Women's Business Development Council

Who We Are

“WBDC is a successful statewide contributor to community economic development and neighborhood revitalization."

Fran Pastore, WBDC CEO

Founded in 1997 as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is one of over 120 U.S. Small Business Administration supported women’s business centers nationwide. WBDC works to strengthen and support economic prosperity for women through entrepreneurial services that create and grow businesses across Connecticut.

• Educate: WBDC’s small business training and advising educates, empowers and guides the aspiring, emerging and established entrepreneur throughout their small business venture.
• Invest: WBDC helps its clients identify sources of capital which align with their unique business needs and provides guidance through the application and compliance process
• Cultivate: WBDC believes in connecting our clients, donors, and other stakeholders, fostering business growth through collaboration and team support
• Advocate: WBDC amplifies the voices of its clients, delivering their needs and concerns to state leadership and affecting changes to positively impact businesses

Women and men enrolled in WBDC programs become more effective employers with the potential to grow their business, advance their career and increase their income.