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Long Beach Announces New Opportunities for Local Businesses to Participate in the 2028 Olympic Games
By Staff Writer
Published on Wed, Nov 11, 2026
As Long Beach prepares to welcome the world for the LA 28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the City is passing the torch to the community, by inviting local businesses to step into the spotlight and be part of this historic event.
The City of Long Beach recently announced two exciting opportunities for local small businesses to be part of the 2028 Games. Through the LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic and Made for Two Eight programs, eligible businesses can showcase their products and culinary creations to a global audience.
LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic Program
The LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic program creates opportunities for local food businesses to operate within competition and non-competition venue zones, representing the rich flavors and cultures that make the Los Angeles region a world-class culinary destination. It welcomes applicants from a wide range of local businesses from food trucks to brick-and-mortar restaurants to caterers and producers of packaged consumer goods.
LA28 and its partners will also support participating vendors with mentorship, resources and tools to help prepare for large-scale operations and ensure long-term business growth.
Interested business owners are encouraged to review the program requirements and submit an application by Nov. 16, 2026.
Made for Two Eight Program
The Made for Two Eight program offers small businesses across Los Angeles County the opportunity to become official LA28 licensees, allowing them to create and sell merchandise featuring approved LA28 branding and intellectual property. This is a great opportunity for local artisans, makers and manufacturers to create a variety of officially licensed products unique to the LA28 games.
Selected businesses will be authorized to sell approved merchandise during the licensing period, anticipated to begin approximately one year before the Olympic Games and continue through the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in August 2028.
To qualify for a license, businesses must meet the following eligibility requirements that can be found here. Applications are available at RAMPLA.org and will remain open through February 2027. Awardees are expected to be announced in July 2027.
With millions of visitors anticipated for the Games, these programs offer local businesses a unique opportunity to expand their reach, gain international exposure and showcase products during one of the world's largest sporting events.
To stay up to date with City of Long Beach’s preparations and opportunities to get involved in the 2028 Games, visit longbeach.gov/2028games. The webpage features an interactive venue map of sporting events, a signup form to stay connected and community FAQs available in various languages to stay informed.
Hosted by the City of Los Angeles, the 2028 Games will take place July 14 through Aug. 27, 2028. More information is available at LA28.org.
To learn more about programs and resources for small businesses in Long Beach, those interested can visit the Department of Economic Development & Opportunity’s website or contact the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249).
