TITLE
Recommendation receive and file a report on National Small Business Week. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
For more than 50 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business. These businesses are responsible for creating nearly two-thirds of net new jobs in the United States each year and employ more than half of all Americans. As outlets for creativity and ingenuity, small businesses do more than create jobs and foster economic growth - they represent the entrepreneurial spirit that has always driven our nation forward.
Small businesses are central to the Long Beach community and a vital part of the City’s economy. Long Beach has 26,752 small businesses with 15 or fewer employees. Supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs is a priority in the City’s 10-Year Blueprint for Economic Development (Blueprint). As a result of the Blueprint, the City is building on its legacy of supporting small business by establishing and strengthening existing programs, services, and strategic partnerships that help entrepreneurs start up, stay up, and scale up. These programs and services are inclusive and available to all Long Beach small business owners and entrepreneurs. Following is a summary of programs and services the City offers to small businesses.
Loan Programs
The City has three loan products available for small businesses and entrepreneurs that help to start, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs locally:
1. Microenterprise Loan Program
2. Grow Long Beach Loan Program
3. Kiva Long Beach Loan Program
Business Assistance and Education Programs
The City, in partnership with local service providers, helps small business owners and entrepreneurs access important resources that help them start, maintain, or scale their businesses. Examples include:
1. BizPort - Online Business Portal
2. City Ombudsmen Services
3. CSULB Entrepreneur Boot Camp
4. SCORE Long Beach
5. Site Selection and Market Data
6. Small Business Development Center
7. Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network
8. Business Improvement Districts
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on April 18, 2019 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on April 17, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is not time sensitive.
FISCAL IMPACT
This report has minimal staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN KEISLER
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER