How Bridgewater Bank is Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

In 2005, Bridgewater Bank's Founder and CEO Jerry Baackset out to create an unconventional bank where answers come quickly, opportunities are plentiful and the culture is optimistic. With a firm belief in the power of women and an impressive lineup of female leaders and bankers, the entrepreneurial bank has developed an expertise for empowering women in historically male-dominated industries. Although female entrepreneurs are on the rise, they are still an underserved market when it comes to banking. Bridgewater prides itself on being a leader in changing this dynamic, embodying a culture that values women's voices and supports their advancement in banking and business alike. "As a bank whose team is over 50% women, empowering women is something we are uniquely passionate about," says Chief Operating Officer Lisa Salazar. "We are dedicated to filling the gap and are excited to be the bank of choice for women-owned businesses."

The team emphasizes the importance of bankers and entrepreneurs understanding one another. For female business owners, working with female bankers provides the opportunity to foster a special connection in a space where women are often left feeling unseen and misunderstood. "It's a game-changer for a woman business owner to see a woman banker in a position that can help guide and foster her business," emphasizes Salazar. "It's not only about expertise; it's a shared perspective and mutual understanding of the obstacles women in business face, along with an unwavering belief in her potential. We provide a safe space to strategize, grow and break down barriers together." Bridgewater's responsive support ensures that female entrepreneurs are not only seen, heard and understood, but also equipped with the tools they need to succeed. This powerful connection is what makes women entrepreneurs and women bankers such a formidable team.

And the support doesn't end with banking. As an entrepreneurial organization, Bridgewater understands the value of a strong network for business leaders. By hosting a compelling range of women's networking events, the bank creates unique opportunities for like-minded Twin Cities leaders and business owners to foster existing connections and make new ones. "We've witnessed firsthand the power of a robust network of women coming together to intentionally learn from each other and support one another. It is truly inspirational," shares Salazar. Local leaders like Habitat for Humanity Minnesota's Cristen Incittiand Plunkett's Pest Control's Aly Silva Mulgrewhave found valuable support through Bridgewater's impressive network. "We believe women entrepreneurs and women bankers are a powerful duo who can knock down barriers, break glass ceilings and transform the Twin Cities business community together," says Salazar.