A look at small business champions

It’s no secret that it has been a tough last year for small businesses, which have dealt with much disruption and uncertainty amid the pandemic.

But with a return to normal — or at least a new normal — getting closer as the state’s vaccination effort continues on, better days are ahead.

And so this is a great time to shine a spotlight on some successful small businesses that help serve as the lifeblood of our economy.

Each year, in honor of National Small Business Week, the Small Business Administration of Connecticut recognizes a handful of small companies throughout the state. These awards have been handed out every year since 1963, and the President of the United States issues a proclamation highlighting winners’ contributions to signify the important role of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

This year, the Hartford Business Journal is highlighting the winners from 2020. In the pages that follow you can read profiles about some of the recent SBA award winners, what they do and how they’ve grown and dealt with the pandemic.

The special section was done in partnership with the SBA and through the sponsorship of TD Bank.