2026 Small Business Awards Ceremony
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, we gathered at St. Clements Castle in Portland for the 2026 Small Business Awards Ceremony. This cherished event celebrated the incredible businesses that made our community vibrant, resilient, and unique.
We honored a wide range of Middlesex Chamber members whose hard work and creativity enriched our region every day. The evening was filled with celebration, connection, and community pride as we recognized the outstanding contributions of our local business community.
Congratulations to our 2026 Small Business Award Recipients!
Business of the Year (1-30 employees)
Shoreline HR Consulting, Clinton
Business of the Year (31+ employees)
Connecticut Lighting Center, Hartford
Business Growth & Expansion
Carl Guild & Associates, Middlesex County
Manufacturer of the Year
ARBURG, Rocky Hill
Entrepreneur of the Year
Haven Hot Chicken, Connecticut
Minority Owned Business of the Year
Malex Creations, LLC, Middletown
Nonprofit Business of the Year
Middlesex Habitat for Humanity of CT, Cromwell
Outstanding New Business Under 5 Years
Terrazza Restaurant, Portland
Retail Business of the Year
TownieSwag, Killingworth
Tourism/ Hospitality Business of the Year
The Brushmill by the Waterfall, Chester
Veteran Owned Business of the Year
Valli Construction Company, Portland
Woman Owned Business of the Year
EG Salon, Middletown