City of Birmingham launches new program to help preserve the city’s oldest and most historic small businesses
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — Sept. 25, 2020 — The City of Birmingham’s Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity has launched the Legacy Business Program to help preserve Birmingham’s oldest and most historic small businesses. This program was established in accordance with The Woodfin Way, which explains the administration’s intention to create a plan to support long-standing businesses.
Applications are now available at www.birminghamal.gov/bhmup under the “Promote” section. (Go here for the application.) The deadline to submit applications is Oct. 31, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
A legacy business is defined as a business that has operated within the city limits of Birmingham for a minimum of 25 years, typically has less than 20 employees and has contributed in some way to the cultural and historical fabric of the community. The business must still be located within the city limits of Birmingham.
“The Legacy Business Program is a continuation of our commitment to Birmingham businesses,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. “These businesses have been an integral part of our community for generations – this is simply our way of not only giving back, but also stimulating the economic growth to make Birmingham a hub for small businesses in our region.”
The first phase of the program will focus on creating a robust registry of legacy businesses. These legacy businesses will be supported with a digital business toolkit, a Legacy Business decal, exclusive training opportunities and more. The second phase of the program aims to create a private-public partnership to create a Legacy Business Fund – a grant program specifically set for legacy businesses.
“We are excited to release this program,” said Coreata R. Houser, manager of Neighborhood Investment & Business Diversity for the City’s Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity. “It is important that we recognize and support our long-standing businesses that have been pillars in the community. We hope this program will shine light on those hidden gems in our communities and provide a bridge to our future with legacy businesses.”
For more information, visit www.birminghamal.gov/bhmup or send emails to smallbiz@birminghamal.gov.
