The Mexicana Emprende program, an initiative by the Instituto de los Mexicanas en el Exterior (IME), is making significant strides in empowering Mexican women entrepreneurs in Detroit and surrounding areas. This program, now in its seventh cohort, provides free training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help women develop and strengthen their businesses.
Brenda Herrera-Reed, a participant from Ann Arbor who later moved to Rochester Hills, exemplifies the program’s impact. Originally from Tijuana, Herrera-Reed transitioned from a career in medicine to founding Herrera MD MedSpa, a medical aesthetics and metabolic clinic. As her business expanded, she recognized the need for guidance in business administration, which she found through Mexicana Emprende.
The program, coordinated through the Mexican Consulate in Detroit located in Madison Heights, is fully virtual, allowing participants to engage from their homes. It utilizes the DreamBuilder platform developed by the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, offering lessons in financial management, operations, marketing, and strategic planning.
Participants like Priscilla Sauceda, who operates Baby Time Center in Troy, Michigan, and Elena Beltral-Varela, owner of Artesanías ElenitaLinda, have benefited from the program’s comprehensive curriculum. Sauceda was able to develop her business plan, while Beltral-Varela gained insights into U.S. business practices and improved her social media marketing skills.
The program’s structure includes three phases, starting with independent coursework and progressing to tailored support in areas like local business regulations. After completing the program, graduates are celebrated at a ceremony at the Mexican Consulate in Madison Heights, where they meet mentors and fellow participants. The consulate continues to support graduates through networking events and business fairs.
Mexicana Emprende’s reach extends beyond Michigan, involving consulates in New York, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The program’s success is evident in its ability to connect women entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities, fostering a supportive community for business growth.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
