September 27, 2018, Stamford, CT – The Women’s Business Development Council, a not-for-profit providing the training, education and borrowing power necessary for women to launch and grow their own businesses, welcomes Laura Stetler as Program Manager. Ms. Stetler joins the Women’s Business Development Council with over 10 years of diverse business development experience, and will be responsible for delivering the organization’s programs and services throughout Southeastern Connecticut.

“I’m thrilled to join the Women’s Business Development Council to lead programming efforts for our New London office to help women launch and grow their own businesses,” said Stetler.

Ms. Stetler is responsible for managing training opportunities for clients at all stages of business development: pre-start-up, new enterprises, as well as developed enterprises looking to expand. She’ll also be working individually with clients, providing tailored support to assist them in capitalizing on opportunities.

“Women in this part of the state are so ready for what we have to offer,” said Fran Pastore, CEO, Women’s Business Development Council.  “Laura is the perfect fit to help connect the dots between how training, education, and borrowing power can help grow women-owned businesses.”

A resident of Groton, Ms. Stetler graduated with a Bachelor of Music with Honors from New England Conservatory of Music and earned her Masters of Arts in Arts Administration from Goucher College.  As a young military spouse, it was a Career Advancement Account along with training from the Small Business Administration and Syracuse University’s Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program that equipped Ms. Stetler to launch her career.  Serving as trainer and coordinator for the US Navy further galvanized her passion to help those in transition.

About the Women’s Business Development Council

Headquartered in Stamford with a satellite office in Derby, the 501 (c)(3) non-profit has served nearly 19,000 clients, assisted in the creation of nearly 1,800 businesses and supported the sustainability and expansion of 3,800 established businesses and created more than 4,900 jobs. For more information on the Women’s Business Development Council, visit ctwbdc.org.