Libertas Funding Celebrates Four Connecticut Women Entrepreneurs at WBDC Catalyst 2025
Last week, four women-owned Connecticut businesses received $25,000 each through the Libertas Accelerate Grant at the Women's Business Development Council of Connecticut's 2025 Catalyst Symposium. The competition, held on Tuesday, September 30th at Trinity College in Hartford, recognized entrepreneurs making meaningful impacts in their communities.
The Accelerate Grant program was created in 2023 after Libertas Funding Executive Chairman Gary Katcher attended a WBDC gala and witnessed the organization's impact firsthand. Gary developed the initiative in partnership with WBDC Chief Executive Officer Fran Pastore, reflecting Libertas's commitment to fueling the growth of small businesses across Connecticut and strengthening the local economy.
The Catalyst Symposium
The day-long Catalyst Symposium brought together women entrepreneurs for educational breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a small business marketplace. The highlight was the Accelerate Pitch Competition, where eight finalists from an applicant pool of 41 businesses presented their visions to a panel of judges.
John Paradisi, President and COO of Libertas Funding, spoke at the event, emphasizing the company's commitment to supporting small businesses throughout Connecticut.
"Libertas was founded 10 years ago by Gary Katcher to help fuel what makes this country great—the 29 million plus businesses in the United States," John said. "Supporting Connecticut's women entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Accelerate Grant is part of that mission. We will continue to be here each year to support these businesses and the local economy. Let's keep pushing small business forward."
Gabriela Rosado, a Director of Underwriting at Libertas Funding who has served on the judging panel in previous years, once again joined other Connecticut business leaders in evaluating the finalists.
"Each pitch keeps getting better—these women entrepreneurs come so well-prepared and passionate," Gabriela said. "It's not easy to put together a full financial package and present it on stage in front of an audience, all while managing their businesses, yet they deliver impressive presentations. Each finalist had thoughtful plans for using the grant to expand their community impact. Libertas's commitment to giving back to our community is something I'm proud to be part of, especially through this selection process."
Trish Havey, Chief Human Resources Officer at Libertas Funding and WBDC Board Member, sees the partnership's impact from both perspectives.
"The impact of the Accelerate Grant extends far beyond the funding itself. These grants provide validation, momentum, and resources that help women entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. Serving on the WBDC board while working at Libertas gives me a unique perspective on how meaningful partnerships can truly champion these business owners, and I'm proud to be a part of two organizations that are committed to this mission year after year," Trish said.
The 2025 Accelerate Grant Winners
Bloom Bake Shop – Hartford, CT
Alexandra Pilon and Monica Beaudoin
Bloom Bake Shop combines fresh baked goods with locally grown flowers and coffee roasted by Giv Coffee in Canton. The bakery offers rotating sweet treats throughout the day, custom occasion cakes, grab-and-go bouquets, houseplants, and special occasion arrangements. The grant will help Bloom expand seating capacity to serve more customers.
Sadie's Pro Cleaning – Hamden, CT
Sadie Marshall
Sadie's Pro Cleaning specializes in biohazard remediation, responding immediately after traumatic events to decontaminate and restore properties to safe, livable conditions. Available 24/7, the company helps property owners, managers, and families through difficult situations when first responders have completed their work. The grant will fund equipment to expand service capabilities.
Silk City Coffee – Manchester, CT
Tammy Gerhard and Sarah May
Silk City Coffee operates both a full-service coffee shop and roastery in Manchester, serving a complete menu while also wholesaling their locally roasted beans. Recently expanding to a new location, Silk City is growing its geographic reach throughout Connecticut. The grant will support the purchase of a new espresso machine and equipment for their expanded operation.
The Studio Fairfield – Fairfield, CT
Priscilla Igram and Christine Orlando
The Studio Fairfield is a women-owned art collective celebrating 17 years of bringing the community together through creativity and self-expression. The studio offers classes in multiple mediums for all skill levels, taught by working artists who emphasize fundamental techniques while guiding individual growth. The grant will fund equipment to expand their community space.
The grant winners represent the diverse ways Connecticut's women entrepreneurs are investing in growth. Whether it's expanding physical capacity to serve more customers, purchasing equipment to improve efficiency and service delivery, or upgrading technology to support geographic expansion, the $25,000 grants provide the capital these businesses need to take meaningful steps forward. For many small businesses, this type of funding can be the difference between maintaining their current operations and reaching their next stage of growth.
About Libertas Funding
Libertas Funding provides revenue-based financing and working capital solutions to small and medium-sized businesses across the United States. Founded in 2015, the company has funded over $1.5 billion to help businesses grow and thrive.
About the Women's Business Development Council
The Women's Business Development Council of Connecticut is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women start, manage, and grow successful businesses. Through education, training, and access to capital, the WBDC supports women entrepreneurs throughout Connecticut.