The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) recognized and recently honored women entrepreneurs throughout Connecticut at the 2023 Women Rising Gala and Awards Celebration at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz served as the event’s honorary chair, and the keynote address was delivered by tennis star and former U.S. Tennis Association President Katrina M. Adams.
“Every year, the gala shines a bright light on the women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses that have become so integral to the fabric of our state’s economy,” said WBDC CEO Fran Pastore. “This year, we were proud to recognize some truly outstanding women business owners and a few outstanding community leaders who consistently lend their support and guidance to WBDC and the women entrepreneurs we serve. I also wish to thank Senator Blumenthal, Governor Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz, and Katrina Adams for being part of this inspiring event.”
In addition to a celebration of 26 years supporting economic prosperity for women and strengthening communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services, the event featured an awards ceremony to recognize several entrepreneurs and individuals from throughout Connecticut for their contributions to women’s economic empowerment. In total, nine were honored with awards.
The Women’s Business Development Council’s 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 18,000 clients in all of Connecticut’s 169 towns — helping women to launch, sustain and scale almost 13,500 businesses, create and maintain more than 29,600 jobs in Connecticut, and access more than $52.5 million in capital.