WORCESTER—The city’s is rolling out a new way to honor the small businesses that have helped shape the city’s identity, announcing Friday the launch of its first Legacy Business Program.
The initiative aims to spotlight long-running, locally owned businesses that contribute to the character of Worcester’s neighborhoods — the places that survive economic swings, anchor commercial corridors, employ local residents and often know their customers by name. City officials said they hope the new program will not only celebrate these businesses, but also highlight the role they play in the cultural and economic life of the community.
Residents are being asked to nominate their favorite long-standing establishments and share stories about what they mean to the city. Selected businesses will be named Legacy Businesses each year and receive official municipal recognition, promotional materials and inclusion on a newly created Legacy Business list on the city’s website.
According to the city’s announcement, eligible businesses must have been operating for at least 10 years, be physically located in Worcester, have fewer than 250 employees, be locally owned and not part of a national or regional chain or franchise, and demonstrate cultural or community significance.
“As a city, it’s important that we make time to celebrate the longstanding small businesses in our community that have helped shape our culture and celebrate the businessowners who have dedicated their lives to working here,” City Manager Eric D. Batista said in the release. “It is a choice to open a business here and a choice to stay when you experience success. We appreciate and want to support all those who have made strong commitments to the City of Worcester and recognize their success.”
Nominations opened Friday, Dec. 5, and remain available through Monday, Feb. 2. The nomination form can be found on the city’s website.
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