In this episode of Courageous Conversations, WBDC CEO Fran Pastore takes on a different role as she's interviewed by Terri Piekara, a WBDC Business Advisor and podcast Editor. Fran's vast experience in networking shines through as they discuss strategies for building meaningful relationships and offer actionable tips for successful networking.    Many thanks to the entrepreneurs who attended WBDC’s recent networking event and shared their own insights on networking: Vini Kaul, Kaulverse X Holdings, LLC; Serena Biondi, Nautical Nutrition Services; Angelina Gardner, Uncle D’s Blazin’ BBQ and Comfort Catering; Grier Stanley Barnwell, Grier & Company.    To discover more about the Women's Business Development Council and the resources we provide to help women thrive in business, visit ctwbdc.org. And don't forget to follow Courageous Conversations on your preferred podcast platform.    Find Out More About Us:  WBDC on Instagram   WBDC on Facebook  WBDC on LinkedIn  WBDC on Twitter  Join WBDC Connect 

Today, we are replaying a thought-provoking conversation Fran had in 2020 with Katrina Adams, a true trailblazer in the world of tennis and in the boardroom. Katrina’s insights are as valuable today as they were when this episode was first released, and we hope you’ll find inspiration from her journey.  If you want to hear more from Katrina, author of Own the Arena, join us at WBDC’s annual Gala and Awards celebration on Friday, October 27th at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, where Katrina will be the Keynote speaker.

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran is honored to host the remarkable Carla Harris, Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, and author of the empowering book, Lead to Win.  Carla’s “Pearls” – nuggets of wisdom she’s gained throughout her extensive and impressive career – will inspire you to lead with purpose, foster a culture of inclusivity, and ultimately, lead to win.  Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Carla Harris, a trailblazer in the world of finance, leadership, and empowerment.    Find out more about Carla on her website  Purchase Carla’s books  Find Out More About Us:  WBDC on Instagram   WBDC on Facebook  WBDC on LinkedIn  WBDC on Twitter  Join WBDC Connect  To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org    Purchase Tickets to the 2023 Women Rising Gala & Awards Celebration 

Join Fran Pastore on this episode of Courageous Conversations as she engages in a thoughtful discussion with Connecticut’s Lt. Governor, Susan Bysiewicz. Together, they explore why it’s a good time to be a small business entrepreneur in CT and share information about the many programs currently available in the state – the CT Small Business Boost Fund, the state’s child care initiative, WBDC’s Equity Match Grant Program, and others – that are intended to help small business owners access the resources that will enable them to strengthen and grow their businesses.  Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz also shares her personal story of being raised on a CT farm by parents who prioritized education and believed strongly in standing up for others. Listen to hear how she was influenced by her mother, an attorney who fought against gender discrimination and rallied in support of the Equal Rights Amendment   Find Out More About Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter Join WBDC Connect   Resources & Sources mentioned in this episode CT Boost Fund CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) WBDC’s Child Care Business Opportunity Fund WBDC’s Equity Match Grant Program  WBDC’s Finance Business Advisor Samantha Cross  (203) 353-1750 extension 110 for info on CT Boost Fund   To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org    

The creators of FunkkOFF TeethRefreshers, Joelle Flynn and Sonia Hounsell, join Fran on today’s episode of Courageous Conversations. Lifelong friends, the duo share their journey of entrepreneurship, how their diverse skillsets in finance and brand marketing played an instrumental role in the development and launch of their groundbreaking product and how a WBDC pitch class helped them hone their skills for an incredible opportunity on SharkTank. Tune in to be inspired by Joelle and Sonia and learn from their experiences. There are so many valuable takeaways for every entrepreneur; you won’t want to miss it!      Find Out More about:  FunkkOFF! On Instagram FunkkOFF! Website Joelle Flynn Sonia Hounsell   See the Moment on Shark Tank   Find Out More About Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter Join WBDC Connect   Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations. To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org.     Join or Shop Our CT Women-Owned Business Directory 

How are New York and Connecticut embracing growth, innovation, and collaboration? Join Fran Pastore as she engages in a dynamic dialogue with Alexandra Daum, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), and Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development, New York State’s economic development agency, as they discuss the strengthened relationship, aligned objectives, and collective efforts between the two states to create a thriving future in the region.   Find Out More about:  Hope Knight Alexandra Daum     Find Out More About Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter Join WBDC Connect   To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org.     Join or Shop Our CT Women-Owned Business Directory   

Join Fran Pastore in this episode of Courageous Conversations as she speaks with Dr. Oscar Guerra, an Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker and UConn professor. Dr. Guerra shares his experience directing "Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream," a 30-minute documentary produced by the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, led by CT Congressman Jim Himes. The film portrays the journeys of families from various parts of the US and examines their quest for economic stability. Listen in as Fran and Oscar discuss the impact of these stories and how they highlight our shared desire to achieve the American Dream, despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences. Don't miss this insightful conversation on Courageous Conversations!  Find Out More about Dr. Oscar Guerra  Website  Instagram  Find Out More About WBDC:  WBDC on Instagram   WBDC on Facebook  WBDC on LinkedIn  WBDC on Twitter  Join WBDC Connect    Resources & Sources mentioned in this episode.  La Cocina  Building One Community  Join Us for Women Owned Business Day     To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org. 

Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon is on a mission to make financial literacy and saving for retirement more accessible for the state’s small businesses and their employees. He sits down with Fran in today’s episode of Courageous Conversations to talk about MyCTSavings, Connecticut's retirement savings program, and why it’s so important to him. His passion for the program was born, in part, from witnessing his own mother who, as a single parent, started a small business to support herself and her young family. She was able to grow the business into a successful venture over time, but still was not able to afford health insurance or retirement benefits. Comptroller Scanlan says he recognizes that this story is the plight of many women-owned businesses to this day and he strongly believes MyCTSavings can be part of the solution. The program provides small businesses and their employees an opportunity to save for retirement – at no cost to the employee or the employer! Listen in as Fran asks the questions about the program that are on the minds of all small business owners. If you own an eligible business with 5 to 24 employees, you have until March 30, 2023 to either register for MyCTSavings or to let the Comptroller’s office know that you already offer a retirement program Find out more at MyCTSavings.com  Learn more about Comptroller Sean Scanlon at Office of the Comptroller or:  Twitter: @CTComptroller  Instagram: CTComptroller  Facebook: Comptroller Sean Scanlon    Find Out More About Us:  WBDC on Instagram   WBDC on Facebook  WBDC on LinkedIn  WBDC on Twitter  WBDC on YouTube  WBDC Connect Members Facebook Group    Register for Women Owned Business Day To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at CTWBDC.ORG and thanks for listening.  

  “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” – Ben Franklin   Mr. Franklin certainly knew what he was talking about – especially for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs! That’s why Fran is joined by WBDC Business Advisor Carol Cheswick on today’s episode of Courageous Conversations. Carol has helped thousands of clients craft their business plan. She knows many entrepreneurs are overwhelmed by the idea of creating a business plan – and she has advice on how to make the process manageable and stress-free. Fran & Carol also discuss how completing a business plan has helped WBDC Equity Match Grant applicants & recipients become more conversant in financial speak, which in turns has helped them secure other funding. If you’d like help getting your business plan started, contact [email protected]  Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.   Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!  To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org.   Sources & Resources Mentioned: Learn more about the Equity Match Grant Program Ron Angelo, CEO of Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology “Sally’s Bakery” The E-Myth & the E-Myth revisited by Michael Gerber   Find Out More About Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter WBDC on YouTube WBDC Connect Members Facebook Group      

Unlocking Connecticut is a blog, Instagram account and website created by Lora Karam and Bev Canepari, which explores the places and faces of Connecticut. Fran recently had the pleasure of meeting Lora and Bev and invited them to join her to share their start up story, the challenges they see facing small businesses & their love of all things CT. Listen to hear about their entrepreneurial journey and learn about some of their and Fran’s picks for Connecticut’s most interesting hidden gems! You can find out more about the dynamic duo behind Unlocking Connecticut by visiting their website at unlockingconnecticut.com Mentioned: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards White Memorial Conservation Center New Britain Museum of American Art New Morning Market & Vitality Center KC&E Adventures Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge CT Audubon Society Shayna B’s By The Sea   Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.   Thanks for listening to Courageous Conversations, a podcast dedicated to inspiring women entrepreneurs through the stories of incredible leaders!  To learn more about the Women’s Business Development Council and the support we provide to help women thrive in business, visit us at www.ctwbdc.org.     Learn more about the Equity Match Grant Program   Find Out More About Us: WBDC on Instagram  WBDC on Facebook WBDC on LinkedIn WBDC on Twitter WBDC on YouTube WBDC Connect Members Facebook Group