FRAN PASTORE
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Women’s Business Development Council
ctwbdc.org

Fran Pastore is a pioneering force in the women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, championing economic equity, justice, and inclusion for nearly 30 years. A trusted thought leader, she is frequently sought by Congress, the Connecticut General Assembly, and corporate leaders for her expertise on issues impacting women and entrepreneurship.

In 1997, Fran founded the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) with just $100,000 in seed funding. Under her visionary leadership, WBDC has grown into a nationally recognized powerhouse with an annual budget approaching $10 million— transforming opportunities for women entrepreneurs locally, nationally, and globally.

Beyond WBDC, Fran has advised at the highest levels of government and business. She served on the National Women’s Business Council, advising the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. In Connecticut, she has cochaired Governor Ned Lamont’s Jobs and Economy Policy Committee, served on Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons’ Economic Development Committee, and currently chairs the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority Board of Directors. She also serves on the Hartford HealthCare Board of Directors, the M&T Bank Connecticut Directors’ Advisory Council, and the Webster Bank Community Advisory Council.

Fran’s impact extends well beyond the United States. She has worked directly with women entrepreneurs in Rwanda, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Turkey, helping advance economic independence and self-reliance, and has represented the U.S. at the Women’s Summit and the Global Entrepreneurship Conference in Istanbul.

For nearly three decades, Fran has helped shape policies advancing women’s economic rights, testifying before Congress and the Connecticut Legislature on critical issues. Her relentless dedication has expanded opportunity for women, strengthened communities, and reinforced the economic fabric of Connecticut and beyond.