Women-owned businesses are a vital part of the U.S. economy, and their continued success is critical to the overall health of the nation's future.
TD Bank recognizes the impact of women-led businesses and has made it a priority to support these entrepreneurs. In October, TD sponsored a networking event co-hosted by the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) and the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) to celebrate National Women's Small Business Month in Worcester, Massachusetts.
The event drew more than 50 attendees, including women business owners, MAWOCC President and CEO, Celia J. Blue, CWE Director of Development and Events, Debbie Aurelio, representatives from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, other community organizations, and state officials.
Sheryl McQuade, TD Regional President for New England, opened the event with an introduction that emphasized the importance of women's small businesses.
“What better time to spotlight the immense value of women in driving U.S. economic growth and employment through their creativity, initiative and hard work? TD’s women-owned business clients embody the entrepreneurial spirit that inspires more and more women each year to start or grow their own businesses,” she said. “The need to support and guide our small business community has never been greater and no matter what lies ahead, TD Bank is ready to help businesses both big and small remain a central part of our community. "
The opportunity to make connections is vital to small business owners
After the introduction by Sheryl, attendees were able to network and discuss potential future opportunities. For example, Gina Andros, a TD Store Manager in Worcester, discussed the possibility with an attendee of having the bank host a training session for people who may be interested in starting their own business.
Gina shared her strategy to make quick connections at these types of events.
"I like to arrive early when the event is being set up," she explained. "I introduce myself to the staff and offer to help. Because of that, I find the event organizers make a point of introducing me to everyone as they arrive."
TD Bank is proud of role supporting women leaders
The TD Charitable Foundation has worked with CWE, providing grants to support various initiatives. Since its founding in 1995, the CWE has trained more than 72,000 women in how to launch and grow their businesses by connecting them to essential resources.
The organization reports that 30% of those who successfully completed the training started a business within the following year. And half of CWE training participants with existing businesses applied what they learned to increase their revenues.
"My colleagues and I are proud to play such an integral role supporting women business leaders across greater New England while we work to create meaningful opportunities for all right here where we live and work," Sheryl said. "Because we believe that TD Bank can succeed only when our community, especially local businesses, flourish as well."
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