PIMA COUNTY (Sept. 25, 2026) – The Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will oversee a Business Safety and Beautification Grant Program in partnership with Pima County after the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved providing an initial $250,000 to fund the program at its regular meeting Sept. 22.
The small grant program is part of the One Pima Initiative championed by District 5 Supervisor Andrés Cano, who brought the multi-pronged initiative to the Board in 2025 that seeks to address public safety concerns, housing, addiction, and other issues through invigoration of existing County programs.
Qualifying small businesses will be able to apply for two types of grants, Community Improvement and Community Investment, for projects that seek to make safety and visual appeal improvements to the business. Grant awards will be up to $10,000. To be considered, grant proposals must include one or more of the following:
- Safety Improvements, such as security cameras or exterior lighting;
- Beautification Projects, such as murals, exterior painting or façade improvements;
- Clean-Up and Restoration, such as graffiti removal, power washing, or exterior repair;
- Placemaking Projects, such as improved landscaping, shade structures, or community-facing art.
“Pima County’s partnership with the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a direct investment in the small businesses that anchor our neighborhoods. One Pima is our countywide effort to improve public safety, prevent homelessness, strengthen neighborhoods and support the small businesses that keep our local economy moving. This partnership puts that work into action by helping businesses become safer, stronger and more welcoming for the communities they serve,” Cano said.
The grants will be available to for-profit and nonprofit businesses, which must have 50 or fewer employees, have a physical, licensed business in Pima County that is in good standing with all regulatory agencies. Businesses that are members of a local chamber will get bonus points in the application evaluation scoring.
"Small businesses do much more than provide goods and services," said Rob Elias, President & CEO of the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "They create opportunity, employ our neighbors, support families, and help define the character of every community. When we invest in local businesses, we're investing in the future of Southern Arizona."
Interested businesses can begin applying for the grants Oct. 30 by visiting the Chamber's website.
Supporting small business is one of the priority areas of One Pima, especially aiding businesses in their safety and security needs. In the proposal submitted to the Board, the Economic Development Department outlined the intended benefits of the grant program:
- Support small-business stability and growth;
- Direct resources to underserved and rural communities;
- Improve neighborhood safety and quality of life;
- Encourage investment in shared commercial environments;
- Enhance safety and security by helping small businesses make visible improvements;
- Create safer and more welcoming neighborhoods;
- Create vibrant commercial corridors that enhance connectivity;
- Support and increase long-term economic prosperity and community resilience.
Funding for the project came from land sale proceeds realized from a large development project in the southeast valley commonly referred to as Project Blue.