Businesses can apply for assistance from the City of Las Cruces to grow and renovate storefronts.
"The City of Las Cruces offers a variety of programs designed to foster economic growth and support business development within our community. Explore opportunities like the Renovate Main Street grant program, which incentivizes private investment in downtown through building improvement matching grants," according to the City of Las Cruces.
Eligible small businesses and commercial property owners can apply for the Small Business Safety Improvement Grant Program which helps invest in security improvements that deters crime, enhances safety and creates a more secure environment for customers, employees, and the community.
The grant funds are used to reimburse the purchase of security cameras, camera doorbells, locks, security hardware, doors, window sensors, outdoor security lighting, fencing and fence coverings. Reimbursements take time and do not have a set turnaround time, said Economic Development Coordinator Celina Morales.
"We understand that when a business experiences vandalism or property damage, getting back to normal operations as quickly as possible is important. Our team works to review applications and required documentation as quickly as possible," Morales said.
The Small Business Safety Improvement Grant Program has funding for businesses located on South Solano and El Paseo and for west Picacho and Motel Blvd.
The program also includes reimbursement for repairs to businesses that have been broken into or vandalized. The grant covers the cost of repairs up to $5,000. Morales said that businesses should reach out to the Economic Development office even if unsure about eligibility.
"I think it is important to highlight is that these programs are about more than financial assistance. Through our partnership with the Las Cruces Police Department, businesses can receive on-site safety assessment and recommendations specific to their property. The goal is not only to help businesses make security improvements, but also to help them make informed investments that can improve safety for their employees, customers and surrounding community," Morales said.
According to the U.S. Grants website small businesses can also apply on the website for a grant.
For more information on how to obtain reimbursement or a grant for repairment check the City of Las Cruces' website.
Leighanne Muñoz is the business and development reporter for the Las Cruces Sun-News and is a fellow with the New Mexico Local News Fellowships and Internships Program, which places emerging journalists in newsrooms across New Mexico. Learn more at www.newmexicolocalnewsfellowships.org. Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Las Cruces offers grants to help businesses secure storefronts