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Legacy Business Program

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Legacy Business Map

Find over 400 Legacy Businesses. Filter by business type, neighborhood, or business name.Go to the map

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Heritage Happy Hour

These casual "no-host" gatherings are held at a different Legacy Business each month. Find the next event!

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Legacy Walks

Pick a neighborhood and experience San Francisco through its Legacy Businesses!

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Get help for your Legacy Business

The Office of Small Business can provide guidance on leasing, permitting, and much more!

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First in the nation

San Francisco's Legacy Business Program is the first-of-its-kind program in the United States and is pioneering a new take on government's involvement in maintaining and promoting the small business community. Now, two dozen cities - and counting - have their own programs: Legacy business programs nationwide.

Resources for Legacy Businesses

Benefits of being a Legacy Business
Long-standing small businesses can receive recognition, marketing and business help, and grants.
Apply to join the Legacy Business Registry
Long-standing small businesses can join the Registry for recognition, marketing and business help, and grants.
Check the status of your Legacy Business Registry application
Queue of new Legacy Business Registry applications.
Promote being on the Legacy Business Registry
Free materials, signs, and how-to guides.
Business Stabilization Grant
Landlords of San Francisco Legacy Businesses may be able to get this grant every year. It is to help Legacy Businesses stay open in San Francisco.
Rent Stabilization Grant
Property owners of San Francisco Legacy Businesses can re-apply every year for their existing Rent Stabilization Grant.
Become a City Supplier
Businesses that are Suppliers can apply for and receive certain grants and contracts with the City.
Legislation that supports Legacy Businesses
Learn about laws designed to help San Francisco's Legacy Businesses.
Toolkit for Transitioning to Employee Ownership
A guide for Legacy Businesses to the succession strategy of transitioning to employee ownership.
Who Should Own Your Business After You?
Employee ownership frequently-asked questions, description of sales processes, and key research findings.

Heritage Happy Hour: Thursday, November 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Join us at Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar located at Pier 23 The Embarcadero for the next Heritage Happy Hour, a casual monthly “no-host” gathering of heritage professionals, young preservationists, aficionados, friends, and Legacy Business cohorts interested in safeguarding San Francisco’s unique architectural and cultural identity.

Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar is famous for their expansive waterfront patio and beloved for their fresh local seafood, strong cocktails, and live music. The tried and true establishment captures the essence of the city and its waterfront history in food, service, and picturesque waterside setting. It’s a thread in the fabric of San Francisco that’s lasted generations, where many treasured memories have been made.

Let's raise a glass in appreciation of the Legacy Businesses that make San Francisco truly special.

News and Reports

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Our San Francisco Legacy

The Legacy Business Program is an important part of maintaining the city's cultural identity, which helps provide local residents with employment, a sense of place, and community involvement. The best way to support these businesses is to visit them!Interactive map of Legacy Businesses

About

A Legacy Business is a for-profit or nonprofit business that has operated in San Francisco for 30 or more years. The business must contribute to the neighborhood's history and/or the identity of a particular neighborhood or community, and it must commit to maintaining the physical features or traditions that define the business, including craft, culinary or art forms.

The registration process for the Legacy Business Program includes nomination by Mayor Daniel Lurie or a member of the Board of Supervisors, a written application, an advisory recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission, and approval of the Small Business Commission. 

Inclusion on the Registry provides Legacy Businesses with recognition and support as an incentive for them to stay in the community. The program also provides educational and promotional assistance to encourage their continued viability and success in San Francisco.

Partner agencies

Office of Small Business
Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Contact information

Address

Office of Small Business, Legacy BusinessCity Hall, Room 140
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Get directions

Phone

Richard Kurylo, Legacy Business Program Manager415-554-6680

Email

Legacy Business Program

legacybusiness@sfgov.org