and investor network, and discounted service provider resources.  

    For more information, visit the Long Beach Accelerator website at www.lbaccelerator.org

  • Long Beach Center for Economic Inclusion

    LBCEI works on expanding inclusive economic opportunities for all communities through programs are focused on Housing and Homeownership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support, Workforce and Youth Development and Economic Resiliency 

  • Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation

    Since 1981, the LAEDC has worked to attract, retain and grow businesses and quality jobs for the 10 million residents of L.A. County, its 88 cities and 100+ unincorporated communities. LAEDC’s free business assistance and attraction programs, economic research and analysis, real estate advisory services, trade and investment assistance, and public policy leadership support emerging growth and innovation industries that will create the jobs of tomorrow and give critical support to the key industry clusters driving L.A. today. 

    http://laedc.org

  • Long Beach Economic Partnership

    LBEP offers small business support through their Broadband & Technology Connectivity Initiative which offers technology training and one-on-one coaching to business owners. 

  • Long Beach Fresh

    Long Beach Fresh shares resources for community members to get access to free fresh food and where to get food assistance. It also assists local producer gain access to kitchens and marketing opportunities. They also offer meetups and events where community members can trade produce or producers can sell their produce locally. 

  • OmniWorks

    OmniWorks assists business owners in growing their business through navigator coaches and peer learning and collaboration through their NEXT program. They also offer a database of online resources and articles pertaining to different areas of business such as sales and marketing, operations and human resources, management strategy, and more. 

  • SCORE

    SCORE Long Beach/South Bay offers free mentorship to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in developing or growing their business. SCORE also offers free or low-cost trainings through workshops and events as well as an online resource library with guides and articles on navigating and growing a business. 

  • Small Business Development Center Hosted by Long Beach City College

    The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps small business owners succeed with low-cost training and no-cost one-on-one advising from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. 

    Phone: (562) 938-5100

    http://longbeachsbdc.org 

  • The Nonprofit Partnership

    One of the City’s Business Navigators: The United Cambodian Community Economic Development Program aims to promote economic growth, sustainability and opportunity by expanding small businesses, counseling entrepreneurs and fostering partnerships within the community. 
     

    Their Small Business Program offers workshops and one-on-one counseling for small businesses. UCC supports Cambodian American-owned businesses, Cambodia Town Businesses and businesses in the City of Long Beach and throughout LA County. 

  • United Cambodian Community

    One of the City's Business Navigators: The United Cambodian Community's Cambodia Town Business Center is equipped with resources and business navigators that provide 1-on-1 small business counseling & technical assistance. Areas of assistance include but not limited to: business planning, marketing, permits, licenses, access to capital, loan preparation, start-up assistance & digital media training etc. We also host online & in-person business workshops, networking & community events. Training & counseling can be accessed in English and/or Khmer.

    Phone: 562-433-2490

    Email: don.pin@ucclb.org

    Website: http://www.uccbiz.org/

State Business Resources

 

Long Beach Business Associations

 

Chambers of Commerce

 
  • Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

    The Chamber’s mission is to be the platform for business to provide leadership, education and advocacy so that the Long Beach area thrives in the 21st century. The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce specializes in hosting about 3-4 networking events per month, taking action on local legislature affecting business, and advertising for our members. 

    http://www.lbchamber.com 

  • LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

    Long Beach LGBTQ Chamber offers a membership for business owners to connect and network with the community of other businesses and offers educational workshops and seminars for members to help grow their business. They also offer marketing, referral and procurement opportunities to members. 

  • Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

    The Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RHCC) focuses on the growth of the business community in Southern California while embracing economic and professional development.  

  • Southern Black Chamber of Commerce

    The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce (SCBCC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) business organization dedicated to improving the economic environment for the minority business community and fostering business development and prosperity.

    http://blackchamberofcommerce.org/