File photo. 

The community is invited to learn more about innovation and entrepreneurship in Long Beach by participating in Long Beach Innovation Week(s), from October 2 to 22, 2015, in partnership with the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), and Los Angeles County’s Innovation Week(s), the city announced Tuesday.

Innovation Week(s) are a countywide celebration of the innovation and creativity within the region.

“Economic opportunities in Long Beach will be through innovation, technology and enhancing civic engagement,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement. According to the city’s release, the mayor has pledged to support innovation as a critical component to his commitment to economic growth, development and the expansion of educational opportunities.

Los Angeles County is a global leader for innovation and entrepreneurship, while Long Beach plays a critical role in the region.

Fourteen events will be held throughout Long Beach during this period to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of the city. Join the Innovation Team (i-team) and the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association on Friday, October 2 for the kickoff event at the Art Expo held in conjunction with First Fridays. Speakers will include Councilmember Al Austin; Chris Rico, LAEDC Director of Innovation; John Keisler, Innovation Team Director; and Ryan Murray, Mayor’s Innovation Deputy.

Other events include an “Evening with Wonder Women Tech Panel and Mixer,” “Showcasing Local Makers and Investors” with MADE LB, “Slow Money and Long Beach Fresh,” the “State of the Arts,” presented by the Arts Council for Long Beach, and “Meet the Angels with Wolverine Angels” at WE Labs. For a full-list of local events, click here.

Get involved and stay engaged by sharing your ideas and by following the i-team on twitter @iteam_LongBeach. 

The city announced that it will also be launching an ongoing public engagement campaign to ask Long Beach residents questions about local innovation, business start-up needs and economic opportunity.

For more information about Innovation Week(s) Los Angeles and for the full list of countywide events, click here  or here .