Sen. Kissel: Let’s Pave the Way for Job Creation in East Granby

(The following information was contained in a press release issued by Gov. Malloy.)

On May 16, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that several Connecticut small businesses have qualified for assistance through the state’s Small Business Express Program (EXP).

The program was created as a part of the bipartisan Jobs Bill passed during last year’s jobs special session, to encourage business expansion and job growth.

“Small businesses need access to capital to reach new customers,” Governor Malloy said. “The Small Business Express Program is giving these already-successful businesses a path to obtain the funding they need to retain and grow jobs.”

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments.

The program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees at the time of application.

Among the businesses is MacNaughton Builders, LLC of East Granby.
The company is receiving a $100,000 matching grant. The company will invest a total of $200,000 in leasehold improvements, capital equipment, and employee training, enabling MacNaughton’s expansion into the home energy retrofit trade.

The company will hire 15 new positions.

“Our goal is to pave the way for job creation in East Granby,” State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) said. “We need to do all we can to help growing small businesses like MacNaughton Builders. These 15 new jobs will boost the local economy and pay big dividends for East Granby.”

“This grant is a positive development for both MacNaughton Builders, LLC and for East Granby,” State Representative Elaine O’Brien (D-East Granby, Suffield, Windsor) said. “We are still facing an economy that continues to be a challenge. It’s important that we continue to invest in our businesses and this investment in MacNaughton will lead to the hiring of 15 new employees and job creation must continue to be our goal.”