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Governor Charlie Crist wants lawmakers to set aside 10 million dollars to start a small business loan program.

Crist touted the program in front of economic development officials at the Governor Mansion Tuesday. The program would offer some small business owners 250,000 dollar state loans to grow their companies. The businesses would then be obligated to create jobs with the money. Crist said if the pilot program is passed and proves successful, it could be expanded.

“I wish we had more, but 10 million is an awful lot to most folks and I’m very encouraged by the response from the House already and the Senate. I think we have a good shot to get this thing done during this difficult special session where reductions are hard and it’s a challenging time,” said Crist.

The loans would come with a two percent interest rate and have to be paid back within five years.