Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City officials are getting closer to starting the “Back to Business” Grant Fund, meant to assist local companies impacted by vandalism and deter incidents from happening again. With 77 expressions recorded thus far, this project has already drawn a lot of interest.
Using a $325,000 investment from the Violence Prevention and Intervention Fund, the fund seeks to support companies inside the city boundaries. Eligible companies either have to be preparing to put preventative actions against such damages or they must run regular hours and have sustained physical damage from break-ins or vandalism.
The grant is bifurcated into two segments: recovery and prevention. Up to $3,000 per company, the recovery payment aims to help with vandalism-related expenses from July 1, 2024, until July 31, 2025. On the other hand, the preventive grant offers up to $5,000 per company for security upgrade related expenses within the same period.
Temporary boarding of windows or doors, window repairs, door, gate, security system, outside light, mural, sign, and graffiti cleanup are among eligible recovery expenses. With an eye toward equipment costs, not ongoing service charges, qualifying expenses for prevention include security cameras, alarm systems, scissor gates, overhead doors, security lighting, and locks.
Companies who want to apply for the grant have to send plenty of paperwork including copies of receipts, proof of insurance, a copy of the Kansas City Police Department incident report, pictures of the damage and repairs, and a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Report. Aiming to offer maximum support, the city is currently debating whether companies can get both grants.
Mayor Quinton Lucas commented on the program’s necessity, noting the unfortunate rise in incidents affecting local businesses.
“I think we will see a high subscription unfortunately because a lot of people have been hit but Kansas City is a place that every business should feel comfortable operating,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “We have great market demographics, we have a lot of people coming through we need to make sure it will be safe this is one step particular on the prevention side where we can do it.”
Read also: Kansas City’s new $9 million grant supports energy efficiency, job creation, and climate goals
After City Council clearance this Thursday, the application process is scheduled to start on October 7. Applications will be reviewed rolling forward until the allocated funds run out. At the start of November, a report on the state of the program is expected to give the community understanding of the efficiency and reach of this new financial help.
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