City Announces ‘Level Up’ Awardees

The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department (EDD) announced awardees for the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program, a new effort that will help propel small businesses toward success and sustainability. The initiative will connect selected entrepreneurs with essential business support resources and comprehensive workshops that focus on crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the program, selected businesses will receive $10,000 in grant funding to help grow their small business.

The program application period launched in April. EDD led the selection process and is coordinating all program activities, with support from local partners through the city’s Inclusive Business Navigators Program. The city received 183 applications for the program, of which 95 qualified for review by a selection panel. Panelists consisted of city staff and representatives from the city’s Economic Development Commission, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Council, Service Corps of Retired Executives and local small businesses.

Selected businesses include:

• Back to Basics Learning Programs
• Beacon House Thrift Shop
• Candy Spot
• Caravana Furniture
• Club Viva Mejor Activo
• Feel Good Salsa Kitchen
• Gemmae Bake Shop
• La Gaviota Meat Market
• Long Beach Barber Shop
• Long Beach Vintage Etc
• The Merchant
• Mesi Muya LB Market
• Musical Theatre West
• Paramount Dental Care/
• Park Avenue Salon
• Pigeon’s Roller Skate Shop
• Pupuseria Brisas de Acajutla
• R & S Water and Ice
• Rose Hanna Counseling Services
• Roselyn’s Beauty Salon
• Sal’s Gumbo Shack
• The Sconeage Bakery
• Simple Health Acupuncture & Wellness
• Sweet Grass Sugarcane Juice
• Used Work Clothes

The city continues to seek participants for the Inclusive Business Navigators Program, which will support the implementation of the Level Up LB: Small Business Makeover and Grant Program by offering informative workshops, program application assistance, one-on-one support and more. Small business owners are encouraged to visit longbeach.gov/biznavigators for more information. Businesses can also receive assistance and information by calling the city’s BizCare Hotline at (562) 570-4249.