Small Business & Job Creation Grant

Geographic Scope: Downtown Long Beach, California

Program Description:
The DLBA awards grants to local entrepreneurs to help their small businesses get off the ground. Applicants can receive up to $2,500 in matching funds from the DLBA for a total award of up to $5,000.

Eligibility:

• Must be a current or future business owner
• Must complete the DLBA's six-week Entrepreneur and Small Business Education Series (in partnership with California State University, Long Beach)
• Must present business plan at the "Pitch Fest" at the culmination of the education series
• Applicants must raise matching funds themselves (DLBA provides up to $2,500 to match)

Focus Areas:

• Small business development
• Job creation
• Minority-owned businesses
• Women-owned businesses

What They Fund:

• Business startup costs and initial operational expenses
• Businesses in various sectors (retail, hospitality, professional services, nonprofits, arts organizations, etc.)

Contact Information:

• Downtown Long Beach Alliance
• 100 W. Broadway, Ste. 235
• Long Beach, CA 90802
• Phone: 562.436.4259
• Email: Available through website contact form

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