Copyright Hartford Courant
Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses, or PMI U.S., have a guiding principle: “Give where we live.” That means showing up for communities—and not just with dollars, but with time, energy, and commitment to being part of long-term solutions. This principle has led to a partnership between PMI U.S. and the Women’s Business Development Council, or WBDC, an organization dedicated to supporting economic prosperity for women and strengthening communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services. Since its inception in 1997, WBDC has educated and trained over 22,000 clients across all 169 towns in Connecticut, helping women launch, sustain, and scale more than 16,500 businesses, create or sustain over 40,000 jobs, and access $88 million in capital. Women-owned businesses contribute an estimated $2.7 trillion to the U.S. economy each year. Yet, women entrepreneurs continue to face barriers to accessing capital, mentorship, and business networks. Here in Connecticut—where women represent 43 percent of business owners, and small businesses contributed more than 82 percent of total job growth in the last reporting period—our two organizations have joined forces to tackle these challenges head-on. Amid a fast-changing landscape of labor and regulatory issues, it’s vital to provide the resources and education that help small businesses launch and grow. That mission takes on a special significance during October’s National Women’s Small Business Month, as we celebrate the vital role women entrepreneurs play in our economy. Together, we’re working to remove barriers that for too long have hindered women’s full participation in the Constitution State’s economy. Anchored by PMI U.S.’s five-year, $5 million contribution, WBDC’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative is making an immediate and enduring difference in the lives of Connecticut’s small-business owners. This collaboration reflects a hands-on approach to corporate social responsibility that PMI U.S. calls pragmatic philanthropy. It’s all about working hand in hand with community partners to build stable workforces, vibrant markets, and sustainable growth. This month, PMI U.S. and its CEO, Stacey Kennedy, are supporting WBDC at its annual Women Rising Gala and Awards Celebration. It’s an opportunity to showcase WBDC clients who are demonstrating exceptional commitment, tenacity, and success in creating better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. PMI U.S.’s commitment to its home state of Connecticut doesn’t stop there. Thus far in 2025, its businesses have donated $1,555,000 to 11 organizations in and beyond Fairfield County, with a focus on economic empowerment as the cornerstone of real, lasting change. Beyond Connecticut, the businesses have committed to investing nearly $1 billion since 2024 in the communities where they operate, creating jobs in advanced manufacturing and partnering with nonprofits to amplify and accelerate their progress. Leading with values and listening to and learning from groups already active within communities drives economic growth and helps everyone do better. The ongoing collaboration between PMI U.S. and WBDC stands as proof that corporations can create a tangible, enduring impact by acting not as benefactors but as committed partners. We believe in the power of our state’s independent and small businesses, and we encourage other organizations to embrace this spirit of collaboration to accelerate progress even further, ultimately benefiting all Nutmeggers.
