Backing Women-Owned Businesses Poised for Their Next Big Move

Across Central Connecticut, women are running strong, established businesses—driven by purpose, delivering results, and ready to grow. But when it’s time to scale, they hit a wall.

Too established for startup funding. Too lean for large-scale tax incentives. Too often undervalued by lenders and small investors.

The She Scales Fund was built to change that.

Why She Scales?

Connecticut’s funding ecosystem often rewards the extremes:

Brand-new startups still finding their footing, and
Large employers positioned to leverage tax breaks and incentive programs.

Meanwhile, women-owned businesses with real customers, years of persistence, and proven community value are left in the gap—without access to the capital, connections, or expert support they need to scale.

She Scales closes that gap. We invest in women-led companies with strong leadership, real-world traction, and a plan to grow with purpose.

What We Fund

We work with female-led organizations in Central Connecticut that are growth-ready—not just growth-minded.

She Scales businesses must have:

At least 5 years of continuous operation
A consistent customer base or demonstrated market demand
A clear, thoughtful growth strategy

Funding is distributed in phases, tied to collaboratively defined milestones. Founders co-develop their scale plans with seasoned advisors and unlock additional funds as key goals are met.

This is not about hype. It’s about high-caliber execution with the right backing.

Support That’s Built Different

Capital is powerful—but only when paired with smart, relevant guidance. She Scales recipients also receive tailored advisory support from proven leaders who understand the nuances of real growth.

Strategic planning with experienced founders and industry professionals
Financial tools, revenue modeling, and hiring guidance
Marketing, brand, and operational systems scaled to fit real-world needs

No one-size-fits-all workshops. No underqualified consultants. Just real expertise, delivered with intention.

Program Pillars

Capital	Coaching	Visibility	Community
Grants of $5K released in milestone-based phases	One-on-one guidance from vetted experts	Recognition, exposure, and investor readiness support	A vetted peer cohort of women leaders ready to share, learn, and grow

How Selection Works

Online application and business summary
Interview and growth plan review
Evaluation by an independent advisory council

We’re looking for founders who’ve stayed the course, overcome real-world challenges, and are now positioned for strategic expansion—not just survival.

Join the Movement

Donors + Funders: Help break down the systemic barriers holding back women-owned businesses
Operators + Advisors: Contribute your expertise as a trusted growth partner
Founders: Get ready to scale. Stay tuned for more as we move out of the funding phase and into grant application!