The Main Street Preservation Trust has opened applications for 2021 for business and property owners along Gloucester’s Main Street who wish to improve their facades or interiors of their buildings along the commercial corridor.

Grant applications are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 19. No late applications will be accepted. Award winners will be announced on April 30.

The program is in its 11th year for awarding façade grants and in its ninth year for awarding interior and merchandising assistance grants. New for 2021 will be an E-Commerce Integration grant as well as a COVID-19 grant for those businesses having to spend funds to meet pandemic safety standards. To apply, go to www.gloucestervillage.com and download the application or stop by the Main Street office to pick up an application.

For façade improvements, grants are available up to $20,000 on matching improvements and the grant is a 50/50, dollar-for-dollar match. Design guidelines can be downloaded from www.glouces...