2026 offers the ability to increase the visibility & showcase businesses that have contributed to Philadelphia's distinct identity.

Legacy Playbook

A Legacy Business Program is a small business development initiative that aims to recognize, support, and promote long standing businesses that have played a significant role in the cultural and economic history of the City. Programs commonly offer a register of existing businesses and offer supportive resources to promote continued operation.

Although Philadelphia does not have a one-stop shop for legacy businesses, the Department of Commerce already offers several resources for small businesses. Envisioning a legacy business program in Philadelphia would primarily center on rebranding existing tools to consider legacy businesses & to consider additional tools to distinctly support legacy businesses.

Timeline - The Legacy Business Register can be implemented before 2026. The recommendations for setting up the register involve simple tasks, such as confirming criteria and nomination processes, incorporating language into a new section of the City of Philadelphia website, and developing application documents by drawing inspiration from successful models for information reimagining.

Budget - The budget required for creating a Legacy Business Program will depend on the incentives offered by the City of Philadelphia to registered legacy businesses and the program's duration.

Defining Legacy Businesses - Defining legacy businesses is essential to framing a new organization. Legacy businesses are defined on their longevity (25-30+ yrs), locally-owned, size, brick & mortar, etc.

Applications & Nominations - Create a comprehensive application form that gathers essential information about the business. This may include details about the business's history, community involvement, cultural significance, and any other criteria deemed relevant. Consider incorporating nominations or letters of support from individuals, organizations, or community members familiar with the business.

Considering Place-Based - Consider prioritizing legacy business on commercial corridors in the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative (NPI) priority communities.

Rebranding Existing Tools - Rebrand existing resources into a unified Legacy Business Program to streamline services, enhance visibility, and simplify access for legacy businesses. Updating outreach materials and developing a comprehensive online platform can promote a more cohesive approach to preserving the city's economic and cultural history, fostering a stronger connection between the department, businesses, and the wider community.

Creating New Tools - Assistance for estate planning, social media management, and rent can provide essential resources to help legacy businesses navigate ownership transitions, reach a wider audience, and overcome economic challenges. By strengthening the resilience of these businesses, the Department of Commerce can promote sustained economic growth and community vitality in Philadelphia.

Promoting Visibility - Window decals or signs can enhance the visibility of historical businesses, preserving their cultural significance and attracting community attention. By displaying a badge of honor on storefronts, cities can create a visual narrative that celebrates the enduring legacy of businesses, fostering a sense of pride among both business owners and the community.

Peer City Programs

In 2015, San Francisco’s Office of Small Business established a registry anf resource program for long-standing businesses, becoming the first municipal legacy business program in the U.S. Since 2015, many cities have recognized the value of long-standing businesses in preserving their cultural and economic heritage & have adopted/adapted the San Francisco model to their cities. By supporting these businesses through incentives, recognition, and resources, municipal legacy business programs connect small business development with historic preservation.

Since 2015, cities across the United States have created legacy business programs that reflect a need to register & offer resources:

Legacy Business Register

A directory of designated Legacy Businesses to promote cultural resources and have an official record of business stats.

Legacy Business Program

A small business development program that administers technical and financial resources to businesses considered a “Legacy Business.”

A Philly Thing

To create a Legacy Business Program in the City of Philadelphia, we closely studied two peer cities that we feel are comparable to Philadelphia and offer an overview of what resources could be created with ShopLegacy Philly.

Comparative
Study

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San Francisco, CA

Legacy Business Program | 2015

Resources Offered
- Promotion of Legacy Business Registry
- Receives an Award Certificate and Decal
- Rent Stabilization Grant
- Educational/Promotional Assistance

Criteria for Evaluation of Legacy Businesses
- Operated in San Francisco for 30 years or more
- Had no break in SF operations for more than 2 years
- Contributed to San Francisco’s history or identity

Nomination Process
- Council Nominating Process
- Community Nomination Process

Boston, MA

Legacy Business Program | 2023

Resources Offered
- Targeted Technical Assistance
- Businesses receive a plaque and a special badge
- Featured on Boston’s City Digital Program
- Access to Legacy Business Support Grant
- Five-minute narrative video featured on social media, the city’s website, and other locations

Criteria for Evaluation of Legacy Businesses
- Business that has operated for at least 10 years in the same location
- Business that contributes to the cultural, historical, and societal asset of a community or neighborhood
- Business that commits to maintaining its operations in the City once officially designated

Nomination Process
- Council Nominating Process
- Community Nomination Process