Cheshire Business Gets State Grant

Darter Specialities Inc., a family owned business in Cheshire, will benefit from the state's Small Business Express Program which will allow the company to expand into online retailing. 

Gov. Dannel Malloy announced on Monday the approval of a $42,500 matching grant for Darter:

• "To develop, construct and launch an online, fully interactive e-commerce Web site and to purchase a new embroidery machine. The site and machine will support the company’s expansion into Internet marketing and online retailing." 

 “The Small Business Express program is giving businesses on Main Street, Connecticut exactly what they need – the chance to grow,” Malloy said in a statement.  “By providing small infusions of capital, we can create or retain jobs for our residents and support the local economy," he said.

Guy and Alice Darter have owned the specialty printing company, now located at 514 Cornwall Ave. for about 20 years. "Anything you can put your name on, you can get here," Alice Darter said in earlier interview. They employee a staff of nine.

"Small businesses like Darter are the engines which drive our economy," State Senator Len Suzio (R-Meriden) said in a statement. "Growth programs like this one represent a shot in the arm for small businesses.  They enable companies like Darter to invest and expand right here in Cheshire."  

Guy Darter, a Republican, entered the political field as a newcomer in February with the announcement that he would run against veteran Democratic state Rep. Mary Fritz in the 90th District.

Other companies which received grants under the state's Small Business Express Program are:

• Domack Restoration LLC, of Stratford which will invest $247,966 and receive $100,000.
• FX Design Inc. of Glastonbury combining $10,000 of company funds and a matching grant of $10,000.
• Gilberties Restaurant LLC of Colchester will invest $50,618 and receive a matching grant of $49,293 and a loan of $100,398.
• Holly’s Oatmeal Inc. of Torrington is investing $100,000 and receive a $100,000 loan.

In total, the state program 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.