Welcome to the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation
Small Business Grant Program!
We are thrilled to announce four new grant opportunities designed to support, protect, and uplift our Long Beach Business Improvement District (BID) communities. These impactful funding programs are made possible thanks to the generous support and advocacy of State Senator Lena Gonzalez, whose dedication to our community continues to help Long Beach thrive.
Applications for this initial call are officially open from July 1 through July 31. If you aren’t ready to apply just yet, don’t worry! Following this initial period, grant applications will open quarterly to ensure ongoing support as long as funding remains available. We encourage all eligible local business owners to explore the opportunities and apply today!
General Program Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for funding, applicants and businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Location: The business must be physically located within a Long Beach Business Improvement District (BID). More information on BIDs can be found here.
- Ownership: The business must be a small business or an independently owned and operated business (large corporate franchises are not eligible). Small businesses are defined as businesses with 50 or fewer employees and independently owned and operated.
- Operational Status: The business must have an active business license and be fully operating at the time of application.
- Authorized Applicant: The applicant must be the business owner or an officially authorized representative of the business.
- Regulatory Standing: The business must be in good standing with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
- Application Limit: Only one application may be submitted per grant category during each application cycle.
- Fund Utilization: Grant funds must be used exclusively for the eligible expenses outlined in each specific grant program.
- Verification: Grant recipients will be required to provide receipts, photos, or other formal documentation verifying how the funds were used.
Facade Improvement Grants
Businesses seeking to improve exterior curb appeal, safety, and vibrancy can receive up to $2,000 for upgrades including paint, lighting, signage, repairs, windows, murals, and more.
Micro-Event Grants
Microgrants of up to $500 support community-building events that also drive foot traffic, increase visibility, and strengthen connections for participating businesses. Eligible events must partner with a business located within a designated Long Beach BID.
Crime Response Grants
Helps business owners recover from crime-related damage that occurred after April 1, 2026 by covering 80% of eligible repair costs, including vandalism and damage to doors or windows, up to $2,000.
Safety Lighting & Security Camera Grants
Provides up to $500 to help businesses install security cameras or improve safety lighting, enhancing visibility and security for those without cameras or needing lighting upgrades.