National Small Business Week SBA Awards & Expo 

The Connecticut District SBA and CBIA honored the state’s small businessperson of the year and recognize other exceptional small business leaders, nominated by organizations from across the state for their achievements and contributions. 

Young entrepreneurs shared their business journeys and how they navigate challenges and unlock opportunities. 

And we talked with one outstanding small business owner about their inspiring entrepreneurial journey. 

Agenda

9:45 am | Networking & Small Business Expo 

10:30 am | Welcome Remarks 

• Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA 
• Catherine Marx, District Director, Connecticut District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration 

10:45 am | From Idea to Impact: Young Entrepreneurs Speak  

• Moderator: Jerome Baier, Business Banking Regional Manager, M&T Bank 
• Troy Anthony, Senior Fashion Designer, Troy Anthony  
• Renee Brown, Owner, Trachouse Beauty Salon  
• TJ Noel-Sullivan, Founder, The Hartford Film Company  

11:30 am | Running a Business: Lessons from a Specialty Retailer

• Chris DiPentima talks with CT Run Co.’s Megan Searfoss 

12 pm | Networking Lunch, SBA Awards & Small Business Expo 

• Exporter of the Year: Yoganandan Tharanibalan, Novel Aero 
• Manufacturer of the Year: Doug Johnson, Marion Manufacturing 
• Microenterprise of the Year: Troy Anthony, Troy Anthony LLC 
• Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Paul Mayer, The Schegg Group 
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year: TJ Noel-Sullivan, The Hartford Film Company 
• Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: Megan Searfoss, CT Run Co. 
• Small Business Person of the Year: Derek Ezovski, Outsourced Risk Management Solutions 

 1:30 pm | Adjourn 

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The SBA’s participation in this co-sponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products, or services of any co-sponsor or other person or entity. 

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and CBIA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Moraima Gutierrez.