Department Update Follow-Up
August 10, 2026
Department Update
•Workshop Follow-up/Review
•How we got here
•Statistics/Metrics
•Business Assistance Programs
•Entrepreneurial Programs
•Corridor Studies
•Department Reorganization
•Econ Dev/Com Dev Corporations
Workshop Takeaways
and Directives
Workshop Big-Picture Take-aways
1.New Business/Development Attraction
a.Development/Project Support
2.Small Business/Entrepreneurial Programs
3.Maintain HOME/CDBG/SHA programs and compliance
a.support above programs where possible
4.Research Economic Development Corporation
Workshop Directives
1.Strategic Property Acquisition
2.Downtown Bellflower
3.Housing as an Economic Development driver
4.Business Assistance & Entrepreneurial Programs
5.Commercial Corridor Studies
6.Econ Dev Corp/Com Dev Corp
How did we get here?
Downtown Small Scale/Artisan
Manufacturing Recommendations
Downtown Economic Development
Recommendations
Recommendations - Implemented
Entrepreneurial/Small Business
Training Programs
Increase housing
density downtown
Move the farmers
market downtown
Zoning Standards for
Artisan Manufacturing
AUP for serving alcohol
as accessory use
Continue City ownership
of key parcels
Recommendations – In the Works
City commitment
to a Spend Local
Initiative
Use public spaces
for more
community events
Address
obsolete
zoning
Extending
Downtown
Streetscape south
to the freeway
Promote city support of
local business
(tell our story/
promote successes)
Stats and Metrics
Business Assistance Plan and Entrepreneurial Programs
Business Assistance Plan
Business Assistance Plan (BAP)
•Created in 2017 - Revised a few times since
•Initial focus on building modernization and façade
improvements in Downtown Bellflower
•12 applicants approved, only 1 did not move forward
Business Assistance Plan 2017-2026
19%
19%
6%6%
44%
6%
CHAPTER 1 - ABC CUP Grant (3 loans)
CHAPTER 2.1 - Improvement loan (3 loans)
CHAPTER 2.2 - Modernization Loan (1 loan)
CHAPTER 2.3 - Tax Assistance (1 loan)
CHAPTER 3 - Façade / Signage Loan (7 loans)
CHAPTER 5 - Microloan (1 loan)
Total funds approved: $421,000
$17,347.06 returned from Fantasy Cakes
$21,062.96 returned from Frousakis [The Nest]
($382,589.98 invested – 16 LOANS TOTAL)
Entrepreneurial Programs
Entrepreneurial Programs
•Asociación de Emprendedor@s: 2022 - ongoing
•Monica Robles – Emprendedor@s
•Maker to Market: 2024 – ongoing
•3 Advisors – Long Beach City College SBDC Office • GRANT FUNDED THRU DEC 2026 •Bellflower Entrepreneurial Academy: 2025 - ongoing
•Monica Robles – Heart Centered Leadership Coaching & Consulting Group • GRANT FUNDED THRU DEC 2026 •37 Oaks Online Retail Course: 2022 - 2024
•37 Oaks Online Small Business/Retail Scaling Courses • NO LONGER OFFERED DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT
Statistics/Metrics
Participants overall:
165 Emprendedor@s
26 37 Oaks
52 BEA
49 Maker to Market
292 Total
30 23 22
18 18
24 0
30 0
10 2
9 2 2 1 0 0 0000000
31 0
21 0 0 0 0 0 0
23 10
16 0
5 10
15 20
25 30
35 Spring 22 Fall 22 Spring 23 Fall 23 Spring 24 Fall 24 Spring 25 Fall 25 Spring 26 Emprendedor@s 37 Oaks Blf Entrepreneur Academy Maker to Market
Statistics/Metrics
37 OAKS: Many did not complete the online modules, 26 signed up / 10 completed Participating Businesses: Gretel & Co., KaziRokz Skincare, La Paloma Blanca Charcuterie* Kazirokz scaled up from pop-up to Bellflower Kiosk
Bellflower Entrepreneurial Academy: Hosted two cohorts, 52 participants No new brick-and-mortar, yet
Maker to Market: Hosted three workshops, 49 participants No new brick-and-mortar yet, 24 filed business licenses, 14+ have continued with SBDC Advisors, a few have taken advantage of the program’s free Bellflower Farmers Market stall to try what they learned Emprendedor@s: Hosted seven cohorts. In 2025, shifted to once per year to make room for the Bellflower Entrepreneurial Academy. Average of 24 participants
Statistics/Metrics
165
80 47
42 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Graduates
Opened Business
Still in business (01/2026)
Opened in Bellflower
EMPRENDEDOR@S
Brick & Mortar in BLF:
1. Embroidery Trends
2. 3 J’s Kutz
3. Yen Wellness
4. PitStop Barbershop
5. Saucedo Dash & Seat Covers
6. Thome’s Bakery*
7. The Fresh Cut
8. Holland International Market*
9. Pro Match Paint*
* Established Businesses
Other home-based in BLF:
1. La Paloma Blanca Charcuterie
2. Ari’s Decorations
3. SJI Events
4. Thirty A’s Art Club
Corridors Studies
Development Potential and Feasibility of Major Commercial Corridors
Corridors Studies
Confirm Scope and Locations
•Proposed Scope
•Review existing conditions
•Examine Realistic Development Potential/Economics
•Provide Recommendations
•Proposed Locations
•Originally – Artesia Blvd./Lakewood Blvd./Woodruff
Ave./Rosecrans Ave.
•Recommend
•Status
•Request for Proposals (RFP) drafted
•Firms Identified
Department Reorganization
•Overall
•Training and Mentoring Ongoing
•Economic Development Specialist Recruitment
Economic Development/
Community Development
Corporations
Economic Development Corp
Issue Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
Primary Purpose Business attraction, job creation, investment, commercial development
Typical IRS Status 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or nonprofit public benefit corporation Main Activities Real estate development, business recruitment, industrial development, downtown revitalization Funding Sources City contracts/MOUs, business memberships, grants, property revenues, development projects Housing Development Secondary focus
Business Development Core activity
Community Services Rare
Political Independence Often closely affiliated with city government Property Ownership Common
Real Estate Development Frequently commercial/industrial-focused
Anaheim Economic Development Corporation
Anaheim Economic Development Corporation promotes, supports, and funds community solutions that create economic prosperity and well-being for residents in the Greater Anaheim area. The organization generates revenue for Anaheim's recovery and business assistance activities through purchasing preference programs, identification of resources on local, state, and federal levels. In partnership with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, Canyon Hills Community Council, City of Anaheim and others, the corporation hosted the Anaheim 4th of July celebration to engage businesses, residents and city life. (subordinate org under Anaheim Chamber)
El Segundo Economic Development Corporation
The organization is dedicated to advancing Economic opportunity for employers and prosperity for the residents of El Segundo, and to establish more meaningful relationships with executives for all companies to understand their corporate situation, needs and potential issues in staying within El Segundo.
Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development
Corporation
Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation dedicates itself to supporting high-paying job creation for the trained workforce and raising the profile of Santa Clarita Valley through business retention, attraction, marketing, and data. Its mission is to encourage business and industry to remain within the region, as well as promote orderly economic growth and common economic interests. It offers business development services such as business assistance visits and information on business incentives. Additionally, it provides business attraction services including site selection, marketing the community as a desirable place for businesses, recruitment of companies from California and beyond, conducting research projects and development of effective advertising campaigns.
TeamCalifornia Economic Development Corporation
TeamCalifornia Economic Development Corporation promotes business investment and growth within California to create jobs for Californians. Their operations provide resources and expertise through internet advertising, trade shows, public relations, and business missions. Additionally, their mission involves involvement in tradeshows to further promote business investment and job retention within California.
Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) provides strategic economic development leadership to promote a globally competitive, prosperous and growing L.A..
Community Development Corp
Issue Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Primary Purpose Neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, community services
Typical IRS Status 501(c)(3)
Main Activities Affordable housing, mixed-use projects, workforce housing, social services Funding Sources Grants, tax credits, CDBG, HOME, philanthropy Housing Development Primary focus
Business Development Secondary activity
Community Services Common
Political Independence Often independent nonprofit
Property Ownership Common
Real Estate Development Frequently housing-focused
Southeast Community Development Corporation
Southeast Community Development Corporation
empowers individuals through education and
technology, promoting community development and
essential skills for confident, innovative participation.
East LA Community Corporation
East LA Community Corporation (ELACC)
advocates for economic and social justice in
Boyle Heights and Unincorporated East Los
Angeles by building affordable housing and
leading grassroots efforts towards self-sufficiency
and access to brighter economic opportunities
for low and moderate-income families. Their
mission is to strengthen existing community
infrastructure in underserved communities by
developing and preserving neighborhood assets.
Little Italy Association of San Diego
The Little Italy Association (LIA) is a public benefit
corporation, 501(c)(3) established in 1996 to oversee
and expedite the revitalization and beautification of the Little Italy neighborhood of Downtown San Diego.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for
Humanity brings people together to build homes,
communities and hope. Building affordable housing for
qualified low-income families.
(Bellflower, Ca)
Commercial development,
investment, job creation,
business attraction,
Tax alternate: 501(c)(4), or
nonprofit public benefit corp.
Business recruitment,
industrial development,
real estate development
downtown revitalization,
Funded: City contracts/mou,
business memberships,
property revenues,
development projects
Often affiliated with city government
Commercial-focused
501(c)(3)
Housing Development
Business Development
Community Services
Property Ownership
Grants
Neighborhood revitalization,
affordable housing,
community services
Affordable housing,
mixed -use projects,
workforce housing,
social services
Funded: Tax credits, CDBG,
HOME, philanthropy
Often independent nonprofit
Housing-focused
•By -laws
•Articles of Incorporation
•Board of Directors
•Annual Reporting
•Funding/Staffing
•Typically takes several months to form
Formation
Discussion
e/0(/VeAl
Economic" Development
e/0(/VeAl
Economic" Development
501(c)(3)501(c)(4)
Primary Purpose Charitable, educational,
religious, or scientific
Social welfare or civic
improvement
Tax -Deductible Donations Yes No
Political Campaigning Strictly prohibited (cannot
support or oppose any political
candidate)
Permitted (can support or oppose
candidates, provided it is not the
organization's primary activity)
Lobbying Limits Strictly limited Generally, cannot be a "substantial part" of activities
Examples Public charities, private
foundations, churches, and
museums
Civic leagues, advocacy groups,
and some homeowners
associations
501(c)(3) vs. 501 (c)(4) Comparison
Open Rewards - Shop Local Program
Customizable Community-wide rewards program
•Being used by cities throughout North America
•Incentivizes consumers to shop at local businesses
•Merchants not required to sign-up to participate
•Citizens sign-up to participate
•Use Cases
•Shift Spending in Real Time
•Support businesses impacted by disruptions (e.g. Metro) •Drive activity to specific areas
•Amplify key events and build community goodwill
Open Rewards - Shop Local Program
Customizable Community-wide rewards program
•Set the rewards fund
•Cities have invested $5K to $1M
•Decide which businesses to include
•City decides which businesses
•Businesses don’t have to sign-up
•Customize program details
•Reward %
•Limits
•Expiration Dates
Econ Dev/Com Dev Corporation
Issue Community Development Corporation (CDC)Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Primary Purpose Neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, community services
Business attraction, job creation, investment, commercial development
Typical IRS Status 501(c)(3)501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or nonprofit public benefit corporation Main Activities Affordable housing, mixed-use projects, workforce housing, social services
Business recruitment, industrial development, downtown
revitalization, real estate development
Funding Sources Grants, tax credits, CDBG, HOME, philanthropy City contracts, business memberships, grants, property revenues, development projects
Housing Development Core activity Usually secondary but still an option Business Development Secondary Core activity
Community Services Common Rare
Political Independence Often independent nonprofit Often closely affiliated with city government Property Ownership Common Common
Real Estate Development Frequently housing-focused Frequently commercial/industrial-focused