LA LEGACY BUSINESS PROGRAM FAQ

 What is the Legacy Business Program?   Who is eligible to participate in the program?   Does my business need to be physically located in the City of Los Angeles?   What is the duration of the Legacy Business Program?   What are the benefits of participating in the Legacy Business Program?   What is the time commitment for business owners?   How do the grants work? How do I apply?   What is the technical assistance benefit?   What is the promotional activities benefit?   What does contributes significantly to its community’s history or identity mean?   What does sustains and cultivates distinctive cultural traditions or practices mean?   What does the business is not franchised or affiliated with a national corporate chain mean?   What does provides vital goods and services in a language and manner that is culturally accessible to the community mean? 

The City of LA is launching an ongoing initiative to celebrate and support the visibility, legacy, and sustainability of Legacy Businesses, small businesses that have been operational for 20 years or more, with tangible benefits including technical assistance, promotional support, and access to apply for grants. The program will support the visibility, patronage, and sustainability of long-standing small businesses within the City of LA that contribute to the city’s rich cultural and historical identity. The Legacy Business Program aims to foster economic empowerment by encouraging patronage of participating Legacy Businesses throughout Los Angeles.

A "Legacy Business" is defined as a business open to the public that has been in operation for 20 years or more within the same community, and which meets three of the following four criteria:

• It contributes significantly to its community's history or identity.
• It sustains and cultivates distinctive cultural traditions or practices.
• The business is not franchised or affiliated with a national corporate chain.
• It provides vital goods and services in a language and manner that is culturally accessible to the community.

The business needs to be physically located in the City for 20 years or more. If you are not sure if your business is in the City,  please use this map to confirm .

The Legacy Business Program is an ongoing initiative. Small businesses that have been in business for 20 years or more within the same community will be eligible to participate. 

The Legacy Business Program will provide tangible benefits to foster economic resilience and support the longevity of Legacy Businesses. Benefits include:

• Technical Assistance to provide resources and support for operational and technical issues Legacy Businesses may encounter.
• Financial Assistance – Provides access to financial opportunities and capital to sustain or grow their business, including the opportunity to apply for grants up to $20k.
• Promotion Activities – Assisting Legacy Businesses with increased visibility and exposure to potential customers.
• Government Connections – Assisting Legacy Businesses in navigating the LA City government and contracts.

We understand that business owners are incredibly busy managing the day-to-day operations of their businesses. Time commitments for participating in the Technical Assistance program will vary depending on the services you participate in. We aim to make all aspects of the program efficient and effective for all participants.

The online application to apply for grants will begin in the Fall of 2024. The grant application portal opening will be announced on the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department website, social media, and with a press release. Applications will be given priority for businesses facing gentrification, steep lease increases, and other impacts on the security of the business. For Legacy Businesses with one to five employees (including the owners), the grant amount is $10,000. Grants for $20,000 will be provided to Legacy Businesses with six or more employees.

Technical assistance begins early 2025 and is designed to support business owners with knowledge, training, and assistance for key business-related topics, including social media marketing, retirement and succession planning, access to legal consultation, lease negotiation, financial counseling, and more. Support will be offered online, aiming to maximize impact while reducing time commitments for business owners. Business owners will complete a self-assessment to determine which services they need. Participation is voluntary, and all Legacy Businesses are eligible for technical assistance.

The City will elevate the Legacy Businesses, uplifting their heritage and contribution to the fabric of Los Angeles. The City will implement promotional activities to assist Legacy Businesses with increased visibility and exposure. Participating businesses will be prominently featured on the City of Los Angeles Legacy Business website. They will receive a Legacy Business Program promotional toolkit to highlight their designation as a Legacy Business and participation in the program.

A business that contributes significantly to its community's history or identity is one that actively shapes the course of events, values, and characteristics that define the community's past and present. It becomes a notable part of the community's story and plays a role in shaping how the community perceives itself and is perceived by others. Examples may include:

• Was the first business to provide a certain good or service in your area
• Hosting or participating in a longstanding annual community event that welcomes residents and visitors. 
• Serve as a local anchor in the community, enticing community members near and far to shop, dine, or play in their neighborhood. 
• Associated with significant historical events or persons
• Became a destination spot celebrating the history of the community through murals or exhibits.

Please note, that it will be up to the business to explain how it contributes significantly to its community’s history or identity.

The Legacy Business Program celebrates businesses that enrich the city’s cultural and historic fabric while also bolstering the prosperity of our neighborhoods and communities. “Cultural traditions and practices” is meant to honor those businesses that positively contribute to a neighborhood’s unique traditions, participate in building a sense of community, and support the well-being of local residents. Culture is broadly encompassing and does not only refer to race or ethnicity. Examples may include:

• Brings members of the community together around cultural holidays or traditions
• Having a menu or restaurant concept that makes your establishment a destination for residents and visitors. 
• Use business practices rooted in tradition or craftsmanship
• Continuing the traditional method of service, menu, or approach since the businesses’ founding, even if ownership has changed. 
• Sell unique goods from the surrounding neighborhood
• Educate customers about the culture through workshops or presentations.

Please note, it will be up to the business to explain how it sustains and cultivates distinctive cultural traditions or practices.

A business is described as franchised or affiliated with a national corporate chain if it is part of a larger organization or corporation, known as the franchisor or parent company.

A businesses that emphasize the importance of tailoring the provision of essential goods and services to be culturally sensitive, recognizing the diversity of communities, and ensuring that the communication and delivery methods resonate with their specific cultural context.

Examples may include: 

• Providing goods and services in a manner that is inclusive and inviting.

• Offer traditional dishes, products, or services that are authentic to the culture

• Employ staff who can communicate in the languages commonly spoken within the community

Please note, it will be up to the business to explain how it provides vital goods and services in a language and manner that is culturally accessible to the community.