SBA Awards WBDC Grant for Hartford Center

The Women’s Business Development Council’s in-person services will soon be coming to Hartford. 

The SBA announced WBDC as the new host of the Women’s Business Center greater Hartford region April 2. 

While WBDC has actively supported hundreds of businesses in the area, this will be the first physical location for women entrepreneurs in Hartford. 

“We know from working with women-owned businesses throughout the state for the past 27 years that entrepreneurs in our largest cities face unique challenges,” WBDC CEO Fran Pastore said at an April 2 press conference. 

“Opening an office here will allow us to connect more easily with the women-owned businesses in and around the city.”

Funding Support 

The WBDC was one of 17 organizations the SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership chose to open a women’s business center.

The SBA awarded the WBDC a $150,000 grant for three years. Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development agreed to match the grant to help make the vision for the center possible.

“Women entrepreneurs and small business owners in the greater Hartford region deserve excellence, and that is what they will receive from WBDC’s programs and services,” SBA district director Catherine Marx.

DECD Commissioner Dan O’Keefe said it was an easy decision to support the WBDC, as the center will spur growth for Hartford-area businesses. 

“The state of Connecticut is experiencing a moment right now,” O’Keefe said. 

“The amount of progression we are seeing is incredible and we need every one of us, including women-led businesses leading the charge.”

Encouraging Opportunity

Jodi Bryan, a Hartford resident and owner of Jodi’s Cup of Health, said WBDC was a tremendous support for her plant-based skincare business over the last four years.

“Fran and her entire staff have been a valuable asset to my company in so many ways, helping me with my marketing, bookkeeping, getting my books in order so I can come and knock on her door for that Ignite Grant,” Bryan said. 

Since 2020 alone, WBDC  has provided $2 million in grants to over 200 businesses in Hartford county. 

“Imagine what we can do with an office here,” Pastore said. 

The Hartford office will be similar to WBDC centers in Stamford, New Haven, New London, and Waterbury. 

WBDC offers one-on-one counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance, and mentoring to women entrepreneurs.