Networking

Expand your contacts

Networking is all about getting to know people, making connections, and developing relationships. Showing up to events and becoming an active part of the community helps to spread the word about who you are and what your business can offer.

Going to local meetups gives you an opportunity to interact with professionals and enthusiasts in your industry face-to-face.

Here’s a list of ways to connect within Long Beach:

The Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA)

DLBA is a fee-based business improvement district serving businesses and residents in downtown Long Beach. If you’re interested in locating your business downtown their economic development team can show you available properties and act as a resource through the start-up process. Their economic development committee is made of downtown business owners and meets monthly. Anyone is welcome to attend.

The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber offers opportunities for networking through various events and committees, in addition to member discounts, marketing and promotion, publications and materials to keep you informed. For more a detailed list, visit their member benefits page. For information on membership pricing contact the Chamber.

The Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)

The CVB not only provides many networking opportunities to generate new business, but will refer, recommend and use the services of our members whenever possible. Membership fees begin at $500. To read more about benefits and to become a member visit the CVB’s Membership Page.

The College of Business Administration (CBA) Business Incubator

The CBA Incubator offers mentoring, programming, co-working, workshops, coaching, and business consulting services. They can help you find practical and sustainable ways to grow your business. To learn more join them every Tuesday from 7:00PM – 9:00PM in the CSULB-CBA building room 139A. Follow them on Facebook (CBAincubator) and Twitter (@CBAincubator). For information on upcoming events email them here:

Long Beach Green Business Certification and Recognition Program

Long Beach is a member of the California Green Business Network, which means all LB businesses have the opportunity to join their network of over 4000 businesses across California committed to sustainability. This is a free program offering certification and recognition to all businesses in Long Beach.

City of Long Beach Calendar of Events

Find out about upcoming special events in Long Beach.

MeetUp

Meetup connects groups of people with similar interests. Search for groups with interests like yours.

Congratulations

You’ve read through all of the steps for starting a business in Long Beach. We are grateful for your entrepreneurial spirit. Let us know how we can support you along the way by filling out our survey.

-Mayor Garcia