Hartford Film Company Founder TJ Noel-Sullivan Named Connecticut’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year
4/6/2026 - HARTFORD, CT | The U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized Hartford Film Company founder TJ Noel-Sullivan as its 2026 Connecticut Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The award will be presented on May 6th, as part of National Small Business Week SBA Awards & Expo at the Bristol Events Center.
Hartford Film Company was started in 2022 by Noel-Sullivan, a Hartford native. The award recognizes the company’s rapid growth, having doubled its annual revenue for two consecutive years, while growing to a full-time staff of six. In a region with previously limited film infrastructure, the company has made long-term investments in the workforce, equipment, and community events necessary for sustainable growth.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by the SBA," said Noel-Sullivan. “I always believed in the potential that existed here, and in the last 4 years, I’ve learned that building an amazing team is key to reaching that potential. From the beginning, we’ve focused on identifying and retaining the most promising local talent in the area, and putting them in a position to grow. That’s paid dividends, and surrounded me with a team who are a joy to work with.”
The company is currently wrapping production on a feature-length documentary about America’s teacher shortage with Executive Producer Soledad O’Brien, and has more ambitious projects in the pipeline for 2027. Simultaneously, Noel-Sullivan credits Hartford Film’s fast-growing commercial business for the company’s expansion. “We’re so appreciative of the dozens of businesses, agencies, and non-profits who have been excited to bring their business to a local vendor like us, and allowed us to tell their stories in national campaigns. Film and video are powerful media, and we enjoy getting to use them to uplift local clients daily.”
Located in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, Hartford Film Company is an award-winning production company, specializing in narrative, documentary, and commercial films. Its debut film, Midas, broke local box office records, was rated 100% fresh by Rotten Tomatoes Critics, and has showcased Hartford to millions of viewers worldwide. In partnership with Real Art Ways, the company also runs the Eye On Video Summer Apprenticeship for local high school students, a program which Noel-Sullivan participated in as a Hartford Public Schools student himself.