CANTON — Yawn’s Books & More in downtown Canton is one of many businesses across Cherokee County vying for one of 12 grants, each worth $250,000, from Chase and LivingSocial.

There are only two days left in the voting period for community members to help support the bookstore or other businesses of their choice who hope to win the grant.

Each registered small business must receive at least 250 votes to be considered for a grant, and as of Thursday, Yawn’s has received 114 votes.

In July, the bookstore will have served the Canton community as a locally-owned, independent business for eight years, owner Farris Yawn said, and he hopes local book lovers will get behind the effort.

“Our goal with the grant money, should we be fortunate enough to receive it, is to do a much-needed remodel, purchase new inventory, provide a more inviting children’s area in order to offer more children’s programs, start programs where young people who love books can gather, to hire full time staff and to provide a more attractive venue to attract additional gifted authors,” Yawn said.

Most importantly, Yawn said, it’s his goal to continue to serve the Canton community.

According to the website, the “Mission: Small Business” program was developed to provide small businesses with resources needed to make a positive impact on their business.

To vote, visit www.mission smallbusiness.com and click the “Login & Support” button in the bottom right. Then, accept the Facebook login and search “Yawn’s Books” and cast your vote.

Each time a consumer clicks to support small business, Chase will add $5 to the grant pool up to a maximum of $3 million.

Yawn’s is one of 16 Canton businesses vying for the grant. Woodstock has 33 businesses registered and Ball Ground has one. Voters can cast their ballot for all of their favorite participating

businesses.

The voting period is open through Saturday. At the end of the voting period, small business applicants that have received 250 votes will have their applications evaluated and grant recipients will be chosen.

Winners will be announced by Sept. 15.