Legacy Business Programs

Here are several examples of legacy business programs from throughout the US.

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Atlanta, Georgia.

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Atlanta, GA: Launched in 2025, the Atlanta Local Legacy Program is one of the newest programs in the US. This collaboration between the City of Atlanta and the economic development agency Invest Atlanta supports businesses that are over 30 years old through grants, promotional activities (e.g. social posting and emails) and an online registry used to share the story of the businesses and elicit more consumer traffic and sales.

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Boston, Massachusetts. 

 

The Boston Legacy Business Program is an annual award presented to 30 local legacy businesses by the City of Boston. Once awarded, businesses are featured on the city's digital platforms, receive targeted technical assistance, including succession planning, and are eligible for free legal and lease consultations.

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Denver, Colorado.

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The Denver Legacy Business Program recognizes longstanding businesses for their contribution to their neighborhoods. It offers support through recognition, a registry, marketing and branding help, technical assistance, and anti-displacement strategies.

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Detroit, Michigan.

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The Detroit Legacy Business Project supports businesses that have significant historic, economic, cultural, or social contributions in the city and are at least 30 years old. The project helps to preserve and support these longstanding businesses through grants and other business support.

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Los Angeles, California.

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The Detroit Legacy Business Project supports businesses that have significant historic, economic, cultural, or social contributions in the city and are at least 30 years old. The project helps to preserve and support these longstanding businesses through grants and other business support.

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San Francisco, California.

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The San Francisco Legacy Business Program is one of the most renowned and oldest programs in the country. The program was initially created by SF Heritage to prevent the displacement of historic businesses due to rapid gentrification in the city. Businesses must be at least 30 years old and have made significant contributions to the neighborhood's history and identity. Businesses are eligible for recognition and promotion, renter and landlord grants, and business promotion, including priority status for municipal contracts.

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San Antonio, Texas.

 

The San Antonio Legacy Business Program is run by the city’s Office of Historic Preservation. The program aims to recognize the contributions that historic businesses have made to the city’s culture and economy through a dedicated website and promotional material. It also offers educational and training services to legacy businesses.