Small businesses are the backbone of Long Beach’s local economy, officials say – and once again, the city has awarded grants to local entrepreneurs to “level up” their enterprises.
This year, 25 small businesses took part in the city’s third cohort of the “Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program,” which provides them with essential support and resources to grow and thrive.
The program was designed to help small businesses succeed and become sustainable by offering owners an opportunity to connect with essential support resources and undergo comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans, according to its website.
Participating entrepreneurs completed a series of workshops, received personalized business counseling and established comprehensive business plans over the course of the 10-week program, according to a press release.
The Economic Development and Opportunity Department, which facilitated the program, awarded $205,000 in grants to the 25 businesses that successfully completed the Level Up LB program. A culmination ceremony took place on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The awarded businesses included a mix of restaurants, retail shops, health and wellness facilities, educational organizations, and nonprofits throughout Long Beach.
“The Level Up LB program is an investment in the entrepreneurs who are helping shape Long Beach’s future,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “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.”
Sesame Dinette, on Pacific Avenue, was one of the 25 small businesses that were part of the third cohort of Long Beach’s Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Sesame Dinette, on Pacific Avenue, was one of the 25 small businesses that were part of the third cohort of Long Beach’s Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Auto Stop Insurance Services, on Pacific Avenue, was one of the 25 small businesses that were part of the third cohort of Long Beach’s Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Lovely Beauty Salon, on Pacific Avenue, was one of the 25 small businesses that were part of the third cohort of Long Beach’s Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Wrigly Coffee, on Willow Street, was one of the 25 small businesses that were part of the third cohort of Long Beach’s Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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Sesame Dinette, on Pacific Avenue, was one of the 25 small businesses that were part of the third cohort of Long Beach’s Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The department received 219 applications for Level Up LB, of which 95 qualified for review by a selection panel and 20 were selected to participate. 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, the press release said.
Some of the awarded businesses, for example, are located in the Wrigley Neighborhood. The beloved local coffee shop, Wrigley Coffee, along Willow Street, was one of the selected businesses, as well as neighboring businesses Auto Stop Insurance Services and Lovely Beauty Salon along Pacific Avenue.
Each small business that completed the program received $10,000, a one-year membership to the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and a marketing package from Visit Long Beach, the press release said. Five more businesses that were selected as alternates and successfully completed the program also received $1,000 each.
Besides Wrigley Coffee, Auto Stop Insurance Services and Lovely Beauty Salon, the other 22 business selected for the program were 1984 Barbershop, Abby’s Beauty Salon, Ace of Spades Tattoo, All In CDL Training, Ambiance Skin Care, American Vintage Barbershop, Antonio’s Barber Supply, Boba Bee, Brakenetic, Guerrero Taqueria, Hacienda Ruan, International City Theatre, Jessbraids Fareal, Long Beach Beer Lab, Long Beach Woodwinds, Pro Spa Nails and Hair, PS Fast Food 168, SEM Computer, Sesame Dinette, Sticky Icky Funnel Cakes, The Bicycle Stand, and Unforgettable Lemonade.
“Local entrepreneurs bring new ideas, energy and opportunity to our economy, and supporting their success helps build a stronger, more dynamic Long Beach,” Bo Martinez, director of the Economic Development and Opportunity Department, said in a statement. “We’re proud to invest in these 25 businesses and be part of their journey as they grow and reach new levels of success.”
Long Beach is committed to empowering small businesses, city officials said. Over the past year, the BizCare team has provided support and resources to more than 2,000 businesses, with nearly 700 businesses receiving 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.
The third cohort of this program, the city’s press release said, was made possible by one-time funding that was approved by the City Council as part of the adopted fiscal year 2026 budget.