Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. (MGCC) has expanded its statewide Tools To Grow program, which provides matching grants for management consulting services and financing opportunities for small businesses that are poised for growth.

The program is designed to demonstrate that businesses can grow faster and more effectively create jobs when access to experienced, focused management assistance and customized financing are linked and coordinated.

The program will offer services to eligible "small companies" located in designated Gateway cities, with annual sales above $100,000. Additionally, it offers opportunities to eligible "growth companies," which can be located anywhere within Massachusetts, with annual sales above $1 million.

Initially announced in Springfield in October, MGCC has expanded the opportunity to "small companies" located within the economic development zones designated as Gateway cities.  "Small businesses" can apply for matching grants for consulting services up to $7,500 and customized loan requests up to $250,000.  "Growth companies" can apply for matching grants up to $25,000 and can request customized loans up to $1 million.

"Accelerated small business growth will benefit the commonwealth’s economy by increasing job creation and through strengthening the local economy," said Charles Grigsby, president of MGCC. "Successful small businesses can generate an anchoring effect in a district or business zone, with the additional benefit of increased local purchases of goods and services."

MGCC was created in 2010 to help provide small businesses greater access to capital.