Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1544671
28 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MAY 4, 2026 SMALL BUSINESS WE E K sba.gov/nsbw 2026 National Small Business Week Local Event: Save the Date! Celebrate NSBW with the CT District SBA and CBIA: Wed. May 6 from 9:45-1:30 Congratulations to all the National Small Business Week Award Winners! Category Winner MICROENTERPRISE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Troy Anthony Fashion Q&A talks with Troy Anthony, owner of Troy Anthony Fashion. T roy Anthony Fashion provides tailoring, alterations and custom garment services, combining style and function to meet everyday needs through thoughtful design and skilled craftsmanship. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has expanded with a second location and new services, growing its customer base while maintaining a focus on quality and innovation. How did you get into this business? I developed a passion for fashion at an early age, learning to sew alongside my grandmother and gaining hands-on experience with a variety of industrial machines. I later pursued formal training in fashion design and business in college. After graduating, I founded my own company in 2008 and have steadily grown it over the years. Fashion continues to motivate me — I take pride in helping clients solve wardrobe chal- lenges and empowering them to dress with confidence and purpose. How has your business grown in the past year? Over the past year, our business has experienced significant growth, highlighted by the opening of a second location in Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. — a strategic risk that has proven successful. We recognized an increased demand for fashion services as people returned to in-person work and posi- tioned ourselves to meet that need. We expanded our offerings to include business-to-business services, dry cleaning and embroidery, contributing to a 30% increase in revenue. Addition- ally, securing an SBA loan allowed us to hire five new employees, create jobs and better serve our community. This expansion marks a major milestone. What's a major challenge your busi- ness has overcome in the past year? Over the past year, one of our biggest challenges has been navigating rising costs driven by tariffs, inflation and increased prices for materials and equipment. At the same time, managing and scaling operations across two locations introduced new complexities in maintaining efficiency, consistency and quality. We have worked to balance growth with our commitment to personal- ized customer service, ensuring that the integration of new technology enhances our operations without losing the human touch our clients value. Additionally, investing in upgraded equipment has been essential to improving turnaround times and overall quality as we continue to meet increasing demand. What major strategic plans do you have in the next few years? Over the next few years, we plan to scale our locations to operate more efficiently while strengthening our Hart- ford store to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We aim to work closely with SBA resources to pursue government contracts in cut-and-sew, dry cleaning and apparel services. Our strategy includes developing a scalable model for potential fran- chising or partnerships, expanding B2B services such as uniforms and branded merchandise, and launching a ready-to- wear collection both online and in-store. We will invest in advanced equip- ment and digital systems to improve efficiency, while strengthening our brand through fashion shows, collabo- rations and strategic partnerships. Additionally, we are committed to workforce development, job creation and enhancing the customer experi- ence through personalized service. INDUSTRY: Fashion TOP EXECUTIVE: Troy Anthony, Owner HEADQUARTERS: Hartford ANNUAL REVENUE: $150,000 to $200,000 EMPLOYEES: 5 WEBSITE: www.TroyAnthony.com CONTACT: 860-956-8513