This month, thirty small businesses across Boston were honored for their commitment and contributions to their communities. The recognition came at a public ceremony held at the Calderwood Pavilion in the South End on June 3.
The Legacy Business award program, now in its third year, aims to celebrate small businesses that play an essential role in Boston’s neighborhoods. Aliesha Porcena, the director of small business in the Boston Office of Opportunity and Inclusion, emphasized the significance of these businesses.
“When we think about powering our community, businesses — and our small businesses — are really there for us,” said Porcena. She highlighted how small businesses support residents during both their happiest and most challenging moments.
Hector Piña, the founder of Merengue Restaurant in Roxbury, expressed that his connection to the community is invaluable. Since opening in 1994, Merengue has served three generations of families.
“When I see those families, it’s really nice to see how the community has grown throughout the years,” Piña remarked, calling the award “validation for the work we’ve been doing.”
Vicky Elias, who owns Rialto Barber Shop in Roslindale, also spoke about the essence of a legacy business. She stated, “A legacy business is a place where customers become part of a huge extended family that turns a business into a home.”
During an announcement in May, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu referred to legacy businesses as “a driving force of support, resources, and connection across our neighborhoods.”
The impact of these businesses is profound, particularly as the program recognizes enterprises that have been operating for at least a decade. The oldest of this year’s cohort, Warren Tavern in Charlestown, was established in 1780.
The selection process for the awardees is methodical. It begins with community nominations; this year, the city received 1,450 nominations. Following this, the Office of Small Business sifted through and disqualified entries that did not meet the criteria. From the remaining 320, the City Council selected 65 top contenders, which were then evaluated by a review committee composed of representatives from city departments and Boston Main Streets.
Porcena highlighted the importance of capturing resident perspectives in the selection process. “It’s the memories they provide, it’s the opportunities they provide, it’s how they’re there, and so incorporating residents into this process has been a really big joy,” she said.
The diversity of businesses in this year’s cohort reflects the varying neighborhoods of Boston. Awardees represent 19 of the city’s 23 official neighborhoods. The types of businesses recognized include restaurants, pharmacies, barbershops, and dance studios. Notably, the Bay State Banner was also included in this year’s accolades.
Porcena stressed that diverse representation among awardees is crucial. “It’s important that this group represents all of Boston,” she stated. The city’s office is committed to ensuring neighborhoods and industries are adequately represented.
Legacy business awardees benefit from various forms of technical support. Porcena pointed out that following the COVID-19 pandemic, assistance for moving operations online became vital for many businesses forced to close their physical locations.
City officials remark that these forms of support are critical to the sustainability of these businesses. District 4 City Councilor Brian Worrell noted, “I’m thrilled we can use this award to provide much-needed support for the entrepreneurs who power our districts.”
For Piña of Merengue, the city’s support represents an opportunity to adapt and grow. He reflected on the shifts his restaurant has undergone since opening, noting that the business has transitioned from cash transactions to predominantly credit card payments and more takeout orders, influenced by platforms like GrubHub and DoorDash.
“The restaurant business has evolved, and we cannot stay the same,” Piña acknowledged, expressing a commitment to meeting future changes head-on.
Besides immediate assistance, the city aims to ensure the longevity of these businesses, even as ownership changes. Many of this year’s awardees are family-owned, making succession planning crucial for future sustainability. Awardees can access guidance on succession planning, including exploring employee ownership.
The city has organized workshops targeting legacy businesses, encouraging owners to think about their futures.
Porcena mentioned, “What does business planning look like for you? What are the next three years? What does the next five years look like? What does your legacy look like?”
For Cruz Companies, a third-generation Black-owned enterprise rooted in Roxbury for over 75 years, the acknowledgment goes beyond celebration. COO Justin Cruz commended Boston’s initiatives to support small and minority-owned businesses.
“We applaud the City of Boston for shining a light on small and minority-owned organizations and leaders who have endured and contributed so much to the city’s success over the span of many decades — helping to close the racial wealth gap that many of our neighborhoods and residents have experienced for far too long,” Cruz stated.
He voiced the significance of this recognition as a call for the broader Boston community to intensify support for these businesses and contribute to building Up Black entrepreneurship in the area.
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