Entrepreneurs are a unique bunch of highly motivated risk-takers who have a vision. These hyper-focused individuals work tirelessly to execute their vision because they believe in their business idea and themselves. But, imagine building a business in a country where you weren’t born. While obstacles to success are already high, you are now faced with language barriers, new licensing requirements, different procedures for establishing business entities, and more. It takes a determined and dedicated person to see a business dream to fruition and that is just what Lorena Ortiz and Jesus Calvo have achieved.
On February 28th, Bonnie Watson, Managing Director at Telluride Venture Network (TVN), and Elaine Demas, VP of Initiatives at the Telluride Foundation awarded grants to Lorena and Jesus, recent graduates of TVN’s Cómo Construir Un Negocio, a 10-week business Bootcamp for Latinx entrepreneurs. Lorena has opened Lorena’s Alterations located at 164F Society Drive above Eco Cleaners in Lawson Hill and will use funds to purchase sewing machines, materials, and business cards. Jesus plans on purchasing paint sprayers and ladders in addition to securing bookkeeping services to expand his company, My Family Painting.
Both recipients commended the business program as incredibly useful especially the connection to mentors. Lorena who was matched with two mentors, Michelle Sherry and Christina Casas, explained that Michelle helped her with all the nuts and bolts of developing her business while Christina was her consummate cheerleader throughout the program. Both mentors will continue guiding and supporting Lorena as she grows Lorena’s Alterations. Jesus was paired with Juan Luis Fenorella who helped him develop a quote system and organize his business operations separate from his personal finances. Juan has enjoyed mentoring and plans on continuing to assist Jesus as well as take on a new mentee in the next Bootcamp this Fall.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor with the Telluride Venture Network to assist Latinx entrepreneurs, small businesses, or high-growth startups please contact Annemarie Jodlowski at 970-729-1191 or annemarie@tellurideventurenetwork.com.
