City of Long Beach to Open Applications for Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Photo of Mayor Rex Richardson, Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity Director Bo Martinez and participants of the second cohort of the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program in September 2025.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) today announced the opening of applications for the third cohort of its Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program (Level Up LB), an award-winning program designed to support entrepreneurs and help advance small businesses toward success and sustainability. Level Up LB will assist 20 small business owners with supportive services, workshops and $10,000 in grant funding to help take their small business to the next level.

"Small businesses drive our local economy and provide more than half of jobs in Long Beach," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "With another round of Level Up LB, we're reaffirming our commitment to the entrepreneurs who create jobs, spark innovation and help shape a stronger, more connected economic future for our city."

Level Up LB will connect selected entrepreneurs with essential business support, resources and comprehensive workshops focused on strengthening business and marketing plans. Upon completion of an eight-week course, selected businesses will receive grant funding to help grow their small business. Level Up LB will be led by EDO staff, with coordinated support from local partners, including Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Long Beach SBDC, SCORE Long Beach/South Bay and Visit Long Beach.

Applications will be open through Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2026. Information regarding eligibility requirements is available at longbeach.gov/levelup. EDO's BizCare staff will provide in-person technical assistance with the application process on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon and Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Adult Career Services site (4811 Airport Plaza Dr.). Additional times and locations will be made available on the Level Up LB webpage as they are scheduled.

"Level Up LB is about investing in the people behind our small businesses - and their passion, creativity, hard work and commitment to our community," said EDO Director Bo Martinez. "We are proud to support local entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow and succeed, because when small businesses thrive, Long Beach thrives."

Last year, 24 small businesses were awarded $220,000 through Level Up LB. As part of the adopted Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, the Long Beach City Council approved one-time funding of $230,000 allocated toward continuation of Level Up LB as part of the Mayor's Small Business Rebound Initiative.

For information about Level Up LB and other assistance for small businesses, those interested can visit longbeach.gov/bizcare, 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.

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 Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, visit longbeach.gov/edo, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City's Business Brief.

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