Small Business Play Key Role in Economic Rebound

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Connecticut District Office has announced the Connecticut Small Business Week 2023 Awardees, in preparation for National Small Business Week next month.

“We are extremely excited to honor and shine a spotlight on such an accomplished group of small business owners, whose achievements over the past year stand out. This year, we placed a greater emphasis on the tenacity of America’s diverse entrepreneurs who play an integral role in powering our nation’s economy while navigating challenges from various variant COVID waves, supply chain disruptions, and inflation,’ said Catherine Marx SBA’s Connecticut District Director.

The 2023 SBA Connecticut Small Business Week Awardees:
Small Business Person of the Year

·         Dennis Nash, Control Station (Manchester)

Exporter of the Year

·         Andrew Zeppa, Element 119 (Thomaston)

Minority Owned Small Business of the Year

·         Jay McLaurin & Henry Smith III, FAD Mechanical (North Haven)

Manufacturer of the Year

·         Pedro Soto, Hygrade (Plainville)

Microenterprise of the Year

·         Carol DiCarlo, Cheshire Equestrian (Cheshire)             

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

·         Brianna Regine Walston, Brianna Regine Visionary Consulting (Bridgeport)

Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

·         Jeffrey Nodden, Manchester Awning (Manchester)

Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year 

·         Alisha Lynn Simpson-Watt, Collaborative ABA (Middletown)

“The SBA Connecticut and New England 2023 Small Business Week Award winners are great examples of businesses that are achieving the American Dream through Entrepreneurship,’ said Mike Vlacich, SBA New England Regional Administrator.  ‘These entrepreneurs and champions have a positive impact on our economy and our communities. These are our job creators; their creativity and resilience make a difference in our daily lives.  I congratulate them on their achievements and the role they are playing in making our country stronger.”

This year the public SBA National Small Business Week event is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), in a joint agreement with the SBA. 

"CBIA is thrilled at the opportunity to partner with the U.S. Small Administration to showcase outstanding Connecticut small business leaders and their contributions to communities across the state," said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. "Small businesses are the heartbeat of Connecticut's economy—representing over 99% of all businesses in the state and more than 740,000 Connecticut workers." 

The Small Business Resource Expo and award ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 4 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. To attend, go to https://www.cbia.com/events/sba-awards. 

“Entrepreneurs are not only making a living for themselves; they are making their neighborhoods vibrant places to live and work, demonstrating their resiliency and flexibility that is contributing to our nation’s economic strength,” Marx added.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW) for more than 50 years, recognizing the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs.