City of Long Beach Awards $205,000 to Level Up Small Businesses

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Long Beach business owners convene for the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program Culmination Ceremony on Sept. 29, 2026.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) has awarded $205,000 in grants to 25 businesses that have successfully completed its Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program (Level Up LB), which provides local entrepreneurs with essential support and resources to grow and thrive.

"The Level Up LB Program is an investment in the entrepreneurs who are helping shape Long Beach's future," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "When we create pathways for small businesses to grow and succeed, we're expanding opportunity, fostering innovation, strengthening our local economy, and building a more vibrant and prosperous city for everyone."

The Level Up LB application period for the program's third cohort was announced in February while the program's culmination ceremony was held Sept. 29. EDO's Business Development team led the selection process and coordinated program activities, with support from local partners including Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, Small Business Development Center and Visit Long Beach. The City received 219 applications for the program, of which 95 qualified for review by a selection panel. Panelists consisted of City staff and representatives from the City's Economic Development Commission, local business organizations and small businesses. Businesses were scored and selected for their need and readiness to participate, the potential impact of the program to their business and diversity of representation across all parts of the City and multiple industries.

Twenty businesses, which include a mix of restaurants, retail shops and health and wellness facilities, education, and nonprofits throughout Long Beach, were selected to participate and awarded $10,000 in grant funding. Additionally, five more businesses that were selected as alternates and successfully completed the program were each awarded $1,000 grants. Businesses also received a one-year membership to the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and a marketing package from Visit Long Beach. Participating entrepreneurs completed a series of workshops, received personalized business counseling and established comprehensive business plans over the course of the 10-week program.

Selected businesses are listed as follows:

• 1984 Barbershop
• Abby's Beauty Salon
• Ace of Spades Tattoo
• All In CDL Training
• Ambiance Skin Care
• American Vintage Barbershop
• Antonio's Barber Supply
• Auto Stop Insurance Services
• Boba Bee
• Brakenetic
• Guerrero Taqueria
• Hacienda Ruan
• International City Theatre
• Jessbraids Fareal
• Long Beach Beer Lab
• Long Beach Woodwinds
• Lovely Beauty Salon
• Pro Spa Nails and Hair
• PS Fast Food 168
• SEM Computer
• Sesame Dinette
• Sticky Icky Funnel Cakes
• The Bicycle Stand
• Unforgettable Lemonade
• Wrigley Coffee

"Local entrepreneurs bring new ideas, energy and opportunity to our economy, and supporting their success helps build a stronger, more dynamic Long Beach," said EDO Director Bo Martinez. "We're proud to invest in these 25 businesses and be part of their journey as they grow and reach new levels of success."

The City is committed to empowering small businesses. Over the past year, EDO's BizCare team has provided support and resources to more than 2,134 businesses and more than 681 businesses have received assistance through the Inclusive Business Navigators Program. Last year, $220,000 was awarded to 24 businesses that successfully completed the second cohort of Level Up LB.

Level Up LB aligns with Goal 4, Strategy 2 of Long Beach's Racial and Reconciliation Initiative, which focuses on partnering with local organizations to facilitate business navigation services through inclusive, neighborhood-based business centers. The program also aligns with the City's Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint.

The third cohort of this program was made possible by one-time funding that was approved by the Long Beach City Council as part of the adopted Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

To learn more about programs and resources for small businesses, those interested can call the City's BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or email [email protected].

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. 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.

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