How a new program will help small Memphis businesses boost crime prevention efforts

The Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County (EDGE) is launching a new campaign to help small businesses boost safety and crime prevention.

On Wednesday, the EDGE board approved a new incentive program, the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

The program will allocate a $1 million fund for small businesses looking to improve safety and operations at the business site or area of operations. The program will mirror EDGE's existing Inner City Economic Development (ICED) loan program and will be available for small businesses located in high crime zones, said Joann Massey, EDGE vice president of operations.

“This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation, resilience and the belief that every small business deserves the chance to thrive," Massey said.

The program will allocate up to $250,000 annually over a four-year span. Businesses looking to improve lighting or add security cameras would be eligible. The grants will be capped at $25,000.

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The aim is to help cover infrastructure costs that would improve safety or lighting within parking lots or around places of operation and provide a preemptive measure to help deter crime. Massey said the initiative was requested on behalf of the city and Mayor Paul Young administration's public safety campaign.

On Tuesday, Young made his "100 First Days and Beyond" speech and vowed to decrease the crime rate by 10% annually. The city administration is not alone in calling for improvements in public safety. In January, the Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman's Circle sent a letter to Gov. Bill Lee to assist the local business community against ongoing crime issues. In March, members of the Greater Memphis Chamber met with state officials to continue their discourse on public safety and other initiatives.

“By investing in this effort, we not only spur economic development but also create safer environments that empower residents and deter criminal activity," Young said in a statement. "Together, we are reshaping the narrative of our neighborhoods, turning challenges into opportunities, and building a brighter future for all."

Neil Strebig is a journalist with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at neil.strebig@commercialappeal.com, 901-426-0679 or via X: @neilStrebig.