562.570.3863
Chelsey.Magallon@longbeach.gov
Public Affairs Officer
Economic Development Department
Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department is inviting entrepreneurs, small business owners and startups to participate in its Business Resource Fair, taking place Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Civic Center Plaza (411 W. Ocean Blvd.) and in celebration of National Small Business Week and Economic Development Week, which are both recognized annually in May.
“Our local businesses are the backbone of our community, and we are committed to ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The Business Resource Fair presents another great opportunity for the business community to come together and engage directly with City departments and participating organizations to access valuable information and resources to help them succeed.”
The Business Resource Fair will feature several information and resource booths hosted by City departments and participating organizations. The free event will also offer opportunities for attendees to learn about programs and services for small businesses, network with other entrepreneurs and meet one-on-one with City staff and business professionals. Refreshments will be provided. Following the event, the Department will be recognizing 20 newly certified Long Beach Legacy Businesses at the May 6, 2025, Long Beach City Council meeting. Complimentary parking will be available in the Civic Center Garage (332 W. Broadway).
“We’re excited to bring the Business Resource Fair to our local business community as part of our ongoing efforts to foster a welcoming, supportive and resilient environment for entrepreneurs in Long Beach,” said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez. “We’re proud to work alongside our many contributing partners to empower and uplift small business owners and drive economic growth.”
To further promote National Small Business Week (May 4-10) and Economic Development Week (May 12-16), the Department will be conducting a social media campaign featuring local retailers on Facebook, X and Instagram @lbecondev and highlighting businesses in its Business Brief Newsletter. Businesses and the community are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date on the latest business-related news and opportunities.
For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week to acknowledge the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Since 2016, the International Economic Development Council has recognized Economic Development Week to honor the incredible impact that economic development organizations and professionals have in their communities.
For further information about the event or to learn more about resources for small businesses, those interested can call the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or email BizCare@longbeach.gov.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Economic Development Department, visit longbeach.gov/ed, and follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City’s Business Brief.