Long Beach: City to Celebrate Small Business and Economic Development Weeks in May

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Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO), in partnership with the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber), Small Business Council and Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce, is inviting entrepreneurs, small business owners and startups to participate in the Biggest Small Business Expo on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the Sports Basement (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.) in celebration of National Small Business Week and Economic Development Week, which are both recognized annually in May.

"Small businesses are the foundation of our city, and we are proud to celebrate the entrepreneurs who take risks, create jobs, and invest in our community every day," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This event offers a valuable opportunity for the business community to connect with the City team and participating organizations, gain meaningful insights, and access resources designed to help businesses grow and succeed."

The Biggest Small Business Expo will feature several information and resource booths hosted by participating organizations. The event will also offer opportunities for attendees to learn about programs and services for small businesses, network with other entrepreneurs and meet one-on-one with business professionals throughout Long Beach. Attendees must register online to attend. Registration for the event is free of cost through Friday, May 8, 2026, using promo code SUPPORTSB26. Thereafter, a $30 fee will apply for participants. Refreshments and a catered meal will be available.

"What I love about the Biggest Small Business Expo is that it's three hours of exactly what small business owners need most: face time with potential clients, partners and peers who get it," said The Chamber's Small Business Council President Kris Gragson. "As President of The Chamber's Small Business Council, this is my favorite event of the year because the value is so concrete. People leave with leads, referrals and momentum they didn't have walking in."

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In celebration of National Small Business Week (May 3 to 9) and Economic Development Week (May 4 to 8), EDO will also recognize 22 newly certified Long Beach Legacy Businesses and 17 Green Businesses at the May 5, 2026, Long Beach City Council meeting. Complimentary parking will be available in the Civic Center Garage (332 W. Broadway).

Additionally, EDO will be conducting a social media campaign featuring local retailers on Facebook, X and Instagram @lbecondev and highlighting businesses in its Business Brief Newsletter. Businesses and the community are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date on the latest business-related news and opportunities.

"Long Beach is proud to champion a business community built on resilience, collaboration and opportunity," said EDO Director Bo Martinez. "Alongside the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and our many dedicated partners, we remain focused on uplifting small businesses and fueling the economic momentum that drives our city forward."

The Biggest Small Business Expo is sponsored by the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Port of Long Beach and Kiiwi.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy — creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods and bringing vitality to our communities," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. "Supporting entrepreneurs means investing in the people and ideas that help Los Angeles County thrive and events like the Small Business Expo provide meaningful opportunities for business owners to connect with valuable resources, build partnerships and continue growing their impact."

"The Port of Long Beach creates significant opportunities and opens the door to a diverse set of local contractors and vendors through a variety of services, including our award-winning Small Business Enterprise Program," said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. "Our programs create a more level playing field by opening the lines of communication with small businesses and reducing barriers to participate in Port business."

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"Kiiwi is built to create a win-win — empowering small businesses in Long Beach to generate real-time revenue while helping local consumers discover better options and better value in their own neighborhoods," said Kiiwi Founder/CEO Dave Garden. "Kiiwi is proud to sponsor and play a part in the Small Business Expo. We look forward to continuing partnerships and exposure to small businesses in the city."

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week to acknowledge the contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. Since 2016, the International Economic Development Council has recognized Economic Development Week to honor the impact that economic development organizations and professionals have in their communities.

For additional information about the event, those interested may contact Judy Nelson, Vice President, Business Council, The Chamber, at jnelson@lbchamber.com. To learn about resources for small businesses, the community can call the City's BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or email BizCare@longbeach.gov.

About the City of Long Beach

Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/ (https://www.longbeach.gov/). Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CityofLongBeachCA), X (https://twitter.com/LongBeachCity), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/cityoflongbeachca/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/LongBeachCityCA). For more information about the City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, visit longbeach.gov/edo (https://www.longbeach.gov/edo/), follow on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LBEconDev/), X (https://x.com/LBEconDev) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lbecondev/). Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City's Business Brief (https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001ce-XF2CUs_1cFBu15Cf09d_jwL1NHYw_XAaQWLxnoHSnSZ8bEmIhPWVvyY2mZQUeFLWag5ogXeeJPO3FZ9XSec-60RU_ZmikLchNIbpEV9WRBgjXKmoLbVs9kyDkmpf9Ru9Ncpl_cVyEP9J1OQbQOCfqAKewEEre).
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