Breaking news: Nearly $1 million was awarded to Las Vegas businesses for security measures. Those in need can still apply.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) Nearly $1 million has been handed out to Las Vegas businesses to improve their security, and there’s still more money up for grabs.

The City of Las Vegas’s Business Security Grant Program pays up to $10,000 to qualified businesses to safeguard their buildings. That money can be utilized for things like lighting, security cameras, locks, and more.

FOX5 initially heard about the award after the back-to-back break-ins last week at Tacotarian and Dig It Coffee.

Tacotarian received the grant over the fall and used it to enhance their camera system. Co-owner Carlos Corral believes it came in useful after last week’s break-in.

“I mean, it helped us to see what time they came in, what they were wearing, and what they looked like,” Corral explains. “Anything to improve security is always going to be helpful. However, I believe that cameras alone aren’t going to do it.”

Since the initiative launched last March, the city says they’ve given nearly $750,000 among 79 firms. Chops Barbershop used the cash for new locks, lighting, tint and windows, and a video system.

“When I was given the opportunity to have outside cameras with audio recording and video recording, I took advantage of that, knowing that’s where the theft would come from, from outside,” Chops Barbershop Owner Ernest Madrid explains.

The co-owner of 18bin, Abe Taylor, says they aim to utilize the funds to add motion sensors, security cameras, and lighting to their patio.

“18Bin is known for its patio space, and when you’re outdoors, you’re integrated with traffic, pedestrians, and way too many other things that could affect public safety,” Taylor adds. There’s still roughly $250,000 in funding available.

Businesses must be inside Las Vegas city borders and in a qualified census tract, zoned for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use, have 500 employees or less, and have been in operation since December 2019.

City officials say, upon selection, firms will get payments by check after a “formal agreement” is in place, which normally takes approximately 30 days. You may find a link to the application here.