Apply to join the Legacy Business Registry

Long-standing small businesses can join the Registry for recognition, marketing and business help, and grants.

Our staff can connect you with multi-lingual advisors to help you at any step of the application process. Translation services are available. Email legacybusiness@sfgov.org or call 415-554-6680 for more information.

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.

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 submit the letter later, but you should check with a supervisor or the mayor before you apply, since it is a required part of a complete application.

Time:

a) Download the application PDF and complete all four pages of the application form. 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. We will offer suggested edits; your first draft doesn't need to be perfect.

Email the completed application form (.pdf) and narrative (.doc) to legacybusiness@sfgov.org.

You may also mail or drop it off in person:
Legacy Business Program
City Hall, Room 140
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102

After you apply, we will confirm that we received it. We will then review your application and suggest edits. You will be working closely with the program manager for the rest of the process.