- Connecticut District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration highlights outstanding small businesses in the state
- Matthew Beaudoin of Mystic Knotwork wins Small Business Person of the Year
- Nine other businesses also recognized
The Connecticut District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the winners of 10 awards related to National Small Business Week. This week has been recognized by a presidential proclamation every year since 1963 as a way to celebrate the contributions of small businesses to the American economy.
Matthew Beaudoin, who has owned Mystic Knotwork since 1978, was named Small Business Person of the Year. Beaudoin’s grandfather established Mystic Knotwork in 1957, and the company offers handmade nautical style rope products ranging from wearables to home decor.
Other award recipients included:
- Exporter of the Year: Richard Leite, Simtech Inc. (East Granby)
- Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Kelly Fisher, Kelly Construction Services (Enfield)
- Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year: Dr. Rachel Stansel, Environics Inc. (Tolland)
- Manufacturer of the Year: Maria Pinto, Industrial Strength (Wallingford)
- Women’s Business Center of the Year: Women’s Business Development Council, Southeastern Connecticut (Laura Stetler, Program Manager)
- Home-Based Business of the Year: Sharon K. Lewis, AdviCoach (Ivoryton)
- Financial Champion of the Year: Gary Besser, M & T Bank
State offices accept nominations for the Small Business Week Awards, and a national winner is chosen from among the state-level awardees. The SBA will hold a virtual National Small Business Week conference this year, Sept. 22-24, with national awards presented on the first day.
