Deadline: 20 March 2025
Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program (Level Up LB) is a program designed to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability.
The initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential support resources and undergo comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans.
With a focus on igniting growth and fostering excellence, the City’s Economic Development Department will select a group of 20 small businesses for this exclusive opportunity. Through a series of no-cost training sessions, participants will delve into strategic business planning, business finance, marketing & social media optimization, access to capital, government procurement opportunities, talent recruitment, and personalized business counseling.
Funding Information
- Upon completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10,000 grants, empowering them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be located and operating within the boundaries of Long Beach, California with a physical location (i.e. storefront, office, commercial facility) (no home-based business)
- Must have been in business for a minimum of 3 years as of 3/20/2025.
- Must be an independently-owned, for-profit business including sole proprietorships, LLC’s or Corporations that are not publicly traded (franchises and large chains with 10 or more locations are not eligible). 501(c)3 nonprofits may also apply.
- Must have a City of Long Beach business license. The business must hold an active or delinquent license. Businesses that have closed or cancelled their licenses are not eligible for the program.
- Must be currently open and active for business.
- Must earn no more than $5 million in annual gross revenue.
- Corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships must have an “ACTIVE” status with the California Secretary of State.
Ineligibility Criteria
- Businesses without a physical location in Long Beach, CA
- Businesses that are permanently closed
- Government entities or elected official offices
- Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities
- Passive businesses, investment companies, and investors who file a Schedule E on their personal tax returns
- Churches and other religious organizations
- Financial businesses primarily engaged in the business of lending, such as banks and finance companies
- Landlords and property managers (unless repairing on behalf of a small business)
- Businesses engaged in any activity that is illegal under federal, state, or local law
- Businesses engaged in any socially undesirable activity or activity that may be considered predatory in nature such as check cashing businesses
- Businesses that have active and unresolved code enforcement and COVID-19 Health Order violations
- Cannabis-related businesses
Selection Criteria
- Representation of businesses across all parts of the city with priority for businesses located in low-to-moderate income areas
- Representation of businesses across multiple sectors
- Business readiness and potential impact of program participation
For more information, visit Long Beach Economic Development Department.
