CONVERSATIONS
How Women Business Owners Are Driving Economic Change with Confidence, Capital and Connections
In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed sits down with Fran Pastore, founder and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Council, to explore the evolution of women’s entrepreneurship and the systems that support it. Fran shares the powerful origin story behind WBDC, born out of her own experience as a single mother seeking financial independence, and highlights the organization’s nearly 30-year mission to help women launch and scale businesses.
The conversation dives into the policy history that shaped women’s access to capital, including the impact of the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, and why representation still matters today. Fran makes it clear that while progress has been made, systemic barriers still exist, especially when it comes to funding and decision-making power.
Nancy and Fran also discuss the growing momentum of women entrepreneurs, with women now starting a significant share of new businesses. Fran shares compelling data from WBDC’s work, showing measurable impact through grants, advising, and education, and explains how the organization supports women at every stage, from idea to expansion.
At its core, the episode highlights how confidence, capital, and connections are essential to helping women succeed and how community-driven ecosystems like WBDC are creating lasting economic and social change.
Key Points
- Fran’s journey from single mother to nonprofit founder underscores the importance of economic independence for women
- The Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 was a turning point, removing barriers like requiring male co-signers for business loans
- Representation remains a major challenge, impacting access to capital, healthcare research, and policy decisions
- Women now account for roughly 40% of new business creation, signaling a major shift in economic participation
- WBDC has seen significant growth, with client numbers increasing more than 300% since 2019
- Small grants to women entrepreneurs consistently lead to increased revenue, hiring, and business growth
- The organization supports a wide range of clients through advising, training, grants, and specialized programs like childcare business support
- Advocacy and awareness are critical, as policies directly impact women’s ability to build and sustain businesses
- Community and ecosystem support are key drivers of long-term success for women entrepreneurs
This conversation makes one thing clear: when women are given access to the right resources, they don’t just build businesses, they transform families, communities, and the broader economy. Fran’s work with WBDC shows that progress isn’t accidental, it’s built through persistence, advocacy, and intentional support systems. The momentum is real, but continued awareness, representation, and investment will determine how far it goes.
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