Women's Business Development Council

Visiting WBDC grant recipients and hearing about the impact of those grants on recipients’ businesses is always so rewarding. In a recent Ignite Grant Road Show, we had the pleasure of meeting nine new Ignite Grant recipients across the state. Through the Ignite program, we have provided grants to 328 CT-based businesses since 2020. The next application period opens in August. Are you ready to apply? For more information go to: https://ctwbdc.org/ignite/ William "Billy" "Mo" Buckbee, Betsy Molodich, Leticia Jacquet, Camille Hudson, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Laura Davis, Ryan McGrath, Kristen Gorski, Christopher Conway, Kate Kobs & Janice Chrzescijanek

 Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce that WBDC has exceeded $10 million in grant funding since 2020. That’s $10 million in just 4 years! Here’s a look at some of the businesses that we’ve supported through WBDC Ignite, Launchpad, Child Care Business, and New London, Waterbury & Torrington municipal grants. We are so proud of all that these businesses have accomplished as a result of the grant funding and can’t wait to watch their continued growth! If you are featured in this video or are one of the businesses who has received a WBDC grant comment below your business name! The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood & Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Wishing our July birthdays – IT & Operations Manager Diurka Tavarez and Development Associate Nicole Willard - a happy month. We hope you have a wonderful birthday month and enjoy your special day!

Our Ignite Road Show culminated with visits to businesses in the Central Connecticut region, including Camille Hudson, Warehouse 635, and featured some special guests. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz joined us to thank JPMorganChase for their ongoing support of WBDC, the Ignite Grant Program, and CT women-owned businesses. We also made an exciting announcement – stay tuned to tomorrow’s posts for more info on that! 

Alyssa Mancini’s journey into the world of yoga and herbalism was born out of a need to manage personal stress and health challenges. Initially a high school science teacher, Alyssa discovered yoga in 2011 while searching for a way to cope with the stress of her demanding job. She quickly fell in love with the practice and became a registered yoga instructor in 2013.   Her path took a transformative turn in 2016 when she encountered a local herbal apothecary. At that time, Alyssa was struggling with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and was keen to explore alternative treatments. Intrigued by the potential of herbal medicine, she enrolled in the apothecary’s apprenticeship program and began using herbs to treat her condition. “Within three months, my hormone levels were balanced, and my symptoms had completely disappeared,” Alyssa recalls. In 2020, Alyssa moved to Connecticut to assist her aging parents, settling in Danbury where she taught chemistry at Danbury High School. At the same time, she kept her eyes on commercial spaces available in the area for potential business opportunities. In April 2023, Alyssa found an ideal location in Sandy Hook, CT, where she launched Herbs Love and Yoga. “WBDC has significantly impacted me and my business by providing the essential tools and guidance needed to become a more effective business owner," Alyssa notes. She says the support she received from WBDC enhanced her skills and confidence, enabling her to handle various aspects of her business, from managing finances to increasing brand awareness.   When Alyssa first opened her business, she was exploring multiple services such as Yoga classes, Reiki sessions, herbal workshops, and running her herbal medicine shop. But when she started working with WBDC business advisors, she gained clarity. She shares, “The support from WBDC business advisors led me to focus on offering 150 and 200-hour herbalist certification courses as my main service. This shift was crucial for the strategic direction of my business, and has been instrumental in refining my messaging and effectively portraying it across my website, social media, and other marketing channels.”

Thinking about applying for the Torrington grant? Hear what Barbara Qyteza, Owner of Salon Q and a proud recipient of the WBDC/Torrington Small Business Grant has to say about her experience applying for the grant. The final deadline for the Torrington/WBDC Small Business Grant is August 15, 2024. All businesses based in Torrington – men- and women-owned – are eligible to apply for grants from $2,500 to $10,000 to help your business grow. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your business! City Of Torrington

Boost your productivity with this effective tip from Joy Braddock, WBDC Business Advisor! Try it out today and let us know how it works for you! What's your favorite productivity tip? Share with us in the comments! 

Thanks to Richard Lopez Jr, Torrington Economic & Community Development Coordinator; Torrington City Council Member Stephen Ivain; William Wallach, Director of Economic Development; State Representative Michelle Loness Cook Michelle Cook, Senator Lisa Seminara, and City Council Member Anne Ruwet for joining us yesterday at the Torrington Library to discuss the Torrington/WBDC Small Business Grant Program. If you’re a Torrington-based business, you have until August 15 to apply for a $10,000 grant that can help your business grow! To learn more go to https://lnkd.in/eNxDZryV City Of Torrington, Fran Pastore & Erin Mercede

As Sophia notes, at WBDC we have a whole team of experts dedicated to child care businesses. They’re available to support you, whether you’re just starting out or are looking to expand your existing business. And meeting with them doesn’t cost anything! Consultations are available in English and Spanish, and you can meet them virtually from the comfort of your home or office.  To book a session, contact [email protected] or call 203-353-1750 x129.

WBDC CEO Fran Pastore, WBDC Development Associate Nicole Willard, and Susan Johnson Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at The Hartford enjoyed celebrating 10 years of LiveGirl at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center.