Legacy Business Workshop: Resources + Tools for Business Owners
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 | 11 AM - 2:30 PM
JUANRAYMON RUBIO COMMUNITY ROOM, MCFARLAND-MCBEE HOUSE
3805 RED RIVER STREET, AUSTIN, TX, 78751
$75 FOR MEMBERS (Partner/$100 annual level and up)/ $100 FOR OTHERS
Pre-registration is required, and closes at noon Monday, February 9, at noon. Registration fees are non-refundable, and support our nonprofit's work year-round.
Supporting Legacy Businesses is one of Preservation Austin’s three advocacy priorities, and we are excited to expand our work to protect and uplift small, local businesses with the Legacy Business Workshop. This lunchtime 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.
Lunch included in registration price. Businesses that have participated in the Legacy Business Month passport program receive a $25 discount; contact Bridget Gayle Ground to request a discount code.
Schedule + Presenters
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. Lunch is provided as part of this event, and registrants are invited to mingle over coffee and cookies following the presentations.
11-11:10: Welcome Remarks, Miriam Conner, Board President, Preservation Austin
11:10-11:15 Rosa Fry, Programs Manager, Preservation Austin
Preservation Austin’s grant program offers financial support for heritage-based projects across the city. The biannually reviewed grants provide up to $10,000 and are available to support building repairs and improvements, activities supporting the historic designation process (like fees associated with surveys or research), and more.
11:15-11:45: Donald Jackson, City of Austin Place-Based Enhancement Program
The City of Austin’s Place-Based Enhancement Program is a real estate development program aimed at providing 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.
11:45-12:15: Heather Hamilton, Director of Partnerships, 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.
12:15-12:35: 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.
12:45-1:15: 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.
1:15-1:45 AM: 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.
1:45-2:30 PM: Closing Remarks + Networking
The McFarland-McBee House JuanRaymon Rubio Community Room will remain available for attendees to mingle over coffee and cookies until 2:30 p.m.
This workshop is hosted as part of Preservation Austin's advocacy priority to support Legacy Businesses. It will be offered alongside other annual workshop offerings addressing historic home maintenance, 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 Bridget Gayle Ground to make a request.