Connecticut Small Business Development Center is thrilled to announce that two of its clients are among this year’s SBA Small Business Week Award Winners. “Each year it is an honor to celebrate Connecticut’s outstanding small business owners, whose achievements over the past year standout. This years’ award winners embody the hard work it takes to succeed in pursuing the American Dream,” said Catherine Marx, SBA’s Connecticut District Director.
“We are excited for all of the inspiring small businesses and their hard-working owners who were selected for this year’s Small Business Week Awards, but at CTSBDC we are especially happy to see so many of our clients consistently place among the winners,” said CTSBDC’s State Director, Dorian Zwierewicz. “These entrepreneurs are part of a creative renaissance in Connecticut, and we cannot wait to see where they take their brands next—and to help them get there.”
Timothy Joseph (TJ) Noel-Sullivan, of Hartford Film Co. was nominated by his CTSBDC advisor, Michelle Augustyn, and won Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Troy Anthony Forster of Troy Anthony Fashion was nominated by Denise Whitford, CTSBDC Business Advisor, and won Microenterprise Business of the Year. They join a long list of CTSBDC clients past and present who have been honored by the SBA and gone on to do great things.
“When TJ started the Hartford Film Co, he had a vision: to tell compelling stories featuring Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits and showcase our capital city. He wanted to be an integral part of revitalizing Hartford,” says Augustyn. “TJ has accomplished so much in his twenties. His passion and creativity are an inspiration to many. I’m so proud that he has been recognized for the SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year.” Hartford Film Company was also the subject of a recent CTSBDC Success Story.
“Troy has always been tirelessly dedicated to building his business from the ground up,” says Whitford. “His tenacity proves that microenterprises can make a monumental impact on their community. I am so incredibly proud of Troy for winning the SBA Microenterprise award—proof that passion fuels economic success!”
The SBA National Small Business Week event is being planned in collaboration with CBIA. “The entrepreneurs, innovators, and job creators on this list represent more than just small business owners,” said CBIA President and CEO Chris DiPentima. “They set a standard of excellence and reflect the very best of Connecticut’s small business community. As the land of small business, these award winners are leading the way—driving opportunity and growth across our state.”
The Connecticut Small Business Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 6 at the Bristol Events Center, Bristol, CT. Get your Tickets Now. The SBA National Small Business Week event is co-sponsored by CBIA. To attend, register at National Small Business Week 2026 – CBIA.