LOS ANGELES, November 4, 2022—The Los Angeles Conservancy has launched its first-ever grant program benefiting legacy businesses in Los Angeles County thanks to the generous support of Wells Fargo. The Conservancy will award a total of ten $5,000 grants to small businesses that have operated and contributed to their community’s history and/or identity for at least 20 years. The Legacy Business Grant Program will comprise two rounds of funding with five grantees per round. The first round is open from November 2 - December 7, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Applications are available at laconservany.org/grant. 

Legacy businesses are longtime local institutions that has been around for over twenty years and serves as a community mainstay. They reflect a neighborhood’s core identity and traditions—creating a sense of place, culture and belonging for its owners, customers, and residents. A major source of employment, legacy businesses in some areas are an essential neighborhood amenity. Yet many have been increasingly at risk since before the pandemic. Soaring rents, development pressures, and lack of succession plans are some of the ongoing challenges they face.

“Legacy businesses are invaluable touchstones of Los Angeles’ cultural heritage,” says Adrian Scott Fine, the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Senior Director of Advocacy. “They’re where neighbors connect, make memories, and strengthen their ties within the community. The Conservancy is committed to raising awareness about and supporting legacy businesses across Los Angeles County and we are grateful to have Wells Fargo fund our first-ever grant program, allowing us to provide financial assistance to these beloved community anchors.”

Wells Fargo joined forces with the Conservancy to offer direct financial support to ten legacy businesses in need from throughout Los Angeles County.

“L.A.’s longtime businesses face incredible daily challenges, which were then amplified by the pandemic, says Justine Gonzalez, Wells Fargo Vice President, Social Impact. “Wells Fargo is proud to support the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Legacy Business Grant Program, offering financial relief to small businesses so they can thrive.” 

The Los Angeles Conservancy encourages small businesses throughout Los Angeles County who have been in operation for at least twenty years to learn more about and apply for a grant through the Legacy Business Grant Program at laconservancy.org/grant. 

Grant funds can be used to strengthen business’ ability to prosper, including funding employee payroll, rent, business equipment, or building improvements.

Applications for Round 1 are due on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 11:59 PST. The second cycle will be February 8, 2023 to March 8, 2023.

About the Los Angeles Conservancy
The Los Angeles Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization that works through education and advocacy to recognize, preserve, and revitalize the historic architectural and cultural resources of Los Angeles County. What began as a volunteer group in 1978 has nearly 5,000 member households, the largest membership of any local preservation organization in the U.S. 

Media Contact:
Lisett B. Chavarela
lchavarela@laconservancy.org