Boston Opens Nominations for Legacy Business Awards

The city is accepting nominations for local establishments that have operated for at least a decade.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Boston Opens Nominations for Legacy Business Awards

Live Poll

Does honoring long-standing local businesses help preserve the character of your community?

Mayor Michelle Wu has launched the nomination period for the fifth annual Legacy Business Awards in Boston. The program aims to recognize local businesses that have anchored their neighborhoods for at least 10 years.

Why it matters

The awards initiative supports a vision for Boston as a family-friendly city that fosters generational wealth through the preservation of long-standing local establishments.

To be eligible for the awards, businesses must have operated in Boston for at least 10 years. In total, 120 businesses have been honored since the program began, with 30 new winners expected this cycle.

The players

Michelle Wu

Michelle Wu is the Mayor of Boston who oversees the administration of the city's small business support programs.

Office of Small Business

The Office of Small Business is a municipal agency in Boston that manages local economic development and provides resources for neighborhood businesses.

The details

Residents can submit nominations for their favorite local businesses through an online form or by contacting the Office of Small Business. Forms are available in 11 languages to ensure accessibility, and winners will receive a commercial lease toolkit and free legal consultation.

Nominations for the awards close on October 30, 2026.
A public awards ceremony for the 30 winners is scheduled for early June 2027.

Market Landscape

This initiative follows the ongoing trajectory of the Boston Legacy Business Program, which works to differentiate local legacy establishments from national retail chains. The program positions these long-term businesses as vital competitors to newer corporate entrants by offering specialized municipal support.

Residents can support their favorite local establishments by participating in the nomination process before the late October deadline. Qualifying businesses that win the award gain access to professional legal consultation and commercial lease resources that can directly impact their long-term viability.

The takeaway

Supporting long-standing local businesses helps preserve the unique cultural and economic character of Boston neighborhoods. Residents interested in ensuring their favorite shops receive recognition should prepare their nomination materials well ahead of the October deadline.