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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.

“City of Rensselaer is 1 of 10 Communities in New York State to Receive US EPA Grant”   RENSSELAER, N.Y. (March 19, 2025) – The City of Rensselaer recently learned it is one of ten communities in New York State to receive a Brownfield Assessment and Clean Up Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency. "The brownfield grants are essential…
-Commencement Broll: https://tinyurl.com/3rry38n2 -Additional Commencement Photos: https://tinyurl.com/352drb55   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Edward Parham VP of Public Relations  Rueckert Advertising & Public Relations, Inc.  (518) 446-1091   MARIA COLLEGE MONARCHS SPREAD THEIR WINGS AT 63RD ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT AT SPAC   Albany, N.Y. (May…
We are offering a comprehensive five session health literacy program for adults every Tuesday for the month of June. The classes are aimed at intermediate level speakers who are able to understand, read and write basic English. Topics: Health care - Learn about health insurance and coverage, make a medical appointment, request an interpreter…
Jun
05
The Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the Alzheimer's Association to host an educational program for Understanding…
Thursday, June 5th, 8:30-9:30am
Jun
11
The 1 Million Cups Monthly Meetings are happening throughout 2025 in the Chamber's 1st Floor Conference Room! Held every second Wednesday of the month,…
9:00am-10:00am
Jun
12
Join us for a special combined anniversary celebration as the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce marks 125 years and the Colonie Chamber of…
Boarding: 5PM | Ride: 5:30PM-8:30PM