Small Business & Job Creation Grant

Application Process

1. Step 1: Register for Education Series
- Complete the free six-week Entrepreneur and Small Business Education Series offered in partnership with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
- Series includes 10 modules covering topics such as:
- Writing Your Marketing Plan
- Negotiating a Lease
- And other business fundamentals

2. Step 2: Attend All Sessions
- Sessions held in Downtown Long Beach from 8 a.m. to noon
- Week 1 held at WeWork (100 W. Broadway)
- Remaining sessions at Studio 111's offices (245 E 3rd Street)

3. Step 3: Participate in Pitch Fest
- Week 6 culminates in a "Pitch Fest"
- Present your business plan to DLBA's Economic Development team and private angel investors
- Business plan and financial projections will be reviewed

4. Step 4: Submit Grant Application
- After completing the education series, submit Small Business & Job Creation Grant application
- Must demonstrate matching funds raised by applicant
- DLBA provides up to $2,500 in matching funds

Required Materials

• Completed education series participation
• Business plan
• Financial projections
• Evidence of matching funds raised
• Pitch Fest presentation materials

Selection Criteria

• Panel of judges from Southern California's business and investor communities evaluate applicants
• Preference given to minority-owned and women-owned businesses