Connecticut Governor Announces $250,000 Program to Assist High-Tech Manufacturers

High-tech manufacturers in Connecticut seeking to innovate and diversify their processes are eligible for grants of up to $25,000 each under a new pilot program announced last week by Gov. Jodi Rell. The goal of the Connecticut Small Business Innovation and Diversification Program is to help the state's small businesses develop, produce and commercialize new products while streamlining delivery of products and services, according to the governor's press office. Matthew Nemerson, president and chief executive officer of the Connecticut Technology Council, said in a New Haven Register article that the money will be helpful in the innovation process for companies that have not yet received seed money, but are trying to develop a model or prototype or advance research. The program, administered through the Small Business Innovation Research Office at Connecticut Innovations, is open to Connecticut-based companies with fewer than 500 employees and requires matching funds. A press release is available from the governor's office at:  http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=452840.