The Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed), an alliance of 150 business groups representing 272,000 companies, has recognized Long Beach as one of the five most business-friendly cities in Los Angeles County, the city announced today.

The businesses represented by BizFed represent nearly 3 million employees in the county.

“We’re delighted that businesses throughout Los Angeles County know what our local businesses already know—that Long Beach is extremely business friendly,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement. “We have an extensive array of programs and services to help businesses stay and grow in Long Beach, whether they are small entrepreneurial start-ups or large employers.”

According to the city release, the results were included in responses submitted to BizFed’s annual survey of employers, which seeks information from business owners and executives about key issues regarding the operation and growth of their business.

The city noted its numerous initiatives to build business in Long Beach, including measures implemented by the Department of Economic and Property Development, the city’s Business Assistance Team and the city’s Innovation Team (i-team).

The three-year, $3 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies has resulted in the launch of the city’s BizPort, aimed at streamlining the startup process and the development of iClips to help vendors to business with the city. More business-friendly initiatives are expected to launch this summer, according to the city.

The city lists other tools meant to help businesses as:

  • Business Assistance and Workforce Development
  • Small Business Development
  • Low Cost City Business License Tax Structure
  • Financial Assistance
  • Business Improvement Districts
  • Improved Permitting and Inspection Services
  • Administrative Use Permits and Conditional Use Permits
  • Downtown Plan
  • Business Services Bureau
  • Competitively Priced Utilities
  • A central point of contact that can help businesses access City services, and guide them through the planning and permitting process

For more information, contact Business Ombudsman Seyed Jalali at [email protected] or 562.570.6172.