Laurel Ryan Named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for MA

BOSTON – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Laurel Ryan the 2023 Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Massachusetts.

Nautically Northern was started in 2016 after founder Laurel Ryan moved to Wellfleet where she turned her passion for jewelry making into a side business, she hopes one day to be a national recognized brand. Apart from owning Nautically Northern, Laurel works full time as an Ecommerce Manager.

“Laurel Ryan is a testament to what gritty young entrepreneurs can achieve with hard work using their own hands – something you don’t see too much these days. It’s impressive to see what Laurel has built in only a few years – we celebrate her work ethic, creativity and ingenuity with building her business.” said District Director, Robert Nelson.

Nautically Northern is run out of Laurel’s home in Clinton, MA and can be found in over 250 stores across the country including Canada and the Virgin Islands.

Most jewelry items are all stamped by hand by Laurel, making each piece unique. Web traffic has doubled in the past three years, due to increased event presence, email marketing, and social media posts.

“I always wanted to own by own business, but I never dreamed it would turn into what is has,” said Founder Laurel Ryan. “Every day I get to make jewelry that means something special to someone. Seeing people’s reaction to their items makes all the late nights and early mornings worth it. “

Laurel in her spare time gives back to her community in a number of ways. She served on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape and Island Chapter of the American Red Cross for over 5 years. Ryan also has donated 10% of profit from Nautically Northern sales to various charities including the American Red Cross. To date, Nautically Northern has donated over 10k to charitable causes.

Ryan will be honored at the annual SCORE Boston Celebrates Small Business Success Featuring the Massachusetts SBA 2023 Small Business Awards on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel, Needham, MA.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.