CT BUSINESSES

Two Connecticut Companies Recognized Among World's Most Innovative

19 March 2025

Connecticut is making waves on the global innovation stage. Two local companies—Budderfly of Shelton and Athletic Brewing Co. of Milford—have been named to Fast Company's 2025 list of the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies.

Budderfly: Revolutionizing Energy Management

Ranked at No. 25, Budderfly stands out for its unique approach to energy efficiency. The company takes over customers' utility bills, implements AI-driven monitoring systems, and finances facility upgrades. Their services include the installation of solar carports, EV chargers, and advanced HVAC systems. With a client portfolio featuring McDonald's, Applebee's, and Orangetheory Fitness, Budderfly has surpassed $200 million in annual recurring revenue.


Athletic Brewing Co.: Leading the Nonalcoholic Beer Market

Coming in at No. 32, Athletic Brewing Co. is redefining the beverage industry with its nonalcoholic craft beers. Operating facilities in Milford and San Diego, the company has achieved over $130 million in sales and is expanding its production capacity to meet growing demand. Athletic Brewing is now America's largest nonalcoholic beer producer, holding approximately 20% of the market share.


Broader Recognition

Both companies also earned spots on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private firms in the U.S., highlighting their rapid growth and innovative business models.


📌 Originally reported by NBC Connecticut. Read the full article here.

Group of people talking near a chain-link fence, outdoors in a park, backlit by sunlight.

RiteWay Crack Repair Enters 2026 Stronger Than Ever with New Website and Expanded Operations

5 March 2026
If you operate a tennis court, pickleball complex, school facility, municipality, or sports complex, you already know one thing: cracks do not fix themselves. And once structural cracking begins, surface coatings alone will not stop it. That is where RiteWay Crack Repair separates itself from the rest of the industry.

Popular Wine Bar, Tapas Restaurant Closes In Norwalk After Nearly A Decade

22 February 2026
NORWALK, CT — A well-known local wine bar and tapas restaurant has permanently closed its doors in Norwalk after nearly ten years of operation at The Waypointe development. Barcelona Wine Bar, located at 515 West Avenue, served Norwalk residents and visitors from its Waypointe location until this past weekend, according to a company spokesperson.

Connecticut Residents Report Nearly Double the Scams in 2025, BBB Says

11 February 2026
CONNECTICUT — Residents in Connecticut filed nearly twice as many scam reports with the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker in 2025 compared to the previous year, with reported losses totaling about $2.6 million.

Connecticut’s Bob’s Discount Furniture Becomes Public Company After NYSE IPO

6 February 2026
MANCHESTER, CT — Connecticut-based furniture retailer Bob’s Discount Furniture has officially become a publicly traded company following its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange earlier this month, marking a major milestone for the brand and its continued expansion.

Will Connecticut Pass AI Legislation This Year?

1 February 2026
HARTFORD, CT — As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into business and daily life, Connecticut lawmakers are once again debating whether to enact state-level legislation to govern its use and impacts.

The Milford Gas Station Where Locals Line Up for the Deli Sandwiches

7 January 2026
If you stop into Mobil Food Mart around lunch time, do not be surprised if you see a line. And no, it's not just for gas. It is for the deli sandwiches that have quietly turned this Milford gas station into a local lunch favorite. From regulars who stop in weekly to first timers who quickly become fans, the deli has built a reputation that keeps people coming back.

The Hiring Process Is Broken. Connecticut Businesses Need a More Human Approach to Recruiting

9 December 2025
Somehow, in 2025, the hiring process still feels like it was built for 1998.
Show More