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Through her work as the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) in Connecticut, Fran Pastore has had the privilege of knowing and working with remarkable and accomplished leaders who have invaluable insights and strategies for success in the business world and beyond. In every episode, guests share lessons they’ve learned through their personal journeys as they and Fran delve into topics such as financial empowerment, economic equity & access to capital, advocacy for women, growing a business, and more. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Fran and her guests offer practical advice and inspiration to help you overcome obstacles, conquer your fears, and achieve your goals.

Nov 18, 2021

Small Business Saturday, November 27, is right around the corner. Started to encourage people to bring more holiday shopping to small businesses, Small Business Saturday has become a critical component to the holiday shopping season for many of our local retailers.

In this episode of Courageous Conversations Fran talks...


Oct 14, 2021

Until 1988 a woman could not access capital in her own name for
commercial purposes. That year, legislation was enacted that finally allowed
a woman to apply for a business loan without a male co-signor. A lot has changed in 33 years, but access to capital remains one of the most
difficult challenges facing women...


Sep 30, 2021

In the United States, approximately 11 MILLION WOMEN are either living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone who has it.

Almost TWO-THIRDS of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women.

More than THREE IN FIVE unpaid Alzheimer's caregivers are women.

To learn more about this devastating disease that...


Sep 16, 2021

Molly Hirsch abandoned her budding marketing career to move to Vermont and help run a relative’s home goods boutique, unknowingly heading down the path to a successful future in interior design.

 

Shivonne Mathison cared for her aging grandmother. That experience, combined with her background in social work, paved the...


Aug 19, 2021

The pandemic hasn’t been easy on any of us, but you could argue that it’s been tougher on restaurants than almost any other industry.

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran sits down with Stephanie Webster, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of CTBites, an online community focused on the food scene...