A program to help retail stores and restaurants will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Hampton Inn, 6638 Forest Hill Avenue, Gloucester.

Titled “Gloucester Economic Development Kick-Off,” the program will be an opportunity for local business owners to learn about benefits and services of Norfolk-based Retail Alliance, said Sherry Spring, Gloucester’s director of economic development.

Spring said the Alliance usually is open only to retail businesses and restaurants in cities and towns. However, Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust recently worked out an arrangement for Main Street merchants to join the Alliance.

Spring said Gloucester County learned of that initiative and wanted to see if the Alliance would open up its membership and services to businesses throughout Gloucester. The Alliance agreed to this, Spring said, and Gloucester businesses can benefit to a special rate for a one-year membership thanks to MSPT and the Cook Foundatio...