In an initiative to support Gloucester small businesses, Mayor Greg Verga has launched the Retail Signage Improvement Grant Program and released application guidelines.

The City of Gloucester’s Retail Signage Improvement Grant Program is intended to assist commercial property owners or tenants in eligible buildings improve their storefront signage, awning, and/or sign related lighting.  The purpose of the program is to improve the visual quality of the city’s retail business districts and to enhance the districts as a place to visit, shop and work.

“The City of Gloucester Retail Signage Improvement Grant program provides support to our local small businesses as they prepare for a busy summer and road ahead. We are grateful to the Baker-Polito administration for their continued support of Gloucester’s small businesses,” said Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga.

The target locations for this grant program are the retail business districts, neighborhood business districts, village, and extensive business districts located in Downtown Gloucester, Magnolia, Lanesville and Rocky Neck. All signage improvements must comply with the City of Gloucester’s Sign Ordinance.

The City of Gloucester is working with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to facilitate the application process.  Applicants can download an application on the Chamber’s website capeannchamber.com, or pick up a copy from the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce office located at 24 Harbor Loop in Gloucester. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply no later than Friday, June 17, 2022.

“We are excited to be partnering with the City of Gloucester on this important grant program and helping the selected businesses better promote their business through improved signage,” said Ken Riehl, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. “This grant opportunity will help revitalize the city’s business districts, encouraging visitors and residents alike to shop and do business locally which is something the Chamber strongly believes in and supports.”

If businesses have questions regarding the Retail Signage Improvement Grant Program or would like additional information, please contact the Project Manager, Olivia Perez-O’Dess by email at olivia@capeannchamber.com.

The City of Gloucester Retail Signage Improvement Grant Program is funded by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development.