Orange, Stratford firms get small business loans, grants

An Orange health-food manufacturer and a Stratford printer are among five small businesses receiving more than a million dollars in funding from the state’s Small Business Express Program, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Friday.

“From entrepreneurs creating cutting edge products in emerging industries to business leaders looking to expand long-standing companies, EXP is a program that demonstrates the state’s commitment to Connecticut’s small companies and their role in creating and protecting the jobs that will strengthen our economy,” the governor said in a statement.

 Nature’s First, Inc. of Orange will keep four jobs and create two new ones under the terms of the program. Its clients include While Foods, Stop & Shop and other regional retailers. The firm plans to leverage an investment of $370,000 with a $100,000 state loan and a $100,000 matching grant.

Jupiter Communications, LLC of Stratford, a 50-year-old printing company focused on financial publishing, is investing $180,000 and is getting a $100,000 grant to help purchase new equipment that will bring back work that is currently out-sourced. The firm plans to retain 10 jobs and create two more.