Business owners looking to improve the outside of their storefronts might be able to get Wilton Manors to pay for up to $1,000 of the cost.

That money is available through the city’s 2016-2017 Business Enhancement Grant Program.

If approved by officials, business owners can have 50 percent of the improvements, up to $1,000 reimbursed by the city. Eligible projects include permanent signage, exterior painting, lighting, awnings and items that fall under the city’s Green Building Program. 

In writing about the program in a document presented to the city commission, Pamela Landi, assistant city manager, said that the objective of the grant program is to encourage private investment of commercial parcels, encourage the appearance of the streetscape along the major corridors, reduce vacancies in storefronts, and provide an incentive to improve commercial properties. “[We want to] create an environment that encourages business and economic growth in the city while maintaining its small town sensibility.”

A previous city grant program helped fund the mural that was painted on the property of Wilton Discount Liquor and the mural helped enhance the mosaic located in Jaycee Park, which is in front of the store.

Applications must be submitted Aug. 1 and approved projects must be completed by Sept. 30. Applicants with outstanding liens, fines, or taxes will be denied.