The Port of Long Beach has awarded over $54 million in contracts to small businesses in the past fiscal year, with services and materials accounting for almost 45% of port funds spent on eligible contracts. This achievement is a testament to the program's success in boosting participation from companies defined as 'small business enterprises' and 'very small business enterprises.' The program's goal is to increase participation to 27%, which is one of the highest among California ports and municipal agencies.
The Port of Long Beach has set its sights on doubling cargo to 20 million containers annually by 2050, and it believes that smaller businesses are essential to achieving this goal. In a statement, Chief Executive Dr. Noel Hacegaba emphasized the importance of equipping smaller businesses with the knowledge and ability to compete for port-related construction and professional services contract opportunities.
The program's eligibility criteria are equivalent to California's microbusiness designation, which includes companies with $5 million or less in annual gross sales, averaged over the last three fiscal years, or manufacturers with 25 or fewer employees. This ensures that smaller businesses have a fair chance to participate in the program and benefit from the opportunities it provides.
The Port of Long Beach has been actively promoting its Small Business Enterprise Program through outreach events, which included more than 40 activities throughout the year. These efforts aim to increase participation and provide support to small businesses looking to compete for contracts.
The program's success is reflected in the port's utilization rate, which reached 44.6% in the 2025 fiscal year, making it the third-highest since the program was founded in 2004. This achievement demonstrates the program's effectiveness in promoting diversity and inclusion in the port's contracting processes.
The Port of Long Beach's Small Business Enterprise Program is a key component of its strategy to build a more inclusive and diverse economy. By supporting smaller businesses, the program aims to create opportunities for growth and development, which will ultimately benefit the local community.
The program's success also highlights the importance of investing in small businesses and promoting diversity and inclusion in the contracting processes. As the port continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that it prioritizes programs like the Small Business Enterprise Program, which provide a level playing field for all businesses.
The Port of Long Beach's commitment to small business development is part of its broader vision to build a more sustainable and resilient economy. By supporting smaller businesses, the port aims to create a more inclusive and diverse economy that benefits everyone.
As the port continues to move forward with its plans to double cargo to 20 million containers annually by 2050, it will be essential to continue promoting programs like the Small Business Enterprise Program, which provide critical support to smaller businesses looking to compete for contracts.
The Port of Long Beach's Small Business Enterprise Program is a crucial step towards achieving its vision of doubling cargo to 20 million containers annually by 2050.
