More Security Assistance Available to Local Small Businesses

Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Based on the success of the first Small Business Security Assistance Program, which launched a year ago, the City is happy to announce a second round of the program, aimed to benefit San Leandro businesses in need of enhanced security measures. More than 25 businesses participated in the program and have reported great satisfaction with the results. Businesses may apply for a comprehensive security assessment of their property and up to $5,000 in a grant for security improvements.

Security Assessment

The program consists of two parts, each independent from the other. The first part is a security assessment. Eligible businesses may apply to receive an in-depth physical assessment of their commercial property by a professional crime prevention company, contracted by the City. The City will cover the cost of assessments of commercial properties up to 5,000 square feet. Businesses with properties larger than 5,000 square feet will be responsible for the costs of assessing the additional square footage.

The grant was so helpful for our business as we were able to put cameras and new lights in the building. I feel the community feels safer walking through our doors.

La Bombonera Indoor Soccer

Security Grant

The second part is a grant for property improvements. The Security Grant (up to $5,000 per business) is designed to help eligible small businesses pay for security upgrades. The grant does not require repayment. Among other documents, applicants must provide a cost estimate of equipment purchases, installation services, or other upgrades.

These services are part of a larger initiative to promote aesthetic, accessibility, or security improvements to existing commercial buildings in San Leandro and serve to educate business and property owners and to discourage criminal activity by making the premises as uninviting to criminals as possible.

Small businesses are encouraged to learn more about the program visit the Small Business Security Assistance Program page, where you can find a Program Guide as well as application forms for the assessment and grant.

Our experience with the program was exceptional from start to finish. The application process was simple and user-friendly, and the support we received was invaluable. Through the program, we benefited from a comprehensive security assessment and funding that allowed us to make critical improvements to our property. These upgrades have enhanced the safety and security of our business, providing peace of mind for our team and clients. I strongly encourage all eligible San Leandro businesses to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity.

Zatkin Properties

Eligibility

To be eligible, businesses must be located in incorporated San Leandro and must maintain a current business license. The business must be privately owned and operated and employ fewer than 50 employees. Businesses who have previously participated in the Security Assistance Program are not eligible to reapply. Home-based businesses are also not eligible for this program.

The goal of the Security Assistance Program is to help the businesses with the greatest need where the assistance will have the biggest impact.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for both the Security Assessment and Grant is January 31, 2025. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

VACCEB’s Regional Resource Center had a great experience participating in San Leandro’s Security [Assistance] Program…We recommend that small businesses participate in this program to [identify] their security vulnerabilities.

Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay

For more information, contact Economic Development Specialist Lars Halle at 510-577-3311 or lhalle@sanleandro.org.