HARTFORD, Conn. — Small businesses in Hartford aren't just surviving, they're thriving thanks to a microgrant program now entering its second year.

And for local entrepreneurs like Sasha Fay, co-founder of Ovelle Coffee, the opportunity is brewing real change.

“I applied for the microgrant. It was such a great opportunity because we're looking to scale our business, and in order to do that, we need funding,” said Fay, who runs her small-roasting company out of the Swift Factory in Hartford. “And that's always a major thing for any small business is funding.”

With help from a $2,500 grant from the city last year, Fay and her husband Ian were able to purchase more coffee beans and grow their roasting operation.

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