How to Start a Side Hustle in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal city with iconic piers and vibrant street art—it’s a thriving hub of entrepreneurial energy, creative talent, and community-driven commerce. With its mix of beachside culture, diverse demographics, and growing tech and creative sectors, Long Beach offers unique opportunities for individuals looking to launch a side hustle. Whether you’re a student, a full-time employee, a parent, or someone seeking financial independence, starting a side hustle here can provide flexible income, personal fulfillment, and even pave the way for a full-time business.

A side hustle isn’t just about making extra cash—it’s about leveraging your skills, passions, and local connections to build something meaningful. In Long Beach, where the cost of living is rising and traditional employment doesn’t always keep pace, a well-planned side hustle can be a lifeline. From selling handmade goods at the Long Beach Saturday Market to offering virtual coaching services to clients across Southern California, the possibilities are vast. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start, grow, and sustain a successful side hustle in Long Beach—with actionable steps, real examples, and local resources to help you thrive.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify Your Skills and Interests

The foundation of any successful side hustle is alignment between what you’re good at and what you genuinely enjoy. Start by listing your skills—both professional and personal. Are you great at baking? Do you have experience in graphic design, social media management, or home repair? Do you love walking dogs, organizing closets, or teaching piano? Long Beach residents value authenticity and personal connection, so your hustle should reflect who you are.

Ask yourself: What do friends and family often ask me for help with? What tasks make time fly by? These are clues to your natural strengths. Don’t overlook niche skills like translating Spanish-English, repairing bicycles, or creating custom pet portraits—these can be highly profitable in a city with a large, diverse population.

Step 2: Research Local Demand

Long Beach isn’t a one-size-fits-all market. Different neighborhoods have different needs. For example:

• Beach neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Naples attract tourists and young professionals who value convenience, wellness, and unique experiences.
• East Long Beach and the Pine Avenue corridor have a strong working-class base that appreciates affordable services and community-oriented offerings.
• Areas near CSULB (California State University, Long Beach) are saturated with students looking for budget-friendly tutoring, meal prep, or late-night snack delivery.

Use free tools like Google Trends, Facebook Groups (e.g., “Long Beach Local Buy & Sell”), and Nextdoor to see what people are asking for. Visit local farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and pop-up events to observe what’s selling. Attend Chamber of Commerce meetups or Long Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC) workshops to hear directly from other entrepreneurs.

Step 3: Choose a Viable Side Hustle Model

Not all side hustles are created equal. Pick one that fits your schedule, resources, and long-term goals. Here are five proven models popular in Long Beach:

1. Service-Based Hustles

These involve trading time for money. Examples: pet sitting, house cleaning, lawn care, mobile car detailing, personal training, or virtual assistant work. They’re easy to start with minimal investment and can scale as you hire help.

2. Product-Based Hustles

Create physical or digital products. Think handmade candles, custom T-shirts, digital planners, or printable art. Long Beach’s artsy vibe makes it ideal for selling unique, locally inspired items. Platforms like Etsy and Instagram are powerful for reaching buyers.

3. Experience-Based Hustles

Offer an experience rather than a product. Examples: guided beach sunrise yoga, “Hidden Gems of Long Beach” walking tours, or private cooking classes using local seafood. These tap into tourism and community pride.

4. Digital Hustles

Work remotely: freelance writing, web design, social media management, or online tutoring. These require only a laptop and internet—perfect if you work a 9-to-5 in downtown Long Beach or nearby.

5. Hybrid Hustles

Combine models. For example: bake gluten-free cookies (product), sell them at the Saturday Market (service), and offer a “Bake With Me” virtual class (experience). Hybrid models increase income streams and reduce risk.

Step 4: Validate Your Idea Before Investing

Before spending money on supplies, websites, or permits, test your idea. Create a simple landing page using Carrd or Canva to describe your service. Share it with 10–20 people in Long Beach Facebook groups or on Nextdoor. Ask: “Would you pay $20 for this?” or “Would you book this service next weekend?”

Offer a limited-time discount or free trial to the first five responders. Their feedback will tell you if there’s real demand—and if you need to adjust pricing, delivery method, or target audience.

Step 5: Set Up Legal and Financial Foundations

Even side hustles need structure. In Long Beach:

• Register your business name with the City of Long Beach if you’re using a name other than your own (Fictitious Business Name filing).
• Apply for a Seller’s Permit through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration if selling tangible goods.
• Open a separate bank account for your hustle. Chase, Bank of the West, and local credit unions like Long Beach Credit Union offer small business accounts with low fees.
• Track income and expenses using free tools like Wave or Google Sheets. You’ll need this for taxes.

Most side hustles in Long Beach operate under the “sole proprietorship” structure initially. This is simple and cost-effective. As you grow, consider forming an LLC for liability protection—consult a low-cost legal service like LegalZoom or the Long Beach SBDC for guidance.

Step 6: Build Your Online Presence

Even if your hustle is local, you need an online presence. Most Long Beach customers search online first. Here’s how to do it right:

• Create a free Google Business Profile. This helps you show up in local searches like “pet sitter near me” or “handmade candles Long Beach.”
• Use Instagram or TikTok to showcase your work. Post behind-the-scenes videos of you at the Long Beach Pier, packing orders, or interacting with clients. Use local hashtags:

  LongBeachSmallBusiness, #LBHustle, #SupportLB.

• Join local online directories: Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Visit Long Beach’s Local Business Guide, and the Long Beach Business Journal’s “Local Heroes” section.

Don’t overcomplicate it. A clean Instagram profile with a bio that says “I make organic dog treats in Long Beach — DM to order!” is better than a cluttered website with no traffic.

Step 7: Launch and Get Your First Customers

Your launch doesn’t need to be flashy. Start small:

• Offer your service to friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Ask for testimonials.
• Set up a table at the Long Beach Saturday Market (every Saturday at the Pike Outlets). It’s low-cost ($25–$50 per day) and high-traffic.
• Partner with local cafes or boutiques. Ask if you can display your products on consignment. Many shops in Downtown Long Beach and Bixby Knolls welcome local vendors.
• Run a $5 Facebook ad targeting people within 5 miles of your zip code. Use a photo of your product with a simple offer: “First 10 customers get 20% off!”

Word-of-mouth is powerful in Long Beach. A satisfied customer telling their book club or yoga class about you is worth more than any billboard.

Step 8: Scale and Automate

Once you have consistent sales (say, $500+/month), think about scaling:

• Outsource repetitive tasks: Hire a college student from CSULB to manage your Instagram or deliver orders.
• Use scheduling tools: Calendly for booking appointments, Canva for designing posts, Zapier to connect apps.
• Create a simple product bundle: “Summer Beach Box” with sunscreen, a tote, and your homemade lip balm.
• Apply for local grants or microloans: The Long Beach Economic Development Corporation offers small business support programs.

Remember: Scaling doesn’t mean working more hours—it means working smarter. Automate billing, use pre-made templates, and systemize your processes so your hustle runs on autopilot when you’re off.

Step 9: Track, Adjust, and Stay Compliant

Set aside 30 minutes every Sunday to review:

• What sold this week?
• What didn’t?
• What feedback did I get?
• Did I pay taxes on income?

Keep receipts. Save screenshots of customer messages. Track your net profit (revenue minus expenses). If your hustle isn’t covering your time and materials after three months, pivot. Try a new product, change your pricing, or shift your target neighborhood.

Stay compliant with city regulations. Some hustles require permits—for example, food vendors need a Health Department permit, and door-to-door sales need a license. Visit the City of Long Beach Business License Division website for details.

Step 10: Reinvest and Grow

Every dollar you earn should serve a purpose. Allocate your profits like this:

• 50%: Reinvest in your hustle (better equipment, marketing, inventory).
• 30%: Save for taxes (set aside quarterly).
• 20%: Reward yourself or donate to a local cause (e.g., Long Beach Animal Care Services).

As your hustle grows, consider expanding your reach: sell at the Long Beach Craft & Food Festival, collaborate with a local influencer, or launch an online store with Shopify. The goal isn’t just to make money—it’s to build something sustainable that reflects your values and contributes to Long Beach’s vibrant economy.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Local Relationships

Long Beach thrives on community. People here support neighbors. Show up at local events. Volunteer at the Long Beach Public Library’s summer reading program. Sponsor a little league team. These actions build trust—and trust leads to sales. A simple “Thanks for supporting local!” note in every order goes a long way.

2. Be Consistent, Not Perfect

Don’t wait for your website to be “perfect” or your product line to be “complete.” Launch with what you have. Post on Instagram twice a week. Deliver orders on time. Respond to messages within 24 hours. Consistency builds credibility faster than perfection.

3. Embrace the “Long Beach Vibe”

Long Beach is casual, creative, and eco-conscious. Your branding should reflect that. Use earth tones, hand-drawn fonts, and imagery of the ocean, bikes, or the Queen Mary. Avoid corporate jargon. Speak like a neighbor, not a corporation. “Hey, I made these vegan muffins using local honey—want one?” works better than “Our premium organic baked goods are crafted with artisanal ingredients.”

4. Protect Your Time

A side hustle should enhance your life, not consume it. Set boundaries. Decide your weekly hours (e.g., 8–10 hours max). Use a timer. Say no to requests that don’t align with your goals. Your 9-to-5 job, family, and rest matter just as much.

5. Leverage Free Local Resources

Long Beach offers incredible free support:

• Long Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Free one-on-one coaching, workshops on pricing and marketing.
• Long Beach Public Library: Free access to LinkedIn Learning, market research databases, and business books.
• Long Beach Economic Development Corporation: Grants, networking events, and incubator programs.
• Long Beach Arts Council: Opportunities for artists to exhibit or sell work.

Take advantage of these. They’re there to help you succeed.

6. Stay Adaptable

Long Beach changes fast. A new apartment complex opens. A popular café closes. A viral TikTok trend emerges. Stay flexible. If your beachside dog-walking service slows in winter, pivot to indoor pet grooming. If your handmade soap sales dip, try a seasonal scent tied to the Long Beach Jazz Festival. Adaptation is survival.

7. Document Everything

Keep a journal. Write down what worked, what didn’t, what customers said, and what you learned. This becomes your business playbook. Five years from now, you’ll be glad you did.

Tools and Resources

Essential Free Tools

• Google Business Profile – Claim your listing to appear in local searches.
• Canva – Design social media posts, flyers, and product labels in minutes.
• Wave Accounting – Free invoicing and expense tracking.
• Calendly – Let clients book appointments without back-and-forth texts.
• Instagram & TikTok – The top platforms for visual side hustles in Long Beach.
• Nextdoor – Hyperlocal marketing. Post your service in your neighborhood feed.

Low-Cost Paid Tools

• Etsy – $0.20 to list, 6.5% transaction fee. Ideal for handmade goods.
• Shopify – $29/month. Build your own online store with local delivery options.
• PayPal or Square – Accept payments via phone or QR code at markets.
• Mailchimp – Free plan for up to 500 contacts. Send newsletters to loyal customers.

Local Long Beach Resources

• Long Beach SBDC – 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Suite 200. Free business advising. Website: lbchamber.org/sbdc
• Long Beach Saturday Market – Every Saturday, 9am–3pm, at the Pike Outlets. Vendor fees start at $25.
• Long Beach Public Library – Free business workshops, Wi-Fi, and computer access. Locations citywide.
• Long Beach Economic Development Corporation – Offers microloans up to $50,000 for qualifying small businesses.
• Long Beach Arts Council – Grants and exhibition opportunities for artists and makers.
• Long Beach Food Truck Association – If you’re in the food space, join for networking and permit guidance.

Books and Podcasts

• “Side Hustle” by Chris Guillebeau – The definitive guide to launching income streams.
• “The $100 Startup” by Chris Guillebeau – Proves you don’t need much to start.
• Podcast: “The Side Hustle Show” – Real stories from people building businesses on the side.
• Podcast: “Local Love” by Long Beach Magazine – Features local entrepreneurs and their journeys.

Real Examples

Example 1: Jasmine’s Beachside Candle Co.

Jasmine, a former corporate marketer, started making soy candles with scents inspired by Long Beach’s beaches—“Ocean Breeze,” “Sunset Pier,” and “Dune Grass.” She began by selling at the Long Beach Saturday Market, using Instagram to post videos of her pouring wax on the pier at golden hour. Within six months, she had 1,200 followers and was supplying three local boutiques. She now employs two part-time assistants and donates 5% of profits to the Long Beach Ocean Conservancy. Her monthly revenue: $4,500.

Example 2: Marcus’s Mobile Dog Grooming

Marcus, a retired vet tech, noticed that many pet owners in the Los Altos neighborhood struggled to get their dogs groomed due to busy schedules. He bought a van, installed a grooming station, and began offering door-to-door service. He charged $45 per dog, advertised on Nextdoor and CSULB’s parent groups, and offered a “Puppy Pack” discount for first-time clients. Within a year, he was booked solid on weekends. He now has a waiting list and charges $65 per visit. His side hustle now earns him $3,000/month.

Example 3: Priya’s Virtual ESL Tutoring

Priya, a full-time nurse, used her fluency in English and Hindi to tutor kids from Indian and Pakistani families in Long Beach. She offered 30-minute Zoom sessions after her shifts. She created custom lesson plans using free resources from the Long Beach Public Library and charged $15/hour. She built a waitlist through referrals and now teaches 12 students weekly. She earns $720/month—enough to cover her phone bill and save for a vacation.

Example 4: Diego’s Custom Bike Repairs

Diego, a CSULB student, learned bike repair from his grandfather. He started fixing bikes outside the campus library on weekends, charging $20 for minor tune-ups. He posted photos on Instagram with

LongBeachBikeLife and soon got requests from cyclists in Belmont Shore. He now rents a small garage space in the East Village Arts District and offers “Bike & Brew” nights—free repair tips while customers sip local craft beer. He earns $2,800/month and plans to open a full shop.

Example 5: Elena’s “Taco & Tales” Storytelling Nights

Elena, a writer and former teacher, hosted monthly storytelling events at a local taco truck in the Bixby Knolls area. Attendees paid $10 to listen to local residents share personal stories—immigration journeys, first jobs, love stories—while eating carne asada tacos. She promoted it through Facebook Events and local radio. The event sold out every month. She now partners with the Long Beach Museum of Art and earns $1,500 per event.

FAQs

Do I need a business license to start a side hustle in Long Beach?

It depends. If you’re using your legal name and earning under $5,000/year, you may not need one. But if you’re operating under a business name (e.g., “Jasmine’s Candles”), you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the City of Long Beach. If you’re selling food, you need a health permit. If you’re selling goods, you need a seller’s permit. When in doubt, visit the City’s Business License Division website or call (562) 570-2800 for guidance.

Can I start a side hustle if I rent my home?

Absolutely. Many side hustles don’t require a home base—dog walking, tutoring, social media management, and delivery services are all location-independent. If you’re making products at home, check your lease agreement. Most landlords allow small-scale home businesses as long as they don’t disrupt neighbors or create safety hazards.

How much money can I realistically make?

Most side hustles in Long Beach earn $300–$1,500/month in the first 3–6 months. With consistency and smart marketing, many reach $2,000–$5,000/month within a year. Top earners like Jasmine and Marcus make over $4,000/month. Your income depends on your effort, pricing, and demand—not your location.

What’s the easiest side hustle to start in Long Beach?

For beginners, pet sitting or dog walking is the easiest. You need minimal equipment (leash, treats), can start immediately, and there’s high demand. Use Rover or Wag to find clients, or simply post on Nextdoor. Another easy option: offering to run errands for elderly residents in your neighborhood.

How do I handle taxes on my side hustle income?

You must report all income, even if you don’t receive a 1099 form. Set aside 25–30% of your earnings for federal and state taxes. Use free tools like Wave or TurboTax Self-Employed. You may also deduct expenses like mileage, supplies, and phone bills. Keep receipts. Consult a tax professional if you earn over $10,000/year.

Can I turn my side hustle into a full-time business?

Yes—many Long Beach entrepreneurs have. The key is to test demand, build systems, and reinvest profits. Don’t quit your job until your side hustle consistently earns 1.5x your current salary for at least six months. Use your side hustle to fund your transition, not replace it overnight.

Where are the best places to sell my products in Long Beach?

Top venues include: Long Beach Saturday Market, Long Beach Craft & Food Festival, The Pike Outlets (pop-up booths), local boutiques in Belmont Shore, and the Long Beach Art Walk. Online, Instagram and Etsy are your best friends. Don’t overlook Facebook Marketplace—it’s widely used in Long Beach for local sales.

How do I stand out in a crowded market?

Be specific. Instead of “I sell candles,” say “I make ocean-scented soy candles for Long Beach locals who miss the beach when it rains.” Add personality. Share your story. Offer free samples. Be responsive. In Long Beach, people buy from people—not logos.

Conclusion

Starting a side hustle in Long Beach isn’t just about making extra money—it’s about claiming your place in a city that celebrates creativity, resilience, and community. Whether you’re crafting candles on your kitchen counter, walking dogs along the Strand, or tutoring students in your living room, you’re contributing to the heartbeat of this coastal city. The barriers to entry are low, the support is abundant, and the rewards are deeply personal.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Don’t wait until you have more money, more experience, or more confidence. Start with what you have, where you are. Post a photo. Send a DM. Show up at the Saturday Market. Say yes to the first client who says, “I’ll take one.”

Long Beach doesn’t need another corporate drone. It needs more makers, doers, and dreamers who dare to build something their own way. Your side hustle is more than income—it’s your voice. Let it be heard.

Now go make something beautiful. The pier is waiting.