STEP-BY-STEP
Apply to join the Legacy Business Registry
Long-standing small businesses can join the Registry for recognition, marketing and business help, and grants.
Office of Small BusinessApplying for the Legacy Business Registry is free.
Our staff is here to help.
We can connect you with multi-lingual advisors to help you at any step of the application process. Free translation services are available.
Email legacybusiness@sfgov.org or call 415-554-6680 for help at any point in the application process.
Check if you are eligible to apply
Your business must have:
- 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
Your business must also be committed to keeping its history alive. For example, maintaining your core business model.
For exact eligibility requirements, see San Francisco Administrative Code Section 2A.242(b).
Contact your supervisor
Your business needs to have a nomination from a member of the Board of Supervisors or the mayor to be a Legacy Business (see step 5).
You can upload the letter with your online application or later.
But, you should check with a supervisor or the mayor before you apply, since we require it for a complete application.
Apply
a) Apply online. We will ask you for:
- Your business information
- Location(s) and ownership history
b) Download the written historical narrative template and answer the questions about your business.
You can upload the narrative with your online application or email it to us later.
Email legacybusiness@sfgov.org if you'd prefer a paper or PDF application form.
Check the status of your application
You can check the status of your Legacy Business Registry application.
We review the applications in the order that we get them.
We will contact you by email after we review your application materials.
Complete your application
We will help you to format and complete your entire application.
We may ask you for a few additional items, such as photos or historical documents.
Attend commission hearings
We will submit your application to the Historic Preservation Commission. At the hearing, they will make a recommendation to the Small Business Commission.
At a separate hearing, the Small Business Commission will decide if your business qualifies for the Registry. This is usually a few weeks later.
At both hearings, you can attend and speak for 2 to 3 minutes during the Public Comment period.
Once you're on the Registry
People will be able to find your business by name, type, or neighborhood on the Registry website.
You will also be able to get special marketing help, business assistance, and grants. We will share opportunities with you as they arise and you can find more at sf.gov/legacybusiness under "Resources for Legacy Businesses."
It is free to be on the Legacy Business Registry.