STATE OF CONNECTICUT M. Jodi Rell Governor Rell Announces Marketing Funds Available for Program Helps Promote Governor Rell announced today that small businesses in Connecticut that specialize in Connecticut-grown food products may be eligible for up to $300,000 each in federal funds to help market their products internationally. The money is available through the Branding Program, which is offered by the Food Export Association of the Northeast. Small businesses using at least 50 percent agricultural products may qualify. “This is a wonderful opportunity to raise the profile of the This year, eight The program reimburses participants up to half the cost of international marketing and promotion. Eligible expenses include in-store promotions, country-specific promotional materials, participation at foreign trade shows, packaging and labeling modifications to meet foreign import requirements. Funds are available on an annual basis. To qualify, companies must meet the U.S. Small Business Administration’s definition of a small company and be incorporated in the Food Export Association of the Additional information about the program and a pre-qualification application are available online at www.brandedprogram.org. Information is also available by calling the state Department of Agriculture at |