diff --git a/backend/database/__init__.py b/backend/database/__init__.py
index f55a12e..18451c5 100644
--- a/backend/database/__init__.py
+++ b/backend/database/__init__.py
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+# MQTT live data — Phase 5: all functions now backed by Postgres
 from database.pg_mqtt import (
     init_db,
     close_db,
@@ -19,9 +20,14 @@ from database.pg_mqtt import (
     ensure_current_partitions,
 )
 
+# SQLite connection — still used by melodies, builder, manufacturing, and crm
+# modules that have not yet been cut over to Postgres.
+from database.core import get_db
+
 __all__ = [
     "init_db",
     "close_db",
+    "get_db",
     "purge_loop",
     "purge_old_data",
     "insert_log",
diff --git a/backend/main.py b/backend/main.py
index 543762d..bd3e4ca 100644
--- a/backend/main.py
+++ b/backend/main.py
@@ -108,6 +108,8 @@ async def crm_poll_loop():
 @app.on_event("startup")
 async def startup():
     init_firebase()
+    from database.core import init_db as sqlite_init_db
+    await sqlite_init_db()
     await melody_service.migrate_from_firestore()
     mqtt_manager.start(asyncio.get_event_loop())
     asyncio.create_task(db.partition_manager_loop())
@@ -125,6 +127,8 @@ async def startup():
 @app.on_event("shutdown")
 async def shutdown():
     mqtt_manager.stop()
+    from database.core import close_db as sqlite_close_db
+    await sqlite_close_db()
     await close_nextcloud_client()