THOMASTON

The Midcoast Economic Development District recently provided financing for expansion of the active title list at Tilbury House Publishers.

The Thomaston publisher was able to increase its title list by 20 percent, retain six existing jobs, and erect a foundation for future growth with the $50,000 loan.

Co-publisher Tristram Coburn said, “the financing from the Midcoast Economic Development District came at a critical time for our company and gave us the extra working capital to grow our business substantially.”

Tilbury House publishes more than 160 titles which includes children’s books that nurture and cultivate children’s imaginations and books for adults that include subjects such as New England regional culture and history, general how to titles, non-fiction and essays.

Tilbury House recently formed a strategic partnership with W.W. Norton & Co. The firm publishes more than 450 titles annually, which gives Tilbury a national presence and market.

Co-publisher Jonathan Eaton said, “we are delighted with the important new opportunities presented by our recent association with W.W. Norton and feel strongly optimistic about the future.”

The Midcoast Economic Development District (MCEDD) made the financing available from its Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund. The loan fund assists small business start-ups and expansion when companies are not able to find traditional bank financing. The loan fund has provided in excess of $1.5 million to small business, which has leveraged in excess of $7.6 million in private investment and created or retained 338 jobs in the Midcoast.