Long Beach’s mom-and-pop shops were full of special deals and events this weekend — as part of Small Business Saturday.
Small businesses are the backbone of Long Beach’s economy, local officials said, and many residents and visitors showed their support on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Occurring between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a nationwide initiative to promote and celebrate small businesses and their contributions to their communities.
Long Beach is home to an array of small businesses and several business improvement districts, such as the Belmont Shore Business Association, Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association and Downtown Long Beach Alliance, among others.
Politicians, small business owners and community leaders hold up an oversized check for $1 million from the state, during a celebration of a small business grant in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Workers from the Cassidy’s Corner Café take a photo together as they serve food for guests at an event celebrating a $1 million grant to small businesses in the Bixby Knolls section of Long Beach, on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
A worker from Cassidy’s Corner Café prepares a cup of coffee during an event celebrating a $1 million grant to small businesses in the Bixby Knolls section of Long Beach, on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), right, speaks with a resident during an event celebrating a $1 million small business grant in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Politicians, small business owners and community leaders hold up an oversized check for $1 million from the state, during a celebration of a small business grant in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees listen to Blair Cohn, executive director at Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, during an event celebrating a $1 million small business grant from the state, during an event in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Aaron Hovis, the president of the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation, speaks about the $1 million small business grant his foundation received during an event in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Blair Cohn, executive director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, talks about the $1 million small business grant from the state during an event in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach) speaks about a $1 million small business grant to the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation, during an event in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) talks about freeing up $1 million for a small business grant for the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation, during an event in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) talks about freeing up $1 million for a small business grant for the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation, during an event in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Councilwoman Megan Kerr speaks about a $1 million small business grant to the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation, during an event in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
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Politicians, small business owners and community leaders hold up an oversized check for $1 million from the state, during a celebration of a small business grant in Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
“Small businesses are the heart of Long Beach – they bring character to our neighborhoods, create jobs and help keep our local economy strong,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “We encourage everyone to shop local and show support for the entrepreneurs and families who make up the fabric of our great city. Every purchase made at a local shop is an investment in the spirit and success of Long Beach.”
For every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community, according to the national Small Business Administration. Shopping locally also reduces one’s environmental impact, encourages local businesses to reinvest in their communities, and increases local competition and innovation among small businesses, city officials said.
Shopping local offers residents an opportunity to shop from a wide range of products and services – from boutique clothing, jewelry and decor stores to artisanal coffee and authentic food shops. Long Beach businesses offer something for everyone at every price point, officials said. Shopping locally also stimulates the Long Beach economy, supports local jobs and fosters a sense of community pride and connection.
To support the city’s and business association’s efforts to help small businesses, state Sen. Lena Gonzalez awarded $1 million in state funds to the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation. The money will be used to assist small businesses and support the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association’s Clean and Safe program, according to a press release.
The senator presented the award to Fifth District Councilmember Megan Kerr, Bixby Knolls Community Foundation President Aaron Hovis, and Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association President Crystal Rogers on Saturday at Fingerprints Music – a popular record store business in Long Beach.
“Small business is big business in Long Beach,” Bo Martinez, director of the Department of Economic Development and Opportunity, said in a statement. “Local entrepreneurs bring creativity, authenticity and a personal touch that makes our city special and unique.
“We’re proud to support and uplift the entrepreneurs who pour their passion into serving our community every day,” Martinez added. “This Small Business Saturday, we encourage everyone to shop small during the entire holiday season and help our local businesses continue to grow and thrive.”