Patent Attorney and Founder
Hey Bold Inventors,
Welcome to our Bold Patents office here in Long Beach. If you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, or small business owner, you’ve got a lot of opportunities right in your backyard. I’ve pulled together five resources that can help you get started.
1. Long Beach Accelerator
This is the big one. It’s a public–private partnership backed by the city, Cal State Long Beach, and Sunstone Management. The program runs four months, and you have to apply to get in. They’ve funded startups with as much as $100K–$150K. Past graduates include Zero Infinity One (a VR/AR venue platform) and Sesame (an AI-powered smart fridge). If you’re serious about scaling, check them out.
2. International Business Accelerator (IBA)
Here’s a key point: they offer up to $100K in non-equity support. That means you don’t give away a chunk of your business just to get started. Many founders get stuck in bad equity deals early on, don’t make that mistake. Protect your IP, do your homework, and lean on legal and financial experts when it’s time to raise capital.
3. Apostle Incubator
Run by Cal State Long Beach, this program is free. They focus on the fundamentals, how to start, launch, and run a business. Think of it as a weekly crash course for early-stage entrepreneurs.
4. Long Beach Sustainable Business Network (LBSB)
This one is more grassroots. It’s about local connections, mentoring, and building sustainable practices. If you want to grow your business while staying plugged into the community, LBSB is worth a look.
5. SCORE and the SBDC
These two are national names, and for good reason. Both offer free mentoring, workshops, and guidance from experienced executives. Whether you need help with financials, business planning, or just a sounding board, they’re a solid resource.
That’s the list. Five resources to help you move from idea to launch here in Long Beach. And remember, if you’ve got questions about patents, trademarks, or protecting your invention, that’s where we come in.
I’m JD Houvener, founder of Bold Patents. We’re here to guide you, but you’re the hero of your journey. Keep pushing, stay focused, and don’t forget: Go big. Go bold.