East Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is proud to announce that several of its clients have been honored as recipients of the 2025 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut Small Business Week Awards, including one recognized at both the state and New England regional levels.
These awards celebrate small business owners across Connecticut who exemplify innovation, resilience, and dedication to their communities and local economies.
Among this year’s awardees are the following CTSBDC clients:
🏆 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
Gregory Confessore, Cricket Press, Inc. (West Hartford)
A longtime client of CTSBDC business advisor Denise Whitford, Gregory Confessore is being recognized for his leadership of Cricket Press, a family-run print and mail service business known for its quality, customer service, and strong community ties.
🏆 Manufacturer of the Year – Connecticut and New England Region
Rafey Zaheer, Medzah Industries (Glastonbury)
Also supported by Denise Whitford, Rafey Zaheer has led Medzah Industries to regional recognition for its innovative medical products and strong growth in the manufacturing sector.
🏆 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Elizabeth Calvanese, Goggin Safety Services LLC (Plantsville)
A client of CTSBDC business advisor Mary Kay Della Camera, Elizabeth Calvanese is celebrated for her entrepreneurial success in creating a company that delivers expert safety training and consulting services, helping businesses stay compliant and safe.
🏆 Microenterprise Business of the Year
Matthew Quinn & Steven Potoff, Greenmont Healthcare Products (Manchester)
Recognized for their innovative contributions to healthcare products and services, Quinn and Potoff lead a small but impactful enterprise that is making a difference in the health and wellness space.
We’re thrilled to see these exceptional business owners receive the recognition they deserve. Their stories are powerful reminders of the value that small businesses bring to Connecticut’s economy and communities.
The Small Business Resource Expo and award ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 8th at Woodwinds, Branford, CT.
To attend, register at https://www.cbia.com/events/sba–awards-resource-expo-2025.
To learn more about CTSBDC’s advising and resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners, visit ctsbdc.uconn.edu