City Stone Fabricator Scores $100K Small Biz Grant

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today announced that five Connecticut small businesses, including a Middletown stone-making company, have qualified for assistance through the state’s . 

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.

“Established companies like these are mainstays of communities across Connecticut, and the Small Business Express program supports their efforts to strengthen and build their businesses,” Malloy said.

, (dba Galleria Stone) a Middletown importer, distributor, and fabricator of ceramic porcelain and stone, is investing $305,000 and receiving a matching grant of $100,000. The funds will be invested in the purchase and installation of daylight-harvesting, energy-efficient lights in the company’s warehouse. Ferazzoli will retain 43 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 , offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees at the time of application.

“This investment by the state is further evidence that Connecticut is focused on supporting small businesses and growing jobs,” State Sen. Paul Doyle (D-Middletown) said. “I commend Ferazzoli Imports for taking advantage of the Small Business Express program and for setting an example as a strong local business. These kinds of success stories point to an economic recovery under way in Connecticut.”

"The fact that 43 jobs will be retained right here in Middletown is good news for the local economy," said State Sen. Len Suzio, who represents Middletown. "We need to be doing all we can to help businesses to keep and grow jobs.  This program allows businesses to make strategic investments and moves our state in the right direction."

“It is great to see another Middletown company growing in our community and taking advantage of the new business assistance programs we put in place,” State Rep. Joseph Serra (D-Middletown) said. “These incentives help retain jobs, encourage long-term economic growth and are good investments for taxpayers.”