Business Safety and Security Program

• This is a grant award reimbursement with a minimum of $2,500 and maximum amount of $5,000, not to exceed the project cost.  
• There is no matching contribution requirement from the applicant.
• Reimbursement is only valid for costs expended within the year of the application; expenditures exceeding the allowable amount will not be carried forward to the next year. 
• If applicable, projects must meet all permitting requirements and receive a certificate of occupancy or certification of completion before reimbursement is made. 
• Business Safety & Security grants are awarded based on available funding once the application window closes. The application window runs from 12p.m. MT on February 2, 2026, to 5 p.m. MT on March 31, 2026. The grant application window will close prior to March 31, 2026 if 40 eligible applicants have applied. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.
• Qualified applications received will be considered based on adherence to project criteria and overall positive impact to the business and community. Preference will be given to operating businesses with commercially zoned use. 

• Complete application online.
• Application requires a project budget, one qualified estimate for the project, three before photos, evidence the applicant signed up for Lakewood’s business watch program, and a W-9 for the business. Applications without all necessary attachments will not be considered.
• Applications will be reviewed by Lakewood’s Economic Development Office in collaboration with Lakewood’s Community Action Team to confirm that proposed projects align with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles (see the CPTED brochure for more information(PDF, 7MB)). If there is any doubt the project falls within CPTED guidelines, the Community Action Team may request to conduct a complimentary CPTED assessment of the business property prior to approval. Businesses may also request a complimentary CPTED assessment on their own at any time. Additional details are available here.
• After the application period closes and all submissions have been reviewed, grant awards will be issued by Lakewood’s Economic Development Office.
• Upon completion of approved grant projects, submit three after photos and all project-related receipts, invoices and supporting payment documentation to Economic Development staff within 30 days.
• Await reimbursement, usually 3-4 weeks.

Selection will be based on project readiness, project impact on business operations and overall public benefit. Grants are awarded as funding allows.

Business Eligibility 

• Business must be located in a zone district that allows commercial use. 
• Business must have all necessary licenses to operate and be in good standing. 
• Project must comply with existing zoning. 
• Non-profits organizations are eligible. 
• Residential buildings, including senior living facilities, are not eligible.
• Property owners are not eligible for this grant program. Property owners are eligible for other grant funding. See the Grants webpage for more details.
• Businesses that received a Business Safety & Security Grant or Colfax Security Enhancement Pilot Grant in 2025 are not eligible to apply for this grant cycle.

Project Eligibility 

• Applicant must submit a complete application and be enrolled in the City of Lakewood’s Business Watch. Project must comply with CPTED principles. See the CPTED brochure for more information(PDF, 7MB).
• Examples of projects include but are not limited to lighting, alarms, security cameras, windows, entrance doors, mirrors, no trespassing signs, landscaping, fences, locks or any improvements allowing law enforcement to more efficiently and effectively respond to public safety issues. Some improvements (such as fencing) may be subject to city code. Please reach out to program administrator to confirm.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the program administrator, Maggie Briggs at maggie.briggs@lakewoodco.gov.