The Portage and District Chamber of Commerce's Hometown Manitoba grant program is taking applications from local businesses, and you can pick one up at city hall or the chamber office, with deadline on Friday, September 8.

"To be qualified the business organization has to be located on Saskatchewan Avenue, two blocks north and south of Saskatchewan Avenue," explains Cindy McDonald, Portage and District Chamber of Commerce executive director. "So, it covers those two areas and provincial Highway 240 within city limits."

She explains money can go toward anything to enhance the look of your business, including new windows, siding, awnings, signage and even lighting.