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Small Business Person of the Year - Trent Griffin-Braaf



Trent Griffin-Braaf is the founder and president of Tech Valley Hospitality Shuttle.  He is recognized as the 2023 SBA Upstate New York Small Business Person of the Year for creatively pivoting his business during the pandemic and in 2022, increasing revenue 100 percent and adding seven employees.  He also provides mentorship to minority entrepreneurs and free rides for people who are unhoused, veterans, and transporting people to and from rehab and correctional facilities.  Since its founding, the company has grown from a small office to a 1,500 square foot space with a parking lot.

Trent is distinguished by his ability to identify, leverage, and develop businesses.  Throughout his career, he has helped managers and owners increase company morale and bottom line by addressing team issues, offering leadership, team development, marketing and budgeting.  He has a contagious enthusiasm and passionate belief in people that inspires them to become prouder, stronger, and more valuable contributors to their organizations and our local communities.  The Schenectady High Alum was a part of the state champion “Patriots” basketball organization.

After serving a 4-12-year prison sentence he decided to change his life for the better.  While indulging himself in his career and business, and forming two successful companies, he has been striving to be the best spouse, son, brother, friend, and father.

Trent Griffin-Braaf is a member of many boards and organizations in his community.  He serves as vice president of the Community Fathers Board in Schenectady, and is on the boards of The Salvation Army, the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, the Capital Region Food Program, the Capital Region Chamber and the Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region.  He serves on the Capital District Transportation Committee and committees for an ex-offender job fair in the Capital Region and the Albany DA that looks at cases and provides alternatives for jail or prison.

Tech Valley Hospitality Shuttle received an SBA Microloan in 2020 from Pursuit to refinance existing debt and fund working capital, helping the business retain employees.

WMHT Family Fun Day Will Be on Thursday, August 22nd TROY, NY - The Tri-City ValleyCats and WMHT are pleased to announce a partnership to bring The Cat in the Hat from the PBS KIDS series “THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!” to Joseph L. Bruno Stadium for an appearance on Thursday, August 22nd.  As the game sponsor, WMHT will be on site…
July 24, 2024, Troy, NY-- Tech Valley Center of Gravity (TVCOG) will be hosting a Cocktail Party Fundraiser on August 8, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Ryan’s Wake in Troy, NY. Tickets are $35 and include plentiful hors d’oeuvres, networking, a cash bar, and raffle prizes. All proceeds from the evening will support the needs of the COG. “We are…
A local business that handles office furniture liquidations for big companies across the nation — and in the Albany region — is getting a much more visible showroom to sell used desks, chairs, cubicles and more. Turnkey Workplace Services is in the midst of renovating a 15,000-square-foot building at 375 North Greenbush Road next to the former…
Jul
26
Join us for an inspiring and informative discussion about mental health and advocacy within the workplace. Our featured guest is Dr. Jumaine Jones, former…
Check-In and Light Refreshments 2pm; Discussion 2:30pm-3:30pm
Aug
01
Get connected, develop leads and build relationships at our one-of-a-kind, fast-paced networking event. The Chamber’s networking events are a high-impact…
5pm-7pm
Aug
19
Join us for the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic for a day of clubs, carts and connections at Normanside Country Club! …
10am Brunch and check-in; 11am Shotgun start; 5pm Dinner and Prizes