Skip to primary navigation Skip to footer Menu GRANT OR LOAN ASSISTANCE New Facade Improvement Loan Program Available to Businesses A new joint City of Portage/Chamber of Commerce loan program is now available to businesses and building owners for building façade improvements, including painting, masonry/brick cleaning, awnings, lighting, window repair and replacement, materials, labor, entrance rehabilitation/replacement, architectural assistance, exterior restoration, and signs. The intent of the program is to assist existing businesses with a funding mechanism to upgrade or improve exterior, front, side and rear building facades for the purpose of creating attractive commercial business districts, and enhancing the image of Portage. Exterior renovations for existing commercial buildings within B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-4 Business zoning districts, as well as Portage Chamber of Commerce members located within the City limits are eligible. Non-profits operating a commercial enterprise in compliance with City requirements are also eligible within these parameters Eligible project costs must be a minimum of $3,000 and be completed within one year. A 20 percent match is required by the applicant. The maximum loan amount is $5,000., with all loans carrying an interest rate of 2%. 50 percent of the accrued interest paid on the loan will be refunded to loan recipients upon timely repayment of the loan. Other loan program conditions also apply as enumerated in the Street Fascade Improvement Loan Program Guidelines. The new program is being made available with monies from Portage's America's Best Communities grant award, sponsored by Frontier Communications. Click here for a Facade Loan Application. For additional information and loan program guidelines, contact: Jean Mohr at jean.mohr@portagewi.gov or 742.2176. Business Assistance and Loan Programs A number of existing business assistance and loan programs are also available including: City, County and other Revolving Loan Fund programs, as well as energy efficiency loan programs, for businesses. State Programs and Federal Historic Tax Credit Programs for buildings in the Downtown Historic District. Footer Widget Header PUBLIC WORKS PERMITS & LICENSING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES GARBAGE & RECYCLING ELECTION INFO HOW DO I... FOOTER CITY OF PORTAGE, WI CITY OF PORTAGE MUNICIPAL BUILDING 115 W PLEASANT ST. PORTAGE, WI 53901 608.742.2176 MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00AM - 4:30PM EMPLOYEE LINK Website created by Amalgam, LLC