Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program is a targeted initiative developed by the City of Long Beach Economic Development & Opportunity Department to support the resilience and long-term growth of small businesses located within the city. This program reflects the city’s strategic commitment to economic inclusion and capacity building for local entrepreneurs. Designed as both a technical assistance and financial empowerment initiative, Level Up LB provides selected small businesses with the opportunity to engage in a structured business development curriculum, culminating in the chance to apply for $10,000 in grant funding to support strategic growth activities. Level Up LB supports business owners through a structured series of workshops focused on key business enhancement topics. These include financial literacy and business finance management, marketing and social media optimization, access to capital, government procurement pathways, strategic business planning, and talent recruitment. Each participating business will also receive personalized business counseling. This tailored guidance ensures that every business owner is positioned to apply learned skills to their unique context and objectives. The overarching goal of the program is to help transition businesses from survival to sustainability and, ultimately, scalable growth. In total, 20 businesses will be selected to complete the full program and become eligible for grant funding, while an additional 10 businesses may participate in the workshop series without guaranteed funding, contingent upon funding availability. Importantly, participants must complete all workshops, update their business plans, and submit an investment strategy for the $10,000 grant in order to receive the funds. The application is not sufficient on its own—full participation and deliverables are mandatory to access funding. Eligible applicants must meet several criteria. They must be operating in Long Beach, California with a physical commercial location and must have been in business for at least three years by March 31, 2026. The program is open to independently-owned, for-profit businesses, including sole proprietorships, LLCs, corporations (excluding franchises or chains with more than 10 locations), and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Businesses must hold an active City of Long Beach business license, be currently operational, and have gross annual revenue not exceeding $5 million. Certain entities, including government offices, religious organizations, cannabis businesses, and landlords, are ineligible. The application closes at 5 p.m. on March 31, 2026. Interested businesses must submit their applications by this deadline; late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions in May 2026, with programming anticipated to begin shortly thereafter. The City also provides in-person technical assistance at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Adult Career Services Center on specific dates in February and March 2026. Contact information for assistance is provided, including a dedicated BizCare phone line and email address. While no documents are required at the time of application submission, selected participants must later provide identification, a completed W-9, and proof of income. The program does not recur annually, so the current application window may be the sole opportunity to participate. Final selections will emphasize geographic diversity across Long Beach, representation across industries, and demonstrated readiness for business transformation. The Level Up LB program offers not just a financial boost, but a structured pathway to stronger, more resilient business operations for Long Beach’s local business community.

Attend all sessions; ensure investment plan aligns with growth goals; confirm all eligibility requirements are met.