The Office of Economic Development (OED), in partnership with the Community Services Department (CSD), has launched the Security Assistance for Enterprises (SAFE) Grant Program.

SAFE provides financial support to small businesses located within the City of Santa Fe to implement crime prevention and safety improvements. Funding may be used for proactive security upgrades, to help businesses recover and stabilize operations following break-ins or vandalism, or to invest in pro-social innovations that deter crime.

The SAFE Program is part of the Office of Economic Development’s Community Investment Program and reflects the City’s commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening neighborhood commercial areas.

To qualify for funding, businesses are required to complete a free site security assessment conducted by Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD). Applicants will be contacted after submission with further details. Additionally, approved businesses will participate in the launch of the new SFPD Business Watch program. For more information and to enroll in the program visit this page.

• Support proactive investments that deter criminal activity and improve business safety
• Assist small businesses in recovering from recent incidents through reimbursement for repairs
• Help businesses remain open, active, and resilient while contributing to safe, welcoming commercial environments
• Reduce the likelihood and impact of disruptive incidents on Santa Fe’s small business community
• Promote public safety and community well-being through vibrant, thriving commercial districts
• Support modest exterior and beautification improvements that enhance visibility, upkeep, and pride of place as part of a broader safety strategy

• Approximately $210,000 is available through individual reimbursement-based awards
• Eligible businesses may receive up to $5,000 per incident
• A business may receive multiple awards for separate documented incidents, up to the completion of the grant program

Funding Cycles & Deadlines

• Awards are made on a rolling basis aligned with the City’s fiscal year
• Applications will be accepted until June 12, 2026 or until funds are exhausted
• Funds awarded in FY26 must be expended by June 30, 2026
• Funds not spent are surrendered at the end of fiscal year June 30, 2027
• The program will remain open until funds are fully expended

Applicants Must:

• Hold a current City of Santa Fe business license and State of New Mexico registration
• Be located within City of Santa Fe limits
• Operate a small business (50 or fewer employees) in an occupied, customer-facing location (including food trucks)
• Have incurred or plan to incur an eligible expense
• Applicants must be in good financial standing, including not being involved in any active bankruptcy proceedings
• Applicants applying for reimbursement funds must provide a police report. A police report can be filed after the incident at any point and should be completed and uploaded toy our application. You can file online here.
• Schedule a free site security assessment (details will be provided) and participate in SFPD’s Business Watch program.
• Be in good standing with the City of Santa Fe
• Demonstrate legal occupancy or control of the business location
• Incident(s) must have occurred on or after January 1, 2025

This list is not exhaustive. Other expenses may be considered if they align with the program’s purpose of prevention, mitigation, recovery, and improved business safety.

Property Repair & Recovery

• Temporary window or door board-up
• Window, door, or gate repair or replacement
• Graffiti removal or mural repair
• Sign repair or replacement
• Repair or replacement of damaged interior fixtures or equipment due to criminal activity (excluding routine maintenance)

Security & Access Improvements

• Security gates, reinforced glass, locks, and entryway improvements
• Interior, exterior, and overhead door replacement
• Scissor gate installation

Security & Prevention Equipment

• (Personnel costs are not eligible)
• Security cameras/monitoring equipment installation
• Security lighting and exterior lighting installation or repair
• Alarm system installation or repair
• Safes or lockable storage

Environmental Design & Beautification

• The Grant will not cover more than 49% of beatification projects, while it will cover all eligible reimbursement expenses for crime.
• Improvements that maximize visibility and natural surveillance, allowing people to see and be seen, which discourages criminal activity
• Wayfinding and visibility improvements that clarify entrances, exits, and active storefront areas and enhance safety through increased visibility.
• Pro-social placemaking improvements that support positive activity, neighborhood connection, and community presence around the business. These are innovations designed to reduce victimization, deter offender decisions that precede criminal acts, and build a sense of community to reduce crime and minimize fear of crime.

Exterior Space Security

• Security improvements to dumpsters, service alleys, storage areas, or exterior enclosures

Funding Limitations

• Funds may be used for hard costs only (materials, fixtures, equipment rentals)
• Labor and personnel costs are not eligible
• Receipts and proof of payment required
• Limited exceptions may be considered for licensed professional services (e.g., engineers, architects, contractors), subject to City approval

Program funds may not be used for:

• Ongoing operating or recurring expenses
• Inventory replacement or merchandise loss
• Lost revenue or business interruption
• Rent, utilities, payroll, wages, or sales costs
• Private security personnel or patrol services
• Routine maintenance unrelated to an eligible incident
• Fines, penalties, or legal fees
• Expenses covered by insurance unless the claim has been denied and closed
• Costs reimbursed by other public funding sources
• Undocumented or cash-only expenses
• Decorative or promotional items unrelated to safety or recovery

Applications are accepted online on a rolling basis and reviewed as received.

1) Recovery / Post-Incident

At application:

• Invoices and proof of payment
• Photos of damage and repairs (up to 5)
• Police report when available

2) Preventative Improvements

At application:

• Quote or estimate
• Description of safety benefit
• Photos of existing conditions (if applicable)

After approval:

• Invoices and proof of payment
• Final photos

Required for All Applications

• City & State business licenses
• Business Watch participation
• Insurance disclosure if applicable
• Confirmation from SFPD that site security assessment has been scheduled or completed (once application is approved)

Apply Online

Evaluation & Selection

Applications are reviewed in two steps:

Step 1: Eligibility & Completeness (Pass/Fail) - Applications must meet all program requirements to advance

Step 2: Scored Evaluation (100 Points Total)

• Project clarity & feasibility (20)
• Crime prevention & safety impact (20)
• Return on public investment (20)
• Business context & community benefit (20)
• Project plan & documentation (20)

Bonus considerations (tie-breaking):

• Use of sustainable materials
• Leveraging impact (jobs supported, community-serving businesses)
• Utilizing local Santa Fe businesses

Payment

Reimbursement is issued after:

• Application approval
• Submission of invoices and receipts
• Completed vendor profile via application
• Completed W9

Reporting

Awardees submit a brief impact report three (3) months after reimbursement via an online form. Responses are used in aggregate to improve program design and guide future investements

The SAFE Program is administered jointly by the Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Community Services Department (CSD)

• Office of Economic Development (OED): Business outreach, application intake, award management, and coordination with applicants throughout the grant process
• Community Services Department (CSD): Program coordination and public safety alignment
• Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD): Security site assessments and guidance on best-practice crime prevention through the Business Watch program
• Project Manager (CSD): Day-to-day program coordination and applicant technical assistance

Project Manager:
Rachel Stark
rsstark@santafenm.gov

Office of Economic Development:
Casey Dalbor
cjdalbor@santafenm.gov