Finance Your Business

The key to getting a business off the ground or taking it to the next level could very well be the right funding.

How would you grow your business if you had more money? Would you buy more equipment? Hire more help?

As the leader of entrepreneurial training and financial education for women throughout Connecticut

The Women’s Business Development Council has seen first hand the challenges that face many small business owners — especially when it comes to accessing new business capital. As a result, we have made it a top priority to provide technical assistance and micro-grants to business owners actively pursuing capital.

Our business and financial experts provide hands on counseling assistance on a variety of topics, including business plan review, financial forecasting, pitch presentation, loan application preparation, lending referrals and much more!  We also provide qualified candidates cash grants to supplement the equity they invest in their businesses.

The Women’s Business Development Council offers a number of opportunities to help you finance your business including:

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  Finding Funding for Your Business: Panel Discussion

  Hosted quarterly, you can hear from our experts and leading business lenders about the many financial resources that are available to help you expand your business, as well as the most effective way to proceed with your funding needs. Discover how to overcome obstacles in garnering capital needed to take advantage of marketplace opportunities to grow your business. View our upcoming schedule at http://ctwbdc.org/class-listings.

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  Access to Capital Counseling

  Expert WBDC advisors meet one-on-one to guide you in specific growth areas that suit your business needs best, and in determining which funding options are right for you. We also partner with CT Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisors to offer comprehensive, tailored support to clients applying for funding. This counseling is limited to revenue-generating businesses operating for at least one year. For more information, contact us at 203-353-1750 or info@ctwbdc.org.

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  Equity Match Grants

  The Women’s Business Development Council’s Opportunity Fund offers the Equity Match Grants, providing cash grants of up to $10,000 to women entrepreneurs. Grants are awarded to small businesses in CT that have been open at least 2 years with clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business. Priority will be given to those from economically distressed municipalities. Applicants are required to provide a minimum of a 25% match. For more information about the next round of funding and how to apply, visit https://ctwbdc.org/equity-match-grant-program-2-2/

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  Grants & Incentives for Child Care Providers

  We invest in qualified Connecticut licensed child care providers through cash grants, technology grants, vouchers and incentives tied to emergency relief and business development progress. This program is limited to qualified WBDC child care clients - those that are working with WBDC for at least 3 months, and can demonstrate their willingness to work towards business goals. Clients that would like to learn more should contact Sonique Solis at ssolis@ctwbdc.org or 203-751-9550 x129.