The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Founded in 1997, WBDC is one of over 120 SBA-supported women's business centers nationwide. The organization provides comprehensive entrepreneurial and financial training, business assistance, networking, professional development, and access to financial resources to support women's economic independence and business growth.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$12.5M
+63.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$8.6M
+232.2% YoY
Grant Count
470
+137.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$18K
+40.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: 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's primary service areas include:
- Educational Opportunities: One-on-one business advising, in-person and virtual classes, on-demand learning, and mentoring programs
- Financial Coaching: Tailored programs addressing budget coaching, credit issues, personal wealth building, and long-term financial goals
- Career Services: Workshops and one-on-one career coaching for unemployed individuals or those exploring professional transitions
- Small Business Support: Training and counseling for aspiring, emerging, and established entrepreneurs
Grantmaking
WBDC administers several grant programs for women-owned businesses:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
WBDC serves clients from Connecticut's 169 cities and towns through three regional offices:
- Stamford (Headquarters): 422 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06901
- Hartford: 190 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103
- Waterbury: 132 Grand Street, 2nd Floor, Waterbury, CT 06702
The organization also has a presence in New London.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $12,510,437
- Total Revenues: $19,332,789
- Total Expenses: $13,870,331
- Total Giving: $9,047,759
- Number of Employees: 43
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $12,510,437 | $7,651,236 | $3,422,440 |
| Revenue | $19,332,789 | $7,391,783 | $6,726,773 |
| Expenses | $13,870,331 | $7,322,220 | $6,707,087 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $121,134 | $19,493 | $1,557 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Women's Business Development Council
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Fran Pastore — Founder and CEO
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELANA MILIANTA | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| SANDRA ARKELL | VICE CHAIR | 1 | — |
| MICHAEL WEINSTOCK | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MARISSA WEIDNER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ELIZABETH T HIRSCH | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SARAH WATSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ANN MATTHEWS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KATIA LACY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| LINDSEY KOPP | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| NICHELLE WADDELL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| AMANDA CASTELLANO | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SHARON KANE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JANET DEFRINO | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MOIRA COLLINS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| FLAVIA NASLAUSKY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MONICA MOORE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ERIN KANG | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SONIA HOUNSELL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PATTI MELICK | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| TRISH HAVEY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| LAURA DAVIS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| TRAVIS PARMAN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| FRAN PASTORE | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | 40 | $324,146 |
| TASHA JACKSON | CHIEF FINANCIAL AND PEOPLE OFFICER | 40 | $217,394 |
| BRENDA THICKETT | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | 40 | $208,860 |
| LOUISE LISBOA | VP OF CHILD CARE PROGRAM AND IMPACT | 40 | $113,846 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**March 2024:** Philip Morris International announced a $5 million contribution to support the Women's Economic Empowerment Initiative, a new program to be run by WBDC.
The Women's Business Center Program Receives Record Funding in Bipartisan**2024:** WBDC received recognition as a 2024 SBA Award recipient for the Southwest Women's Business Center designation.
Ignite - WBDC - Women's Business Development Council**Organizational Rating:** WBDC maintains a Four-Star rating with a 97% score, reflecting strong performance across accountability, finance, impact measurement, leadership, and community engagement.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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