ANNAPOLIS — Forty-one Main Street programs across Maryland are sharing $7 million for economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic with Main Street Princess Anne receiving $140,316.

The funds will support not only traditional small businesses but those like Somerset Choice Station, a store filled with antiques and collectibles but operated by the non-profit Somerset County Historical Society.

“Maryland communities would not be the same without our vibrant, historic Main Streets,” said Gov. Larry Hogan. “We are proud to support local small businesses and help them recover from the economic toll brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Princess Anne’s Main Street manager Carrie Samis said the money is available to businesses open during the COVID-19 emergency to help cover a variety of unexpected expenses including those that impacted payroll, marketing and promotion, intensive cleaning or to make changes to the business model such as adding curbside pickup or delivery.

There will be an application process, “but we want to distribute the funds equitably so all of the qualifying businesses get something,” she said. “This really is for small businesses,” and this time non-profits can benefit “if they have a physical presence in the district.”

Both Somerset Choice Station and Teackle Mansion, an historic cultural attraction, “bring a lot of people to town,” she said.

Main Street Princess Anne is now accredited by the Main Street America program and Ms. Samis said the grant is $40,000 more than expected.

At the end of last year, 13 businesses received $1,000 through the Main Street Princess Anne COVID-19 Relief and Recovery grant program provided by the Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI).

“The pandemic has hit our small businesses particularly hard,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt, and this latest award marks the third phase of the Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

Governor Hogan previously announced more than $8 million in awards for tourism-related institutions and $30 million in awards for entertainment venues, promoters and independently-owned movie theaters through this initiative.

“This funding will go a long way in providing much-needed relief to our Main Streets as they navigate recovery from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sen. Mary Beth Carozza.

“I have been a strong supporter of Maryland’s Main Street program and had the opportunity to work with the leadership of the Lower Shore Main Streets and will continue to advance their priorities.”

Ms. Samis said she is waiting to hear about other grant applications she has submitted but are pending, including one for façade improvements.