The Entrepreneur Latina Leaders of America (E.L.L.A.) - “She/Her” in Spanish, was launched in 2015 to serve Latina entrepreneurs who are achieving their American dream of owning and growing a business.

Through collaborations with the Pathway Women’s Business Center and SCORE, ELLA participants learn topics relevant to business development, including bootstrap marketing, accounting, financial literacy, and more.

The Program

E.L.L.A. participants receive business classes once a month as a group and meet with their mentors individually twice a month during the eight-month class.
Our business and leadership development program is a strategically designed eight-month course to help these entrepreneurs annually strengthen their business acumen through a culturally relevant business curriculum while also building up their networks and support systems. It consists of three components: curriculum, mentoring, and peer support/connection.
The program is possible thanks to our sponsors and partnerships with SCORE and Pathway Landing in Nashville.
Participants who complete the mentorship program including the final reports, attend meetings regularly and participate in the Chamber’s networking events qualify to be the recipient of a cash award sponsored by HCA TriStar Health.

Winners of the E.L.L.A. cash award includes Itzel Gonzalez, Alejandra Patiño, Rachel Rodriguez, and Julia Vallejos Browne.

Although the E.L.L.A. program has no cost to the participants, all participants and mentors must be members in good standing of the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce.

Networking & Connections

E.L.L.A. participants represent an array of industries, from food manufacturing, musicians, commercial cleaning, photography, construction, and more. Participants are encouraged to participate in all TLACC events, and other networking events in Middle Tennessee to expand their footprint.
E.L.L.A. Annual Luncheon
In its second year, the E.L.L.A. annual luncheon is organized with the intention of increasing networking opportunities for the participants, increase program awareness, and develop a fundraising avenue for the program.

Workshops

E.L.L.A. offers the following workshops:
How to write your business plan
Financial planning
QuickBooks
Creating and managing a website
Social media
Networking
Time management
Microsoft office tools
How to become certified as a Minority Business Enterprise

We want to acknowledge the contributions of ELLA founder, and TLACC Board of Governors member, Marcela Gomez, for her leadership in creating the ELLA program to help Latinas in Middle Tennessee strengthen their entrepreneurial efforts; as well as former TLACC Board member, Claudia Barajas for continuing the program into 2020.