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2017 | Doing Business in Connecticut 63 Small Business C onnecticut may be a relatively small state, but it is also a place where big ideas can become a reality. That's according to entrepreneurs and government officials whose job it is to help those who dream of starting their own businesses. One of the state's many tools is its Small Business Express program, which was created in 2011 as part of Gov. Dannel Malloy's jobs bill. The program was designed as a way to help small busi- nesses that were victims of the credit gap that dragged on after the 2008 recession, when banks were not lending. Faster to market A recipient of a $225,000 Small Business Express loan was Marion Manufacturing. The Cheshire company makes metal parts used in the cable television, aerospace and automotive industries. The loan is being used to purchase a new metal-stamping press, which will increase the productivity of the company's workforce and its ability to bring products to market faster, said Douglas Johnson, president of the manufacturing firm. The new machine has also resulted in the company starting the process of hiring and training two more people to add to its 23-person workforce. Johnson said that even though banks are making more money available for business lending, it is still difficult for small companies to get loans large enough to purchase things like a stamping press. The Small Business Express program supports small-busi- ness growth through a combination of loans and grants. The program has a streamlined process that allows companies to par- ticipate through revolving loan funds, job-creation incentives and matching grants. While the Small Business Express program focuses on helping a variety of small businesses, the CTNext program targets start-up technology companies. Entrepreneur friendly Glendowlyn Thames is director of the Small Business Innovation Group, which includes the management of the CTNext program. Thames said CTNext is designed "to really stimulate the entrepreneurial community in the state." "We provide direct access to capital as well as access to talent and skills expertise," she said. The focus of the program is serving Continued on page 64 > Douglas Johnson, president of Marion Manufacturing. The Cheshire-based company is one of many to benefit from the state's Small Business Express loan program. PHOTO/JARED RAMSDELL A bevy of programs are available to help small businesses thrive in CT By Luther Turmelle Small But Mighty