Legacy Business Program

The Office of Small Business recently launched the nomination period for the third annual Legacy Business Awards. We encourage you to nominate your favorite long-standing business.

NOMINATE A BUSINESS

Boston residents can nominate one business. You cannot nominate a business in which you are an owner, operator, investor, employee, or hold any other affiliation. Previous winners are not eligible.

Legacy Businesses must have operated for at least 10 years within the city of Boston. The winners must commit to maintaining operations in the city once officially designated.

This is the third year of the Legacy Business Program. By recognizing and supporting Legacy businesses on an annual basis, the Program helps further Mayor Wu’s vision for a family-friendly, vibrant city with sustainable community businesses.

The deadline for nominations is November 1, 2024. 

The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion (OEOI) reviews the nominations and sends a list of all eligible businesses to the corresponding office of the District Councilor and all At-Large Councilors.

From these nominations, each Councilor will select up to five businesses for consideration by the Review Committee. These 65 businesses will be sent an invitation to apply for the program. Those applications will be forwarded to the Review Committee

The City of Boston’s Legacy Business Review Committee is made up of the following nine people:

• Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, or their designee
• Chief of Arts and Culture, or their designee
• Chief of Community Engagement, or their designee
• Director of Small Business, Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion
• Director of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
• Senior Neighborhood Business Manager (one-year term, rotating)
• Boston Main Street director (one-year term, rotating)
• Executive Director of the Boston Main Streets Foundation, or their designee
• City Council Chair of Small Business, or their designee

After an interview process with the Review Committee, the Committee narrows the list down to 25 recommendations.

The Mayor will ensure that these recommendations represent the rich diversity and heritage of our neighborhoods. Once approved, we will hold a ceremony to celebrate the 30 winners.

Once a business has been designated as a Legacy Business, they will:

• be featured as a Legacy Business on the City digital platforms. 
• receive targeted technical assistance with a focus on succession planning and employee ownership. Businesses will also receive a commercial lease toolkit and free legal consultation (with City of Boston partners).
• receive a plaque and a special badge to feature in their business.

No, nonprofits are not eligible for this program. This program is to support local small businesses in our neighborhoods.

Yes, if the business has changed ownership but has remained the same name, type of business/industry for 10 years, they are eligible.

Yes, if they have been in business in Boston for 10 years, they are eligible. They do not need to have maintained the same address.