Legacy Business Program
A "Legacy Business" is defined as those businesses that are long standing, independent enterprises that make a strong contribution to community character. These businesses are cultural anchors and repositories of community traditions and stories. They are a special and unique part of Boston’s historic identity.
We believe that by highlighting these businesses through this program can help turn our neighborhoods into destinations. We want to drive spending and pedestrian traffic into local commercial districts. Businesses like these are neighborhood institutions that have helped to shape the construct of our city. With increased visibility, our goal is to ensure that these legacy businesses can:
- avoid displacement
- grow their influence
- keep residents employed, and
- enrich the cultural vibrancy of the City of Boston.
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Have questions? Contact:
Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
2024 Legacy Business Winners
After an in-depth community nomination process, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion granted Legacy Business Awards to the following 30 businesses, who represent 1,281 years of service to 19 neighborhoods.
For the second year of the Legacy Business Program, we received 1,561 nominations from the community. This totaled 326 unique enterprises, of which 276 businesses qualified as being located in Boston and open for at least 10 years.
The review committee met on April 24 to score the finalists. Grant recommendations are based on the program’s goals and were determined by the following criteria:
- Historic significance
- Years in operation
- Commitment to the community
- Strength of application
The 2024 winners are as follows:
ALLSTON- Flint Cleaners
- Gloria’s Beauty Center
- Trident Booksellers & Cafe
- Charles Street Supply Co. & Hardware
- Daniel’s Bakery
- Sanchez Market
- Mei Sum Bakery
- Dorchester Reporter
- Family Hardware Corp.
- Restaurante Cesaria
- Rosa’s Liquors
- Vaughn Fish & Chips
- Walnut Deluxe Cleaners and Tailors
- El Mundo
- Cornwall’s
- Akiki Auto Repair
- Alex’s Chimis
- Brendan Behan Pub
- William Browne & Sons
- Mike’s Donuts
- Parziale’s Bakery
- Sophia’s Grotto
- Tony’s Market
- Anshur Restaurant
- Frugal Bookstore
- Lawson’s Barber Shop
- Broadway Lock Company, Inc.
- House of Culture
- Kids R Kids
- West Roxbury Framing
Key Program Information
Key Program InfoThe Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion (OEOI) is reviewing the nominations. We will send all eligible businesses to the corresponding office of the District Councilor and all At-Large Councilors.
From these nominations, each Councilor will be able to select up to five businesses for consideration by the Review Committee. We have details on the makeup of this committee below. These 65 businesses will be sent an invitation to apply for the program. Those applications will be forwarded to the Review Committee.
After an interview process with the Review Committee, they will submit a list of 25 recommendations to the Mayor for final approval.
The Mayor will ensure that these recommendations represent the rich diversity and heritage of our neighborhoods. Once approved, we will hold a joint ceremony with the Mayor and City Council for those selected at Faneuil Hall.
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)
- President of the Boston Main Streets Foundation, or their designee
- City Council Chair of Small Business, or their designee
Once a business has been designated as a Legacy Business, they can access the following:
They will be featured as a Legacy Business on the City digital platforms.
They will 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).
They will receive a plaque and a special badge to feature in their business. There will be a coordinated visit and photo-opportunity with:
- a representative from the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
- their City Councilor(s), and
- their nominating party.
Businesses 30 years or older — or Legacy+ Businesses — will be eligible to receive an up to five-minute narrative video featured on social media, the city’s website, and other locations.
In addition to the Legacy Business Awards and related programmatic support, the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion has committed $1 million to a Legacy Business Support Grant fund to be awarded to a non-profit organization to help support long-standing small businesses in the City of Boston.
2023 Inaugural Legacy Business Winners
2023 WinnersWe are pleased to announce the 2023 inaugural cohort of Boston's Legacy Business Award Winners! Please join us in congratulating these small business community icons.
Allston
- Twin Donuts
Beacon Hill
- Beacon Hill Cleaners
Brighton
- Johnny D's
- John J. Ryan Insurance Agency
Charlestown
- Bunker Hill Barbershop
Chinatown
- Winsor Dim Sum
Dorchester
- Allan's Formal Wear
- Chez-Vous Roller Skating Rink
- DJs Market
- Hicks Auto Body
- Pho Hoa
Downtown
- The Tam
East Boston
- Taquería Jalisco
Fenway
- India Quality
Hyde Park
- Au Beurre Chaud Bakery
- Richy’s
- Ron's Gourmet Ice Cream
Jamaica Plain
- El Oriental de Cuba
- George’s Shoes
Mattapan
- Le Foyer Bakery
Mission Hill
- Liz's Hair Care
North End
- Caffe Dello Sport
Roslindale
- Pleasant Cafe
Roxbury
- Ideal Sub Shop
- Latino Beauty Supply
- Silver Slipper Restaurant
South Boston
- Deja Brew
South End
- Wally's Cafe
- Slade’s Bar & Grill
West Roxbury
- Sugar Bakery
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionsHome businesses are eligible if it is a store where customers browse and make purchases in person. The program is specifically designed for small businesses that have a storefront.
Unfortunately, nonprofits are not eligible for this program. This program is specifically 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. For example, a family-owned business that has passed down there business to another family member, is eligible.
The deadline to apply was February 23, 2024 at 5 p.m.
In order to be eligible for the Legacy Business program, businesses must have been open in Boston for 10 years. They do not need to have maintained the same address.
Who's Involved:
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Have questions? Contact:
Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
