Celebrating Achievements of Connecticut's Women Entrepreneurs

More than 600 people helped the Connecticut Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) honor eight outstanding women as part of its the  2026 Women Rising Gala and Awards Celebration at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich on October 23, 2026.

The annual event, which had the largest turnout in its history, brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners to celebrate the achievements of Connecticut’s women entrepreneurs and recognize those helping them succeed. 

“The overwhelming support we saw at this year’s celebration sends a powerful message: when we invest in women-owned businesses, we invest in stronger communities, new opportunities, and a more prosperous future for our entire state,” said Fran Pastore, founder and CEO of WBDC. 

The celebration underscored WBDC’s continued impact across Connecticut and the collective commitment of its supporters to creating opportunities for women to launch, strengthen, and grow their businesses.

Women of Color are the Most Founded Demographic But the Least Funded (Interview)

Arian Simone built the "Fearless Fund," a venture capital fund intended to support women of color. Simone details her legal battle to keep the fund alive and shares more about her book "Fearless Freedom: A Manifesto for Unlocking Wealth and Equality for All."

Simone says, "Women of color are the most founded demographic but the least funded."

Listen to the interview. 

Why Timely Economic Information Matters For Women Entrepreneurs

The U.S. economy has changed considerably over the past three years, but some of the most comprehensive statistics about women-owned businesses still describe conditions in 2023.  That disconnect presents a challenge for policymakers, financial institutions and organizations making decisions about the needs of women entrepreneurs in 2026. 

Read why timely economic information matters for women entrepreneurs.

National Women's Small Business Month: Eco-Friendly Ways to Support Them

October is National Women's Small Business Month, a time to recognize women entrepreneurs and support women-owned businesses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration says women-owned businesses continue to be a major force in the U.S. economy and encourages communities to celebrate and support them throughout October. 

Here are 13 eco-friendly ways to celebrate Women's Small Business Month, based on information from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other sustainability organizations.

How to Think About and Design Systems That Work for Women Entrepreneurs

It’s time to invest in women, who hold up half the sky.

Here's a story that sounds familiar:  A single mother walks into a bank hoping to get a loan for the small business she wants to start as a caregiver. Her business will add value to her community, but she doesn’t have enough collateral to secure the loan. The projected returns in her business plan also don’t meet the bank’s requirements. She walks out without the financing she needs.

This is a pervasive system that is not designed for women entrepreneurs.  

The funding gap is by no means a measure of women’s entrepreneurial potential. Rather, it often shines light on the structural barriers they face when launching and growing a business.

By designing systems that work for women entrepreneurs, we can enable them to thrive, and businesses, communities, and economies can realize the significant returns that come from investing in them. 

Know Your Value

Women are building businesses at remarkable rates. Women entrepreneurs now account for nearly half – 49% – of all new businesses, a 69% increase from 2019 to 2024. But new research from HSBC, in partnership with Know Your Value, shows that even as women build with confidence, they face a unique set of financial challenges. 

Know Your Value and HSBC discuss those challenges at their third "Women and Wealth" event in New York City.  Women are on the rise. Check it out.

Investing in Women Entrepreneurs Isn't Charity

Stamford has long been a place willing to embrace new ideas and bring people together to make them work. I know firsthand how powerful that can be.

Nearly 30 years ago, Fran Pastore was searching for a different path. After years of commuting to New York City, she wanted more time with her two daughters and began exploring the idea of starting her own business. 

Discover how she went from a 'kitchen cabinet" group of people to co-founding the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) in Connecticut.