Webster Bank Celebrates Eight Businesses Creating Economic Vitality

Webster Bank provided $25,000 in grants during National Small Business Week, recognizing eight small businesses across its footprint.

Winners of Webster’s First National Small Business Week Contest were selected from a competitive pool of eligible small businesses across Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island with annual revenues of under $1 million and fewer than 100 employees.

“Small businesses are essential to the economic health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, Webster Bank. “These winners are recognized for their resilience, innovation, and local commitment. We’re proud to celebrate their impact and help fuel their continued growth.”

“The winners plan to use the grants in a variety of practical ways, from hiring staff and expanding operations to investing in equipment and new services,” said Therest Billouin‑Roberts, Market President, Small Business Banking, Webster Bank. “Through funding, guidance and opportunities like our Small Business Week contest, we’re reinforcing and putting into action our commitment to community growth and economic empowerment.”

2026 Webster Bank Small Business Contest Winners:

First Place Winner — $10,000

• CT Health Advocate LLC, Glastonbury Conn., is an independent elder care advocacy and healthcare navigation service supporting older adults and their caregivers.

Second Place Winners — $5,000 each

• Shari’s Tea, Long Island City, N.Y., is a specialty tea business that creates custom loose‑leaf blends and travel‑friendly tea products.
• Silk City Coffee – Willimantic (SCC EAST, LLC), Willimantic, Conn., is an independently owned specialty coffee shop and roastery offering freshly roasted coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and homemade baked goods and light meals.

Third Place Winners — $1,000 each

• Aikido New London County, LLC, Waterford, Conn., is a martial arts school offering instruction in Aikido, a Japanese discipline focused on self‑defense, balance, and personal development.
• Alasa Media, LLC, Manchester, Conn., is a media and publishing company focused on creating wholesome, family‑friendly books and entertainment.
• Charhause Gluten Free Microbakery & Café, Bolton, Conn., is a dedicated gluten‑free bakery and café specializing in small‑batch baked goods, breakfast and lunch items, and specialty coffee.
• JJ Creative Ventures, Brooklyn, N.Y., is an educational consultant that provides programs, training services and other curriculum to help kids and adults learn socio-emotional skills.
• VeegMyEats, Hartford, Conn., is a vegan bakery specializing in plant‑based desserts such as cupcakes, cookies, and cheesecakes in a wide variety of flavors.