Legacy Business Workshop: Resources + Tools for Business Owners
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 | 9 AM - 2 PM
THE HISTORIC BAKER SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
3908 AVENUE B, AUSTIN, TX 78751
$75 FOR MEMBERS / $100 FOR NON-MEMBERS
Preservation Austin’s Legacy Business Month is now in its third year, and we are excited to expand our support for small, local businesses with the Legacy Business Workshop. This half-day event provides a one-stop resource for business owners, managers, and leading stakeholders to learn about opportunities available to support their iconic establishments. Get insights and tips related to historic preservation tax credits, grant programs, real estate partnerships, and more while connecting with peers running businesses across the Austin community.
Please note: while the final two presentations are geared toward those running businesses from properties eligible for historic designation, others cover opportunities for those operating from any location, new or old.
Registration
$75 MEMBERS / $100 NON-MEMBERS
Register by October 15. Registration includes event access and a box lunch. Businesses that have participated in the Legacy Business Month passport program receive a $10 discount; contact Learning and Engagement Manager Bridget Gayle Ground to request the code.
Schedule of Events
9:00 AM
Coffee + Welcome + Registrant Introductions
9:30 AM
City of Austin Place-Based Enhancement Program
10:00 AM
Rally Austin
10:20 AM
Visit Austin Foundation
11:00 AM
Texas Historical Commission
11:30 AM
City of Austin Heritage Grants
NOON - 2 PM
Closing Remarks + Networking Lunch
Presenters
Donald Jackson, Business Process Consultant, City of Austin Place-Based Enhancement Program
The City of Austin’s Place-Based Enhancement Program is a real estate development program aimed at incentivizing commercial affordability relief focused on our local small businesses, legacy businesses, nonprofits, cooperatives, and those in the creative sector. Opportunities include property/sales tax reimbursements for affordable space, community impact, cultural preservation, and transformative infrastructure projects.
David Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin
Rally Austin is a community-focused real estate nonprofit dedicated to securing affordable spaces that keep local culture and businesses thriving. At the workshop, Rally will share its “Keep Austin Ours” proposal for the City’s 2026 Bond Election—reviewing programs that could expand Austin’s Cultural Trust, preserve legacy businesses through a new Commercial Trust, and create workforce housing spaces for Austin.
Heather Hamilton, Senior Partnership and Development Manager, Visit Austin Foundation
The Visit Austin Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to strengthening Austin’s hospitality, music, and tourism workforce through education, job training, mentorship, and scholarships. Our programs support both aspiring and current professionals in building successful careers within one of the city’s most dynamic industries. We will also highlight ways Visit Austin can help small businesses connect with leisure and convention visitors.
Valerie Magolan, Program Coordinator, Historic Tax Credit Program, Texas Historical Commission
The Texas Historical Commission administers the state and federal tax credit programs for the rehabilitation of historic income-producing or nonprofit use buildings; the Texas Preservation Trust Fund grant program supporting activities leading to the preservation of historic properties; and the Texas Treasures Business Awards recognizing well-established businesses and their exceptional historical contributions to Texas communities.
Kristina Koufos, Project Coordinator, City of Austin Heritage Preservation Grants
The City of Austin Heritage Preservation Grants promote tourism through historic preservation projects and activities rooted in local history and heritage. The grants support capital projects or heritage events that expand access to historic places and heritage resources and market the site's history to engage new audiences and tourists.
This event is hosted as part of Preservation Austin's Legacy Business Month, which celebrates iconic Austin businesses each October. It will be offered alongside other annual workshop offerings including workshops on weatherization, historic tax credits, and more.
Preservation Austin is committed to engaging the broadest possible audience through equitable and inclusive programming. Registration proceeds provide essential support for our nonprofit’s advocacy and educational programming year-round. We consider requests for reduced registration due to financial hardship on a limited basis; contact Learning and Engagement Manager Bridget Gayle Ground to make a request.