Wells Fargo Supports WBDC Grant Program

Wells Fargo is providing $125,000 to the Women’s Business Development Council to support its Launch Pad Grant Program.

The program helps women entrepreneurs launch businesses with $2,500 grants for start-up costs.

“We truly believe that small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities—here in Connecticut and nationwide,” said Wells Fargo vice president Terence Floyd. 

“We are proud to support this important program, which will further strengthen the small business sector in Connecticut and help women-owned small businesses across the state.”

Since it began, the WBDC’s program has awarded $160,000 to 64 women-owned business enterprises throughout Connecticut. 

Launching Pad

“This generous support from Wells Fargo will enable us to help more of these businesses, many of whom are minority-owned, to thrive as they grow into financial independence and economic prosperity for themselves, their families, and the greater community,” said WBDC CEO Fran Pastore.

WBDC and Wells Fargo recently visited a pair of women business owners in Groton who received Launch Pad grants.

“This will enable us to help more of these businesses, many of whom are minority-owned, to thrive.”

WBDC’s Fran Pastore

Angelique Cyriaque of Angelique Aesthetics and Adrienne Kneeland of Curls by Adrienne are using the grants to invest in new machines and technologies to grow their businesses.

“No one in my surrounding area is providing this technology,” Kneeland said. 

“My business can expand its target market to include individuals seeking medical grade services in a non-clinical setting,” added Cyriaque.

Eligibility

To become eligible for a Launch Pad Grant, applicants must first complete one of WBDC’s new business courses.

Applicants must also:

• Have been in business for less than two years
• Be 51% or more woman-owned
• Be headquartered in Connecticut and owned by a Connecticut resident
• Have a business checking account or a separate account for the business
• Be a for-profit business
• Be owned by a woman at least 18 years old