Where Vision Meets Opportunity: Libertas Champions Connecticut's Women Entrepreneurs

Libertas Funding Supports Women Entrepreneurs Through WBDC's Accelerate Grant Program

Connecticut's women entrepreneurs display innovation and resilience at Women-Owned Business Day, with Libertas supporting their growth journey.

On May 6th, the Connecticut State Capitol welcomed women business owners from across the state for the annual Women-Owned Business Day celebration—a gathering that recognized not just individual success, but the collective power of women entrepreneurs to transform their communities.

Several members of the Libertas team, including Executive Chairman Gary Katcher and newly appointed President and Chief Operating Officer John Paradisi, witnessed something remarkable at this event. Through thoughtful pitch presentations and networking panels, these women shared more than business plans; they revealed how enterprise serves as a vehicle for community impact.

What emerged wasn't just a showcase of business acumen, but a demonstration of how individual dreams become collective economic strength.

The WBDC Accelerate Grant: Where Growth Meets Purpose

The WBDC Accelerate Grant Program offers grants of up to $25,000 to qualified women-owned businesses that have already demonstrated success through previous WBDC funding and shown positive economic and social impact. Born from Libertas' vision to create sustainable pathways for women entrepreneurs, this innovative program represents more than financial awards—these are strategic investments in enterprises positioned for meaningful expansion.

For established women-owned businesses, the Accelerate Grant provides the resources needed to transcend current limitations and achieve sustainable growth. Libertas developed this initiative in partnership with WBDC, recognizing that successful women-owned businesses often face unique challenges when seeking capital for their next phase of growth.

Stories of Impact: How Past Winners Transform Communities

The true measure of any grant program lies in the impact it creates. Dr. Natacha Louis Charles exemplifies this impact. Since founding Family Eyecare of Orange in 2014 with a mission to prevent vision loss in her community, she has methodically expanded access to care.

Her 2022 Ignite Grant enabled the addition of a second exam room and another doctor. Now, with October 2024's Accelerate Grant support, Dr. Charles is working toward a second location, making critical eye care accessible to even more Connecticut residents.

Similarly, Laurie Surprenant and Amy Kenkel have spent over fifteen years proving that business success and community connection aren't mutually exclusive. Their company, Leaps and Bones, began in 2008 as a community-centered pet business in South Windsor, built on genuine relationships with pet owners.

Their April 2022 Ignite Grant enabled a dramatic transformation: expanding their kitchen from 200 to 2,300 square feet. This wasn't merely about space—it was about capacity to serve pet owners throughout Connecticut, eventually leading to a second location in Southington and a specialized dog bakery in Manchester. Their October 2024 Accelerate Grant validates what their community already knew: their commitment to quality makes them worthy of continued investment.

Excellence Emerges from Competition

This year's selection process revealed the extraordinary depth of talent among Connecticut's women business owners. From forty-one applicant businesses, eight finalists presented their visions during a community-focused Pitch Night.

Gabriela Rosado, Senior Underwriter at Libertas, served on the judging panel alongside two other industry experts, bringing her financial insight and appreciation for local entrepreneurs to the evaluation process.

"The passion and clear vision these women entrepreneurs demonstrated was inspiring," Rosado said. "Each finalist had thoughtful plans for using the grant to expand their community impact. I am so honored to have been a part of this statewide event celebrating women and their businesses."

Four Visions for Community Impact

After reviewing detailed business plans, financial projections, and proposed funding uses, four businesses were selected as this year's Accelerate Grant recipients:

Artlighten
Genna Riggi, LPC, ATR-BC, founded this Watertown-based art therapy studio to serve individuals and families who often struggle to find appropriate therapeutic resources, particularly those who are nonverbal. Her studio welcomes clients of all ages and artistic experience levels, offering a range of materials, from pencils and pastels to clay and 3D options. Genna will use grant funds to purchase a mobile studio, expanding her therapeutic reach across Connecticut.

Kiara Matos Studio
With twenty-five years of experience, beginning in Venezuela, ceramic artist Kiara Matos operates her namesake studio in New Haven, creating custom art pieces and site-specific installations. Her grant funding will enable group workshops, transforming individual expertise into shared community knowledge through expert-led creative experiences.

Rhodes Collar
Gleanna Doyle's Stonington-based dog training service employs "The Rhodes Collar Way" of positive training, offering one-on-one sessions, group training, and day training options tailored to each dog and family. Recognizing that today's pet-owning families need comprehensive care, Gleanna will utilize grant funds to expand its services to include grooming, ensuring all family pets receive both mental and physical health support.

Serenity-I-Care
Dr. Barbara Dune, OD, leads this Hartford-based optometry practice with a commitment to providing comprehensive eye care services to patients across all economic circumstances. Her grant funds will hire another doctor, effectively doubling appointment capacity and significantly improving access to essential vision care for the low-income Hartford community.

Building Partnerships That Matter

Libertas partners with organizations like the WBDC to address the capital access challenges that women entrepreneurs often face. By participating in programs such as the Accelerate Grant, Libertas helps create sustainable pathways for business growth while amplifying the economic potential of women-owned businesses across Connecticut.

"Supporting women-owned businesses through the WBDC Accelerate Grant program creates ripple effects throughout Connecticut communities," said Gary Katcher, Libertas Executive Chairman. "We're proud to contribute to their continued success."

Creating Lasting Change

As Connecticut continues to nurture its diverse business ecosystem, programs like the Accelerate Grant provide vital resources that help women entrepreneurs overcome challenges and achieve their visions. These grants spark lasting change across communities, creating jobs, services, and innovations that benefit everyone.

The women recognized through this year's program represent thousands of others across Connecticut who are building enterprises that serve purposes larger than themselves. In supporting their journeys, Libertas and the WBDC are investing in Connecticut's future through strategic partnerships that recognize women entrepreneurs as essential drivers of economic growth and community wellbeing.

About the Women's Business Development Council: The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) is a leading organization dedicated to providing the tools and resources needed for women to succeed in business. Since its founding in 1997, WBDC has helped thousands of women establish and grow sustainable enterprises that contribute to Connecticut's economic vitality.

Ready to grow your business? For business owners seeking funding solutions to support their next phase of growth, contact Libertas Funding to explore flexible capital options tailored to your needs: www.libertasfunding.com