For immediate release
June 27, 2023
Media contact: David Tranchida
Quinn and Hary Public Relations/Marketing
Office — 860-444-0448
Cell — 401-741-9192
GROTON – Four area businesses are launching expansion projects after securing grants from the Southeastern CT Enterprise Region (seCTer) through its seCTerRise program.
seCTer, the region’s federally designated economic development agency, provided a total of $77,290 to owners of the four small businesses.
Tox Brewing Company will use its grant to help offset some of the cost of its move from Broad Street in New London to a larger space on Bank Street. Funds also will be used to purchase equipment and machinery for the community space that will be part of the expanded operation.
860Kombucha, a family-owned kombucha brewery and store in Mystic, will purchase additional brite tanks for brewing. The additional production capacity will allow owners David, Ashley and Michael to expand their distribution capabilities locally and around the state.
Healthy PlanEat, an online farmers market that represents more than 30 Connecticut farms and allows delivery and pick-up of locally sourced products, will use the grant to expand and improve its e-commerce platform. Plans call for improved functionality for customers and a more efficient interface for farmers to manage inventory and orders. Owner Rosemary Ostfeld also plans to develop an app for Healthy PlanEat.
Myrcene Ale Company co-owners Mike Goergen and Cy Higgins will use the grant to purchase a canning machine and brite tanks, which will allow for increased production and wider distribution from their Old Saybrook brewery and taproom.
seCTerRise is a competitive grant program funded through the state Department of Economic and Community Development, and designed to help small businesses grow. Grants are awarded based on projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability.
Businesses may apply for a grant of up to $20,000, and 50% of seCTerRise awards will be made to businesses that are minority, veteran, or women-owned. Businesses located in a distressed municipality are also priority recipients for consideration.
