SBA Opens Small Business Award Nominations

The U.S. Small Business Administration is accepting 2023 award nominations, including for Connecticut Small Business Person of the Year. 

Individuals or organizations who dedicate efforts to supporting the community can nominate an individual. Individuals can also self-nominate. 

Eligibility requirements include legal U.S. residents who own 51% of the small business and have operated the business for at least three years. 

The person must also have received some form of assistance from the SBA.

The deadline for nominations is Dec. 8, 2022.

Bare Life CEO Ali Lazowski, who was named microenterprise of the year in 2022, and Connecticut Small Business Development Center business advisor Denise Whitford hosted a discussion to share advice about nomination submissions Oct. 25. 

Viron Rondo of Viron Rondo Osteria in Cheshire received the award in 2022.

“It is important to recognize these outstanding entrepreneurs in Connecticut as they are the job creators, innovators, and the fabric of our local communities,” SBA Connecticut’s district director Catherine Marx said. 

SBA will celebrate 2023 National Small Business Week from April 30 through May 6.