Naugatuck Farm Among Finalists For WBDC Accelerate Grant Pitch Competition

NAUGATUCK, CT — A Naugatuck farm was among six finalists announced Tuesday by the Women's Business Development Council who will compete in the 2026 Accelerate Grant Pitch Competition.

According to a news release provided by WBDC, the finalists will compete in the competition during its 12th Women-Owned Business Day scheduled to take place April 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

A featured part of Women-Owned Business Day, the Accelerate Pitch Competition will award three $25,000 grants to women-owned businesses poised for continued growth, according to the release.

Finalists will take the stage to share how the funding would help expand operations, increase capacity and strengthen their businesses, the release notes.

According to WBDC, the 2026 Accelerate Pitch Competition finalists are:

• Sunset Farm, Naugatuck (Owner: Kaitlyn Kimball)
• Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting LLC, Shelton (Owner: Dr. Solandy Forte)
• Architectural Stone LLC, Rocky Hill (Owner: Cristy Osgood)
• Fifth State Distillery, Bridgeport (Owner: Bridget Schulten)
• Hound and Home LLC, Newington (Owner: Kayla Walker)
• Norwich Fitness Center, Norwich (Owner: Luigina Facchini)

According to the release, Women-Owned Business Day is WBDC's signature annual event, bringing together women entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers and advocates from across Connecticut for a morning of recognition, connection and civic engagement.

The event highlights the impact of women-owned businesses statewide while providing attendees with opportunities to connect directly with elected officials and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses today, the release notes.

The event will be hosted with legislative co-chairs State Senator Patricia Billie Miller, Deputy President Pro Tempore, and State Senator Heather Somers, Senior Deputy Republican Leader. Gilda Bonanno, Principal of Gilda Bonanno LLC, will serve as emcee, and WBDC CEO Fran Pastore will deliver opening remarks, according to the release.

A number of state leaders, including Governor Ned Lamont, have been invited to participate, according to the release.

In addition to the pitch competition, the program will include remarks from WBDC leadership and a fireside chat on civic engagement between Pastore and Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, the release notes.

The event is free to attend, however advanced registration is required, according to WBDC.

More information about WBDC is available here.