Elgin Nelson
Spearheaded by L.A. City Councilmember Curren Price, the city of Los Angeles is moving forward with a groundbreaking initiative, known as the “Legacy Business Program,” that aims to stand as a beacon of support for long standing small businesses that are integral to the vibrant cultural and historical fabric of Los Angeles.
With over 50,000 businesses boasting two decades or more of operation throughout the city, the significance of the Legacy Businesses underscores the program’s commitment to celebrating these invaluable assets and the unique essence of L.A. neighborhoods.
“The program is a way to celebrate and recognize those entities. They’ve been around for 20 plus years providing jobs, supporting the community, really making a difference, said Councilmember Price.” We certainly want to encourage new startups but this is a way of also saluting and identifying those that have stood the test of time as entities in our community, providing resources, providing jobs and providing the kinds of services that are so important.”
To alleviate challenges that small businesses face, from competition, technological advancements, escalating rents, gentrification, and fluctuating labor costs, the Legacy Business Program is offering an array of benefits.
From guidance promotions, marketing strategies, legal counsel, lease negotiations, and financial advice, participating businesses will have access to the vital support they need to thrive.
Come fall, storefront businesses with a minimum of two decades of operation in the same community within Los Angeles can vie for grants of up to $20,000.
Councilmember Price initially proposed this visionary program to fortify long standing businesses citywide. After years of advocacy, the program is now poised to make a tangible difference under the added support of Mayor Karen Bass and the oversight of the city’s Economic Workforce Development Department.
“This has been effective in other communities that I had read about,” said Price. “We certainly brought this up in 2019, during the pandemic—suddenly that’s sending a lot of interest and a lot of appeal and I’m glad that we’re finally able to roll it out.”