Businesses can get $2.5K in provincial security rebate

The Manitoba government has announced more rebates for small businesses to pay for security measures. Jeff Keele reports.

Manitoba businesses can get up to $2,500 for security upgrades through a new provincial security rebate.

The province announced the launch of this new program on Thursday, saying $10 million is available for rebates on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is restricted to businesses with 75 or fewer employees per location.

The rebate—up to $2,500—is retroactive to offset the cost of security equipment or repairing property damage on or after Aug. 23, 2024.

“We came together with community stakeholders and our partners in the police to tailor this rebate to address the security needs of Manitoba businesses, workers and communities,” Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said in a news release.

Businesses can use this rebate to cover upgrades like security and doorbell cameras, alarm systems, security fencing and lighting, among other things. Eligible repairs include broken windows, doors and locks, damages from break-ins or arsons, graffiti removal, and many others.

The rebate is welcome news for business groups including the restaurant industry - a sector plagued by arson this year.

Shaun Jeffrey from the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association says they’ve been pushing for this for two years. To have it in place in time for the holidays is amazing news, he added.

“It’s going to be a really good step forward. It’s a great start block to be able to move forward in keeping our businesses safe.”

The full list of eligible expenses that could be covered through the rebate is available online.

The province initially launched a $300 security rebate program in June 2024. However, that program faced criticism from the small business community, who said $300 would not go very far. The province has since said that program was focused on homeowners and renters. The program was renewed in October 2025, with $2 million in funding available.