Education, Engagement, Storytelling, and Recognition
LEGACY BHM
Forged in Birmingham. Built through generations. We honor the businesses that built our city and invest in what comes next.
We Are Legacy.
LEGACY BHM is the City of Birmingham’s public platform for identifying, strengthening, investing in, celebrating, and
preserving businesses that have operated within Birmingham for 25 years or more. These businesses are
neighborhood anchors, employers, trusted institutions, and living records of Birmingham’s economic and cultural
history.
Led by the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity through the Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity, LEGACY BHM connects legacy businesses with capital, technical assistance, education, visibility,
relationships, recognition, and opportunities to prepare for the future.
Who Is a Birmingham Legacy Business?
A Birmingham legacy business is an established business that has operated continuously within the City of Birmingham for at least 25 years. Legacy businesses have helped shape the identity, economy, neighborhoods, traditions, and stories of our city.
You do not have to be a legacy business yet to start building one.
CORE ELIGIBILITY
- The business is physically located within the City of Birmingham.
- The business has operated continuously within Birmingham for at least 25 years.
- The business typically has fewer than 20 employees.
Legacy Forward is the City of Birmingham’s pilot grant and technical assistance program created to help eligible legacy businesses strengthen their operations, build capacity, plan for succession, and prepare for long term sustainability.
Selected businesses will participate in a structured six week cohort, complete a business health assessment, develop an informed plan for the use of funds, receive individualized technical assistance, and become eligible for a $10,000 grant after completing required program milestones.
Applications are open September 8th through October 2nd, 2026. Eligible legacy businesses are encouraged to review the program requirements and submit a complete application before the deadline.
Legacy Forward Timeline
Applications Open: September 8, 2026
Applications Close: October 2, 2026
Review: October 5-16, 2026
Notifications: Week of October 19, 2026
Apply to join our Legacy Forward Cohort!
- Pre program activities: Week of November 2, 2026
- Cohort sessions: November 2026 through January 2027, with holiday breaks
- Grant disbursement: $10,000 lump sum during the week of January 25, 2027, following completion of required milestones
- Graduation: Week of February 1, 2027
We understand that not every legacy business owner has easy access to online tools. Requesting assistance will not affect an applicant’s eligibility or selection.
For assistance completing an application, please call 205-254-7741. You can schedule a time between 8:30 am and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a LEGACY BHM team member to help you complete an application online.
The Legacy Series is the year round outreach and education program of LEGACY BHM, creating opportunities for legacy business owners to learn, build relationships, share experiences, connect with resources, and be recognized for their contributions to Birmingham.
Through Building Legacy, Talking Legacy, and Celebrating Legacy, the series supports the continued growth and sustainability of established businesses while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage to learn from Birmingham’s legacy business community.
By bringing generations of business owners together, The Legacy Series helps preserve the knowledge, relationships, and experiences that have sustained Birmingham businesses while preparing the next generation to build legacies of their own.
Building Legacy
Public workshops focused on business sustainability, finance, digital strategy, workforce, succession, employee ownership, legal planning, and other needs identified by legacy business owners.
Talking Legacy
Panel discussions and community conversations that elevate the voices, lessons, challenges, and future priorities of Birmingham’s legacy business community.
Celebrating Legacy
Recognition and place based experiences that include business profiles, storytelling, decals, Legacy Business Kickbacks, graduation, the Legacy Business Gala, and future corridor recognition opportunities.
