Portage offers $15K for business storefront improvements – PortageOnline.com

The City of Portage la Prairie is once again offering storefront grants to business owners along Saskatchewan Avenue. Applications for the program are now open. 

A successful initiative continues 

Mayor Sharilyn Knox highlights the program’s impact. 

“Storefront Improvement grants is a partnership program that we work with the Portage and District Chamber of Commerce. It has been a very popular program. We have $15,000 that is set aside. For this, we’ve opened up applications for the program. We really are proud to see how many businesses have improved their storefronts, especially along the new Saskatchewan Avenue. We invested $45 million in that project, and it was nice to see businesses step up and do it.”

She notes that businesses need this financial boost to complete much-needed projects, and the program has been running for several years. 

Last year’s budget increased the grant from $10,000 to $15,000. 

Seeking more funding opportunities 

“We’re constantly looking for other sources of funding from our provincial partners to maybe increase these programs, as well. The deadline for applications is next month.

Encouraging local business investment 

Stefanie Dunn, executive director of the Portage la Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce, says the annual partnership with the City is a great way to support local businesses in enhancing their storefronts. 

“We’ve all heard the term ‘curbside appeal’ before, and when visitors are coming to our city, they’re often taking Saskatchewan Avenue or the Crescent. Those are some of the first things that they see. So, we just really want to continue to do as much as we can to make sure that Portage always leaves a positive lasting impression in people’s minds.” 

Origins of the program 

Dunn explains that the initiative began as a provincial program called the Hometown Manitoba Main Streets Enhancement Program. 

“The City of Portage also contributed matching funds to that effort. This program was discontinued in 2019, and so that’s when this partnership began. From a chamber perspective, of course, we think this is a really worthy budget line and a really worthy investment from this city. So, we applaud them on their dedication to continue offering this storefront Improvement.”

Helping businesses during economic uncertainty 

Dunn acknowledges that, especially in times of economic uncertainty and the looming threat of a trade war with the U.S., business owners are making significant financial decisions. 

“Something as small as sprucing up the aesthetic or the exterior of your business might fall to the wayside. Sometimes, those are the expenses that we do have to cut when we’re looking at a budget. These dollars that the city contributes are so valuable to business owners, and we really do encourage everyone to reach out, take a look at the grant, and if you do have questions, of course, contact the City or myself, and we’d be really happy to guide you through.”

A simple application process 

She emphasizes that applying for the grant is quick and worthwhile. 

“You never know what you might be selected for. Even if you think it’s something small and not that significant, every little bit of sprucing up helps and drives customers into your store. We think this is a great initiative, a great partnership, and we encourage businesses to take part in the program.”

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