Boston’s trying to assist 25 “iconic” companies from being priced out — and is encouraging residents to appoint any which have been round for a decade or extra to change into a part of a brand new program.
Mayor Michelle Wu mentioned her administration “will identify 25 iconic businesses” to assist out by way of this “Legacy Business Program” that’s meant to attach the native entrepreneurs to grant alternatives and technical assist.
“Our legacy businesses serve as anchors in our neighborhoods, expand opportunities for our residents and build community through Boston,” Wu mentioned in an announcement. “I’m thrilled to announce this program and I look forward to uplifting these treasured businesses and connecting them with the City’s services and resources.”
Business homeowners — like many individuals who dwell within the metropolis — for years have complained in regards to the issue of staying in ever-more-expensive Boston, between the native taxes and the price of renting or proudly owning any property within the metropolis.
The metropolis will select the companies by way of a nomination course of wherein residents vote for companies in a course of that kicks off Sept. 6. Residents will solely be capable of nominate one enterprise per cycle.
In order to be eligible, a enterprise will need to have been in the identical location for 10 or extra years, and “contributes to the cultural, historical, and societal assets of Boston’s community or neighborhood.” The enterprise additionally has to remain within the metropolis as soon as it’s named a legacy — it may’t seize the assistance and cut up.
The companies will obtain plaques, will likely be promoted on metropolis platforms and obtain technical help and free authorized session. They’ll additionally be capable of apply for particular legacy enterprise grants.
“For businesses that are 30 years or older — or Legacy+ Businesses — they will be eligible to receive a narrative video featured on social media, the city’s website, and other locations,” town mentioned.
“Businesses like these are neighborhood institutions that have helped to shape the construct of our City and, with increased visibility, the goal is to ensure that these legacy businesses can avoid displacement, grow their influence, keep residents employed, and enrich the cultural vibrancy of the City of Boston,” town mentioned in its assertion.
The metropolis mentioned it desires the companies to be scattered by way of the entire metropolis’s neighborhoods.
“This initiative is an opportunity for the city to honor the commitment, investment, and impact small business owners have made in our communities for decades,” mentioned metropolis Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”