Fidelity Bank Is Transforming Women's Entrepreneurship

In 2018, $1 billion-asset Fidelity Bank launched an initiative it dubbed the P.O.W.E.R. program. P.O.W.E.R. stands for “Potential of Women Entrepreneurs Realized,” and it is a business development program designed specifically for female business owners. 

“In the last decade, women have opened businesses at nearly double the rate of their male counterparts,” says Kati LeBreton, vice president and director of P.O.W.E.R. at the New Orleans, La.-based community bank. “As such, Fidelity’s leadership recognized the need for a program that was built exclusively for the female entrepreneur.”

P.O.W.E.R. was the brainchild of Tammy O’Shea, the community bank’s chief marketing officer, and the program is the only offering of its kind from a financial institution in southeast Louisiana. “Imagine a community where women’s entrepreneurial potential is recognized and nurtured,” says LeBreton.

Unlocking opportunities for growth

At Fidelity Bank, the P.O.W.E.R. program turns potential into reality. With personalized service and a range of financial products tailored for female business owners, the program provides more than just banking services. It offers connection, growth and empowerment for everyone from seasoned pros to budding entrepreneurs. At the end of Q1 2024, P.O.W.E.R. had almost 2,000 members.

“P.O.W.E.R. is a network of inspiring women who can gain insights from industry experts and learn the skills needed to scale and grow a successful business,” says LeBreton. The program’s four core values are education, advocacy, networking and financial support, and these four values inform all programming and planning.

Women who own at least 50% of a for-profit business in the state of Louisiana are eligible for membership. To become a member, the only requirement is to open a business bank account at Fidelity Bank. There are no membership fees attached to the program, so the membership is active as long as the customer’s checking account is active.

Once the account is open, female business owners can take advantage of the many benefits offered through the program, including free educational workshops and networking sessions, discounted tickets to Fidelity Bank’s signature events, access to P.O.W.E.R.’s private membership database and event calendar, financial literacy training and more.

P.O.W.E.R. program highlights

The program has several components. The basic package, the P.O.W.E.R. Pack, includes resources such as P.O.W.E.R. Partners, which are local program experts located at every Fidelity Bank branch; networking events; a membership directory; and financial services like mortgage services, loans and P.O.W.E.R. Business 350 Checking, which allows for 350 free monthly transactions—ideal for businesses with mid-size transaction volumes.

One of the key offerings of the program, says LeBreton, is the educational workshop Knowledge is P.O.W.E.R. (KIP), which provides members with access to expert-led sessions on relevant business topics at no cost. Each workshop features a different business-related topic presented by an industry expert, allowing members to gain valuable insights to enhance their business. 

For example, P.O.W.E.R. recently held a KIP workshop titled “Canva for Dummies.” Attendees explored Canva—a graphic design platform that provides tools for websites, presentations, social media and marketing assets—as well as design tips from a Canva expert and the local graphic design company AWC Graphics.

Another highlight is the annual P.O.W.E.R. Woman of the Year Awards, which recognizes outstanding members through nominations by Fidelity Bank leaders. In 2025, Fidelity will host its third installment of the Woman of the Year Awards. 

Additionally, the P.O.W.E.R. Plates initiative partners with the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation (LHF) to recognize women in the state’s hospitality industry. The joint effort, which raises funds for LHF, was designed to recognize rising stars in the food, beverage and hotel industry, while highlighting women-owned and -operated establishments throughout the greater New Orleans region. 

A culture of support

Another perk of the program is a monthly P.O.W.E.R. member spotlight featured on P.O.W.E.R. social media. 

In addition, P.O.W.E.R. partners with Salon22, a professional club and co-working space designed specifically for women in New Orleans. The partnership provides P.O.W.E.R. members with a discounted annual membership, while Fidelity Bank provides exclusive programming and financial empowerment initiatives for Salon22 members.

“As the owner of two small businesses myself, I have a profound understanding of just how many ‘hats’ female entrepreneurs must wear every single day,” LeBreton says. “The ability to connect with peers who understand the trials and tribulations of owning a business, paired with the chance to learn new skills, makes being a P.O.W.E.R. member a no‑brainer.

“Every day, I work to help other female business owners succeed,” she adds. “P.O.W.E.R.’s mission is one that I truly believe in, which makes my job fulfilling and fun. Witnessing these women reach goals and shatter boundaries is something I will never get sick of.”

LeBreton says Fidelity Bank is not only a great place to bank but also a great place to work. The program’s sustainability is always considered, especially as Fidelity’s geographical footprint is rapidly growing. “However,” she adds, “our leadership recognizes that I am one person, and the level of support I receive from my teammates and leadership gives me the room to be creative.”

Fidelity Bank also understands that P.O.W.E.R. is more than a marketing initiative, notes LeBreton. It is a true line of business. As she says, “That speaks to just how much Fidelity Bank believes in the power of women in business.”