STAMFORD, Conn. — On Thursday, November 21, more than half a dozen women entrepreneurs joined the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), along with local and state leaders and a Wells Fargo representative, for a roundtable discussion. Each of the small business owners is a past recipient of WBDC’s Launch Pad Grant, and they shared their small business journeys and discussed the transformative impact the grant has had on their businesses.

The Launch Pad Grant Program offers newly established businesses the opportunity to receive a $2,500 grant to put toward start-up costs. Since its inception,133 Launch Pad grants have been awarded to early-stage women-owned businesses, totaling $332,500. Wells Fargo has been a valued partner and program advocate, having provided $210,000 in support over the last two years, including the commitment of an additional $85,000 this year.

“As someone who believes in the transformative power of women-led businesses, I’m honored to support the Launch Pad Grant Program,” said Terence Floyd, Wells Fargo Vice President | Senior Social Impact Specialist Philanthropy & Community Impact. “This initiative isn’t just about funding—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and empowering women entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality. By investing in their potential, we’re building stronger communities and paving the way for a more inclusive future.”

In order to qualify for a Launch Pad Grant, prospective entrepreneurs must first take one of WBDC’s business courses (Guide to Plan for Success, Business Concept Clinic, Business Planning for Food-preneurs, or Marketing FUNdamentals) before applying.

“The Launch Pad Grant program is about so much more than providing start-up funding — it’s about equipping aspiring women entrepreneurs with the support and resources they need for long-term success,” said WBDC Founder and CEO Fran Pastore. “We are immensely grateful for our friends at Wells Fargo for their vision and recognition of the fact that a small infusion of capital like a Launch Pad grant can be transformative for a start-up small business.”

Among the participating small business owners was Maya Noren, owner of Butter + Sugar in Stamford. She shared how the Launch Pad Grant program not only provided her business with important funding but also gave her confidence and support as she launched her business.

“The money was super helpful, and I appreciated it, but really, what I get from WBDC is confidence,” said Noren. “Like, oh, they believe in me. Oh, I have a business plan. Now I know the path I need to take.”

Beth Ionivelli, owner of Milk Street Lactation Support Center in Norwalk, said support from and access to WBDC’s business advisors have been incredible assets to her and her business.

“As everyone in business knows, you eat and sleep and breathe it and wake up at 2 o’clock in the morning thinking about it,” said Iovinelli. “But knowing that WBDC is here to answer those questions. It’s just such an incredible gift to have access to this organization.”

Photos from the event can be found here. 

Learn more about the Launch Pad Grant Program Here: https://ctwbdc.org/launch-pad-grant-program/

Learn more about WBDC’s resources and grant programs here: https://ctwbdc.org/annual-reports/

About the Women’s Business Development Council

The Women’s Business Development Council’s (WBDC) mission is to support economic prosperity for women and strengthen communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services that create and grow sustainable jobs and businesses across Connecticut. WBDC educates, motivates, and empowers women to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. Since 1997, WBDC has educated and trained nearly 20,000 clients in all of Connecticut’s 169 towns—helping women to launch, sustain, and scale over 14,700 businesses, create and maintain more than 33,800 jobs in Connecticut, and access $63.7 million in capital. Since 2020, WBDC has provided more than $11 million in grants to help fuel growth in small businesses throughout Connecticut. Visit ctwbdc.org for more information.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1: Back: Beth Iovinelli, Rep. Lucy Dathan, Sara Noonan, Terence Floyd, Maya Noren, Martha Parizot; Front: Maya Donald, Zina Tertullien-King

Photo 2: State Rep. Corey Paris

Photo 3: State Rep. Rachel Khanna

Photo 4: Terence Floyd; Vice President, Senior Social Impact Specialist Philanthropy & Community Impact – CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, and ME