diff --git a/database/migrations/074_backfill_annual_renewal_from_created.sql b/database/migrations/074_backfill_annual_renewal_from_created.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d121ea6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/migrations/074_backfill_annual_renewal_from_created.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+-- Default annual renewal to business created date when unset.
+
+UPDATE businesses
+SET annual_renewal_at = created_at
+WHERE annual_renewal_at IS NULL;
diff --git a/src/business-admin/business-admin.service.ts b/src/business-admin/business-admin.service.ts
index a5b5ed1..bab9ec5 100644
--- a/src/business-admin/business-admin.service.ts
+++ b/src/business-admin/business-admin.service.ts
@@ -376,7 +376,7 @@ export class BusinessAdminService {
             slug,
             annualRenewalAt: dto.annualRenewalAt
               ? new Date(dto.annualRenewalAt)
-              : null,
+              : new Date(),
             oldBusinessId:
               dto.oldBusinessId !== undefined ? BigInt(dto.oldBusinessId) : undefined,
             settings: toPrismaJson({