In August, Bank of America, EDGE, and the City of Memphis hosted the “Conversation Around Capital, Crime Prevention, and Small Businesses,” an event that brought together local business owners, city leaders, and law enforcement to discuss critical issues impacting the Memphis community. With Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Memphis Police Department (MPD) Interim Chief C.J. Davis as keynote speakers, the event introduced the new Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) program, which promises to be a game-changer for small businesses affected by crime in the city.
Crime has long been a challenge for small businesses in Memphis. Although reported crime is down this year, the impact of theft, burglaries, and violent incidents on local enterprises remains significant and many businesses face financial losses and threats to the safety of their staff and customers. Recognizing the need for proactive measures, the City of Memphis, EDGE, and the MPD have launched the CPTED initiative, designed to fortify local businesses and create secure environments.
The CPTED project provides eligible businesses with up to $25,000 in funding to implement design changes that can deter criminal activity. These changes might include improved lighting, reinforced doors and windows, security cameras, and other structural enhancements aimed at making businesses less attractive targets. Over the next three years, a total of $1 million will be available to businesses that have been victimized since July 1, 2024.
EDGE’s involvement in the initiative is a natural extension of its mission to support the economic growth and sustainability of Memphis’s small business community. By partnering with the City of Memphis and the MPD, EDGE is leveraging its resources and expertise to help businesses recover from crime and build resilience for the future. This approach reflects EDGE’s commitment to reinvesting in the local economy and ensuring that small businesses have the tools they need to thrive, even in the face of adversity.
One of the key strengths of the CPTED project is its collaborative nature. Rather than requiring businesses to apply directly, the MPD will take the lead in identifying eligible businesses based on crime reports and will assess the needs of each business, referring those that qualify to the EDGE Board for funding. The proactive method streamlines the process for business owners and certifies that the most vulnerable businesses receive the aid they need.
The launch of this program marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to support small businesses and foster a safer, more prosperous community. The initiative’s focus on crime prevention through thoughtful design aligns with a broader vision of urban development that prioritizes the well-being of residents and business owners alike.
For the business owners who attended the event, the message was clear – Memphis is dedicated to creating an environment where small businesses can not only survive but thrive. As a result of the collaborative efforts of EDGE, the City of Memphis, and the MPD, that vision is one step closer to becoming a reality.
As this program rolls out over the coming months, EDGE will continue to play a vital role in its implementation, providing the financial resources that Memphis businesses need to enhance their security and build a brighter future. Through initiatives like this one, we are not only helping to protect local businesses but also contributing to the broader goal of revitalizing the Memphis economy and ensuring that all residents can enjoy a safe and vibrant community.