The city launched its Safe & Secure Long Beach Grant Program Wednesday to help local businesses pay for upgrades intended to improve storefront safety and protect employees and customers. Chelsey Magallon, public affairs officer for the Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, told Patch Thursday that businesses may receive grants of $750 or $1,500.
The amount awarded will be determined by factors including the size of the business, its total exposed exterior and the number of entrances and exits, Magallon said. The city anticipates the $400,000 available through the program could support more than 250 Long Beach businesses, depending on the amounts awarded, she said.