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Hartford Wins $1 Million Grant To Help Start-Up Companies

By KENNETH R. GOSSELIN and JENNA CARLESSO

September 21, 2012

Hartford is one of three cities nationally to win a federal grant that will help fund a new program to help entrepreneurs and foster the growth of start-up companies.

The $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration will fund the Hartford Innovation Hub initiative, developed by the city to help spur economic growth.

The program seeks to attract, assist and retain entrepreneurs and advanced manufacturing companies in the city. The project also will identify and assist a small group of fledgling companies that have the potential to grow significantly in the city.

Las Vegas and Greensboro, N.C. also were selected for the competitive grant.

The hub initiative is overseen by the city's economic and development services department.

"I am thrilled Hartford will be the recipient of this very competitive grant," Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra said. "Investing in our entrepreneurs is an investment in our legacy of innovation and economic future."

In addition to Segarra, the grant announcement was made late Friday by U.S. Sens. Joseph I. Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. John B. Larson.