336: Keys to Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Today's World, with Fran Pastore
For many women, entrepreneurship offers a path to financial independence, an opportunity to build generational wealth for their families, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in their communities. But building a business from the ground up comes with plenty of challenges. In this episode, we explore how the right guidance, financial support, and connections can help women bring their ideas to life and build thriving businesses. My guest today is Fran Pastore , Founder and CEO of the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) . This Connecticut-based organization has spent nearly 30 years helping women launch and grow small businesses. A pioneer in women's entrepreneurship and a passionate advocate for economic equity, Fran has dedicated her career to expanding women's access to the resources and support they need to succeed. In our conversation, Fran shares how growing up in a traditional Italian family shaped her determination to become financially independent, and how her experience as a single mother inspired her to establish WBDC. We explore the organization's remarkable growth, its work supporting small businesses through COVID-19, and the vital role that community and practical guidance play in helping entrepreneurs succeed. Fran also reflects on the devastating fire that destroyed WBDC's headquarters and what the experience taught her about resilience, leadership, and finding opportunity in adversity. We discuss what motivates women entrepreneurs, the barriers they continue to face, and why investing in women's success benefits entire communities. Tune in to discover how the right support can help women turn their ambitions into meaningful, lasting impact! I also had the pleasure of attending WBDC's Women Rising 2026 Annual Gala and Awards Celebration on October 23. It was inspiring to hear the stories of women entrepreneurs overcoming challenges and building successful businesses, and to see the strong community support for their success. A special thank you to Fran and the WBDC team for their incredible work empowering women to build more financially secure futures. Read more about my experience in my LinkedIn post . Key Points From This Episode: Introducing Fran Pastore, the purpose of the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC), and the guidance and support it offers to female entrepreneurs. [00:56] Fran's upbringing, the story of how she founded WBDC, and why it started in Connecticut. [07:16] WBDC's response to COVID-19, including support for childcare providers and small business grants. [11:39] The importance of resilience and how a devastating fire at WBDC's headquarters reshaped Fran's approach to leadership. [15:10] What motivates women entrepreneurs, from building generational wealth to making a difference in their communities. [22:44] How WBDC grants helped two sisters expand their bakery and contribute to their local community. [23:56] Women's tendency to reinvest in their businesses and observations on women entering venture capital. [25:44] Differences in how men and women approach entrepreneurship, including scaling businesses and balancing profit with purpose. [26:31] How changing attitudes toward women's empowerment are affecting corporate support for organizations like WBDC. [28:03] Fran's appreciation for the WBDC team, their shared commitment to making a difference, and where listeners can learn more about the organization. [31:10] For More Information: Fran Pastore on LinkedIn Fran Pastore on Instagram Fran Pastore on Facebook Women's Business Development Council Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Kathy's Forbes article 'How Different Are Female And Male Entrepreneurs? Susan Sobbott, President Of American Express OPEN, Weighs In' WBDC's Women Rising 2026 Annual Gala and Awards Celebration Kathy's books Breakdown, Breakthrough and The Most Powerful You ——————— READY FOR A BREAKTHROUGH TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER & LEADERSHIP TODAY? Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today. Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 10% off the price this week with coupon code 'BRAVEPOD10' as my thank-you for tuning in! Click the links below for more information and register today to save 10%: – 60-minute Career Consultation – Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions) – Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions) – Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions) ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! 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Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer Quotes: "When COVID happened, we were tapped by the governor and the Connecticut congressional delegation to respond to the needs of small business owners, those main street businesses that were really, really struggling." — Fran Pastore [0:11:39] "The things that women do and the barriers that they overcome with a support system is really remarkable." — Fran Pastore [0:14:48] "What I see [among female entrepreneurs] is a passion to want to make some kind of an impact and a difference." — Fran Pastore [0:23:21] "I think women are motivated by different things [than men]. I see that the number one thing is to create generational wealth for themselves and their children, and that means many things to different people." — Fran Pastore [0:23:29] "Women tend to reinvest in the business." — Fran Pastore [0:25:46] "We're seeing more and more women entering the venture capital world because women still can't access capital for these phenomenal business ideas." — Fran Pastore [0:26:04] Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino . And please leave us a comment and a thumbs-up if you like the show!







