In recognition of Women's History Month, the lieutenant governor met with women-owned businesses in Hamden on Tuesday, highlighting the successes and businesses that are continuing to support the communities in which they operate.
“My family has always fed the neighborhood, so this is a natural thing for me and for us here,” said Lely Henry of La Isla Puerto Rican Restaurant in Hamden.
Henry welcomed Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and other local leaders, including Hamden's mayor and the Women's Business Development Council, to the restaurant, which offers island flavors in the heart of Hamden.
“We just asked them about additional resources, so that’s really important,” Henry said when talking about what makes an opportunity like this so valuable.
Everyone had a chance to sample what Henry and her colleagues have been working on. While sampling, the state and her WBDC gathered information about growth, development, and the resources needed to help the town grow and prosper.
“Many women took advantage of the opportunity during or in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic to begin pursuing passion projects and businesses,” Bysiewicz said.
According to the lieutenant governor, there needs to be a continued focus on women-owned businesses across the state, and that's exactly where WBDC has stepped in and will continue to step in, WBDC leaders say.
“We literally figured out the secret to women's success, and it's basically support and giving them the programs and support they need at WBDC,” said Kenyetta Banks, WBDC Central Region Program Manager. said.
Tuesday's tour also highlighted Ignite grants, which consist of funds ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 focused on business expansion and growth.
“Anything that comes with growth is to get that person back into business and doing well,” Banks said.
Applications for these Ignite grants close on Thursday, March 14th.
However, La Isla was not the only target of the lieutenant governor's trip. Along the way, the group stopped at Denny Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic and met with two of his other business leaders.
“This is a place for moms and babies,” said owner Dr. Eileen Denny.
Her business offers numerous family health services, including pediatric and prenatal chiropractic, family chiropractic, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling.
She has worked in Hamden for 25 years.
“It all starts with the infant, and then the rest of the family comes along,” Dr. Denny said.
On Tuesday, she had the opportunity to provide insight into her business practices as a longtime owner and highlight the work she has done with support from WBDC.
“As your business grows, your needs change, and the longer you've been in business, the more your needs change,” says Dr. Denny.
She noted that success has been found for over 20 years thanks to the community and support from other women-owned businesses in the region and beyond.
“It’s essential to have other women who understand the uniqueness that we bring to the business,” she said.
She was joined by neighboring business owners down the road.
“We really want to provide culturally sensitive care,” said Kebnesha Boyd of Quality Counseling.
Her business provides affordable and accessible mental health services to Black and marginalized communities across the state. She currently serves over 100 clients.
She spoke about her perspective as a female business owner and the support she received from other women.
“Even with my professional network, they have been my biggest support in terms of calling my name in the room when I'm not there and calling me to provide support.” Boyd said.
The Lieutenant Governor listened again to their needs as the business moved forward. Again, with the support of WBDC and other women, we will encourage expansion and growth when you are ready.
“Women have always been my biggest supporter,” Boyd said.
