Portage Park businesses looking to spruce up their storefronts or do any remodeling are encouraged to apply for a $100,000 city grant through the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF).

The $100,000 grants - not loans - can help business owners with a variety of building repairs and improvements, including improvements to windows, sign structures, plumbing, roof work, tuckpointing, electrical systems, interior build-outs, HVAC updates, and ADA upgrades. SBIF grants help small businesses and enhance commercial corridors by providing financial assistance for building improvements.

To be eligible, a business must be within the Portage Park TIF District. A map of the district is available on the Department of Planning and Development's website, bit.ly/PortageParkTIF.

Since 2011, small businesses in the 45th Ward have used over $1 million in grants from the SBIF program to make improvements to their storefronts and buildings. Past recipients in the Portage Park TIF District include Fischman's Public House, Oak Street Health, MCM Pub, Singer Factory Distributor, and Rasenick's.