RISING STARS AWARDS:

entrepreneur

of the year

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes a young entrepreneur in New Hampshire who is driving innovation, creating opportunities, and shaping the state’s future through their business or community venture. This individual exemplifies vision, resilience, and leadership, making a lasting impact on their industry and community while contributing to New Hampshire’s economic and social vitality.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible nominees must live and work in New Hampshire and must be under 40 at the time of nomination.





Nomination form closes June 2, 2025

Questions? Reach out to corinne@stayworkplay.org

past winners

As the founder and proprietor of Turn Cycle Solutions, Mike Turcotte started the company in 2009 with just $364 in his bank account and has since grown it into a thriving business with a $5 million annual revenue, employing 25 staff members and runni

As the founder and proprietor of Turn Cycle Solutions, Mike Turcotte started the company in 2009 with just $364 in his bank account and has since grown it into a thriving business with a $5 million annual revenue, employing 25 staff members and running 18 company vehicles. Committed to corporate social responsibility, Mike ensures that TCS gives back to the community through sponsorships and in-kind donations, supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Nashua Police Athletic League, and the Front Door Agency. His contributions include sponsoring Milford High School’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace project, which helps build beds for children in need.

Alison Murphy is the owner of Penumbra, and former owner of Concord Handmade. Penumbra, which opened in April 2020, is an example of a business that thrived during the pandemic, and made the most of a challenging situation with innovative offerings

Alison Murphy is the owner of Penumbra, and former owner of Concord Handmade. Penumbra, which opened in April 2020, is an example of a business that thrived during the pandemic, and made the most of a challenging situation with innovative offerings & a can-do attitude. Penumbra is an important part of the Concord community, serving as a safe space for all gender expression, and Affirming Space Project trained staff.

Amanda Schoeberg is the owner, sole proprietor and chief clinical officer of A.B.A Behavioral Consulting. A.B.A Behavioral Consulting was founded in 2017 with the main focus on closing the gaps in services that are available for those with developme

Amanda Schoeberg is the owner, sole proprietor and chief clinical officer of A.B.A Behavioral Consulting. A.B.A Behavioral Consulting was founded in 2017 with the main focus on closing the gaps in services that are available for those with developmental disabilities and conditions. Amanda has grown her business to become the largest provider of adult behavior services in the state.

Kelly McCaskill is the founder and lead photographer of Ridgelight Studio. As such it goes without saying that she loves taking pictures. Whether it’s beautiful homes, neat products, or capturing a brand’s story, she is always happy to be behind a c

Kelly McCaskill is the founder and lead photographer of Ridgelight Studio. As such it goes without saying that she loves taking pictures. Whether it’s beautiful homes, neat products, or capturing a brand’s story, she is always happy to be behind a camera. When she does not have a camera in hand or my face buried in a screen while editing, you can find Kelly tinkering with other creative tools. She also enjoys crafts, being outside, camping, and spending time with her furry family.

Shaquwan’da Allen is the Owner of Rootz Natural Hair Shop in Manchester. She started as a self-employed hairdresser, renting a chair in someone else’s salon, but she then recognized a need in the community. Upon her graduation from Southern New Hamps

Shaquwan’da Allen is the Owner of Rootz Natural Hair Shop in Manchester. She started as a self-employed hairdresser, renting a chair in someone else’s salon, but she then recognized a need in the community. Upon her graduation from Southern New Hampshire University, Shaquwan’da advocated for House Bill 82 (HB82) into law. HB82 states that if you are performing natural hair care and braiding using no chemicals, you no longer need a cosmetology license to start your own company – thus the creation of Rootz. In 2019, she and her husband transformed their living room into Rootz and after a year of business, they moved into the heart of Manchester.

Emmett Soldati is the Founder and Owner of Teatotaller in Somersworth. He consults for an international non-profit, Farmersfirst: Africa, to support climate knowledge and food security for subsistence farmers throughout Central Africa. Emmett is the

Emmett Soldati is the Founder and Owner of Teatotaller in Somersworth. He consults for an international non-profit, Farmersfirst: Africa, to support climate knowledge and food security for subsistence farmers throughout Central Africa. Emmett is the Vice-Chair of the Seacoast area nonprofit, Arts in Reach, and the Chair of the Somersworth Democrats. Teatotaller is a full-service cafe opened 11 years ago in Somersworth. Currently, Teatotaller employees 11 people and with the upcoming second location in Concord will create at least 15 more jobs for the community. Most importantly, Teatotaller has become an LGBTQ+ safe space, where employees and patrons alike can feel comfortable expressing their true selves.

Krysta Lewis is the CEO and Founder of Aisling Organics, a high-performance organic makeup brand. With a focus on both purpose and profit, Krysta was inspired to launch Aisling Organics when she realized the unregulated chemicals in our cosmetics wer

Krysta Lewis is the CEO and Founder of Aisling Organics, a high-performance organic makeup brand. With a focus on both purpose and profit, Krysta was inspired to launch Aisling Organics when she realized the unregulated chemicals in our cosmetics were causing chronic illness and there were no effective alternatives on the market. Within a few years of launch, Lewis has built one of the most successful e-commerce start-ups and grown an extensive following with recognition of one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Most Influential Entrepreneurs of 2018 and was the 2019 TechOut winner.