Is Long Beach a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Long Beach has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Long Beach gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Long Beach

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Long Beach offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Long Beach's early-stage funding landscape is actively developing, driven by local initiatives. The Launch Beach coalition, involving the City, Long Beach Economic Partnership, and Cal State Long Beach, aims to launch 100 diverse tech startups. A key player is Sunstone Management, a local VC firm that has committed grant funding and is managing the Long Beach Venture Fund to invest in early-stage companies coming through the Long Beach Accelerator. The Long Beach Accelerator itself provides pre-seed and seed funding, typically ranging from $75,000 to $100,000. While specific data on seed-stage funding gaps or decreased investment trends in Long Beach wasn't readily available, the city actively offers various small business grants and loan programs, like the Level Up LB program, to provide alternative funding avenues and support. The ecosystem is also supported by resources like the CSULB Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and events connecting founders with investors.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Long Beach has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Long Beach has a developing startup and innovation ecosystem with numerous coworking spaces available, including Work Evolution and various Premier Workspaces locations. The city actively promotes entrepreneurial activity through initiatives like Launch Beach, aiming to attract and retain tech startups. Organizations like the Long Beach Accelerator (LBA) and the CSULB Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship offer programs, workshops, and mentorship. Support for early-stage founders appears to be a focus, with programs like the LBA providing tailored 4-month acceleration, funding, mentorship, and access to resources. The city also offers small business advising and technical assistance, including help with business planning and accessing capital. While there are competitive elements like pitch competitions, the ecosystem emphasizes providing resources and guidance to help early-stage companies grow rather than solely favoring mature startups. Tech events like the WONDER Tech Fest and Space Tech Expo also contribute to the ecosystem.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Long Beach can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Long Beach, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Long Beach is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Long Beach has a growing talent pool supported by key educational institutions like California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and Long Beach City College (LBCC). These institutions contribute to a diverse workforce with skills relevant to various industries, including technology, engineering, and professional services. CSULB, in particular, has programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, connecting students with the local startup ecosystem. The city also has initiatives like the Long Beach Accelerator and programs through the Workforce Innovation Network that help develop skills and connect talent with business needs, fostering entrepreneurial growth. Proximity to Los Angeles further expands the available talent pool.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Long Beach can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Long Beach boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Long Beach offers a growing ecosystem for startups, featuring key infrastructure and support systems. The Long Beach Accelerator (LBA) is a central component, providing early-stage companies with a tailored four-month program, potential funding ($75,000-$100,000), mentorship, and workspace. California State University Long Beach also hosts the Apostle Incubator, offering guidance and resources. Numerous co-working spaces across the city provide flexible workspace options. Government initiatives play a significant role. The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department offers various business support services, including assistance with navigating licensing and permits, accessing capital through loan programs, and providing advising. The "Grow Long Beach" initiative and the "Launch Beach: 100 Startups Campaign," a partnership involving the city, CSULB, and private investors, aim to launch and support new technology startups. Programs like the Inclusive Business Navigators Program offer free technical assistance and coaching. These resources collectively help startups access funding, gain expertise, network, and navigate regulatory processes, fostering their growth and contributing to the local economy.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Long Beach. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Long Beach Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Long Beach provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Long Beach may encounter several hurdles. Competition exists within the growing tech and innovation sectors, though the city is actively working to build its startup ecosystem. While Long Beach offers more affordable living costs compared to some neighboring Southern California cities, it is still above the national average, which can impact hiring and operational expenses. Regulatory issues, such as navigating business permits and licensing, can be complex and time-consuming, potentially causing delays for new businesses. The city is attempting to streamline some processes, but challenges remain, particularly for smaller operations like street vendors.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Long Beach or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Long Beach offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash