Bloomington's storefronts could be in for a major facelift thanks to a new funding push by the city. A freshly minted facade improvement program is pledging cash to businesses looking to spruce up their exteriors—everything from better signage to snazzier sidewalks.

With the promise to cover up to 50% of project costs, the initiative is positioning itself as a solid boost for local commerce. "This program makes an investment in our business community," Mayor Tim Busse said, according to the city's announcement, "And, because improving neighborhood commercial areas drives increased business, it also serves as a reinvestment in our community as a whole." But the deal isn't all one-sided, shops must pony up equal private funds, and they can only get their hands on the grant after the city verifies the receipts.

Business owners shouldn't dally; the opportunity is a first-come, first-serve affair, and only until the funds run dry. The city's particular focus points are commercial nodes craving for attention, like American and Portland, 98th and Nicollet, and several others earmarked for prioritization.

If the nitty-gritty of grant applications is calling your name, you can find all the details on the city's website. For further inquiries, city officials are just an email away at [email protected], they're waiting with answers to any burning questions.