$500k in ARPA funding available to offset costs to small businesses
Mayor Joe Hogsett on February 2, 2023 joined the Indy Public Safety Foundation (IPSF) to announce available grant funding to Indianapolis businesses to participate in the innovative b-link program to strengthen public safety efforts in Indianapolis neighborhoods. The program allows registration of personal and business security cameras to create a network of live-stream video access for IMPD to utilize in the event of a crime or incident in the vicinity. Alongside City-County Councillor Jared Evans, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), IPSF, and area business owner Brian Flinn today at MacAllister Machinery Co. on the City’s westside, Mayor Hogsett encouraged Indy small businesses to participate in the b-link program.
“Dozens of Indianapolis businesses and residents are already part of the b-link camera network,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “With added federal funding provided through ARPA, our city can expand the reach of this advanced law enforcement tool — a tool that has already provided critical evidence leading to the arrest of violent offenders.”
Through the program, small businesses can apply for a one-time grant up to $2500 to install and manage business cameras. Businesses can also connect already in-service security cameras or apply to offset the cost of camera installation through the b-link Pro program. The program is funded at a total of $500,000.
“We are grateful to be able to provide b-link to small businesses across all Indianapolis neighborhoods via this grant opportunity—this program and its technology speak directly to our mission of enhancing public safety and quality of life for all in our city,” said Dane Nutty, President & CEO of IPSF.
B-link technology is in use, currently, through more than 120 cameras registered to 33 Indianapolis businesses, including brics, Artifacts, and a handful of other Broad Ripple businesses.
The b-link program is supported via expanded funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is managed by IPSF. The b-link program represents a continuation of Mayor Hogsett’s three-year, $150 million violence reduction strategy, which also featured a $9 million investment in public safety technology. This announcement, specifically, provided a spotlight on efforts to support public safety via innovation and engagement of the business community across Indianapolis neighborhoods.
“Through the b-link program, IMPD has already had success identifying vehicles and apprehending suspects. This program allows our community to directly work with IMPD by providing critical video and evidence that helps our detectives solve crimes and ensure victims receive justice,” said IMPD Deputy Chief of Investigations Kendale Adams.
“My colleagues on the Council and I are proud to continue to invest in public safety efforts, whether that be through grassroots efforts or modern policing technology – this investment is crucial to ensuring our businesses have the resources to help be a part of community policing and keep our city safe,” Councillor Jared Evans. “I encourage local businesses in my district and districts across Marion County to utilize this opportunity and apply.”
Participants can work with an integrator to guarantee proper installation and network connection; additionally, a small monthly fee ensures cameras are operable and available via a cloud-based server. Applications close on March 17 for spring grants awards. Depending on participation in the first round of funding, there may be opportunities for additional support in the future. For more information about the program or to apply for funding, please visit blinkindy.org.
