Mujer Emprende Latina

What Mujer Emprende Latina does

Mujer Emprende Latina (MEL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in March 2016 and headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the mission of supporting Latina women entrepreneurs. The organization operates an integrated portfolio of programs that span the full business-incubation lifecycle: the EmprendeME 14-week online business training course ($199.99), the Taller ME free workshop series, the EmpodéraME business competition (which awards up to $30,000 in seed capital per cycle to winners), the Conecta & Crece networking program, the Aliadas MEL subscription membership ($15–$45 per month), and the EvalúaME business diagnostic tool. As of the most recent disclosure, MEL has cultivated a database of more than 5,000 businesswomen and supported over 1,500 participants through intensive programs, with operational reach extending beyond San Juan to Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Chicago, and Lima, Peru, via local chapter leaders.

The organization's revenue model combines individual donations, corporate donations and sponsorships, program fees, recurring membership dues, merchandise sales, paid 1-on-1 mentorship sessions, and donations collected through workshop facilitator arrangements. Named corporate partners include the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), Oriental Bank, Chef Edgardo Noel, the Hera Institute, and Correa Tire — diversified across banking, public-sector economic development, food/hospitality, education, and automotive retail. Technical infrastructure is intentionally light and entirely off-the-shelf: Squarespace for the website, Zoom for program delivery, email marketing automation, and social media channels; there is no proprietary platform, app, or AI/ML infrastructure. MEL holds a GuideStar Silver Seal of Transparency and operates independently, with no parent company, institutional investors, or M&A activity disclosed. Staffing is approximately 12 employees supported by a 40+ active mentor bench. The organization has scheduled its 10th-anniversary Congreso ME for May 28, 2026.

Name

Mujer Emprende Latina

Legal name

Mujer Emprende Latina

Website

https://mujeremprendelatina.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mujer Emprende Latina is a San Juan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that trains, mentors, and funds Latina women entrepreneurs across Puerto Rico, the US mainland, and Peru through paid courses, free workshops, a seed-capital competition, and a paid membership community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Entrepreneurship Education & Support Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Educational Services (611), Business and Secretarial Schools (611410)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAAAOAM

Entrepreneurship & Small Business Workforce Programs

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Workforce Development Initiatives

SECONDARYEDAMAHAE

Financial Literacy, Budgeting & Personal Finance

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/Entrepreneurship & Business Enrichment

SECONDARYEDAMAHAI

Leadership, Management & Teamwork for Business

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/Entrepreneurship & Business Enrichment

SECONDARYEDAMAHAG

Marketing, Branding & Sales Skills

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/Entrepreneurship & Business Enrichment

Keywords

• Women entrepreneurship programs
• Business training workshops
• Seed capital grants
• Entrepreneur networking events
• Mentorship services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Juan

HQ country

Puerto Rico

HQ region

Latin America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations (Crowdfunding): Mujer Emprende Latina raises funds from individual donors who contribute to the organization's Seed Capital Fund (Fondo Semilla MEL). Donations support grants to women entrepreneurs and help maintain organizational operations and programs. The organization states that every $1 invested in MEL generates up to $8 of economic and social value in communities. Individual donations start at $10 and are tax-deductible.
2. Corporate Donations and Sponsorships: MEL partners with corporations and businesses for donations, sponsorships, and cause-marketing campaigns. Corporate packages are offered at tiers: ConóceME ($500), ApóyaME ($1,000), and ImpúlsaME ($2,000), each with escalating recognition benefits. PYME businesses are also invited to donate to the seed capital fund. The organization also offers corporate upskilling workshops on topics like leadership, innovation, and social commitment.
3. Program Fees - EmprendeME: The primary paid program is EmprendeME, a 14-week online business training program offered at $199.99 per participant (full program), with individual classes available at $35 per session. Scholarships are available for participants who qualify financially. The program covers 14 topics including business planning, digital marketing, sales, human resources, financial management, and legal requirements.
4. Aliadas MEL Monthly Memberships: Monthly membership program with three tiers: Siembra ($15/month), Cultiva ($25/month), and Florece ($45/month). Benefits include discounts on workshops and events, access to a private community of women entrepreneurs, monthly newsletters with tools and opportunities, and contributions to the Seed Fund. Membership fees are classified as tax-deductible donations.
5. Merchandise Sales: MEL sells branded merchandise including t-shirts, crop tops, caps, mugs, travel mugs, mousepads, and seasonal ornaments (Christmas). Products carry the organization's 'Libre, Digna y Próspera' message, and proceeds contribute to the Seed Fund for women entrepreneurs. Items range from $15 to $35.
6. One-on-One Mentorship Sessions: MEL offers individual mentorship sessions with experienced women leaders and board members covering topics such as business coaching, brand strategy, sales, financial management (budgeting, personal and business finances), and AI/software/technology. Mentorship sessions are available at various price points through the online store.
7. Workshop Facilitator Donations: Workshop facilitators (talleristas) are invited to contribute a 'donativo' to offer their workshops through MEL's platform. Donation tiers range from $50 (30-minute workshop) to $200 (2-hour workshop). This model helps cover operational and educational costs while providing facilitators with exposure to MEL's network of 5,000+ businesswomen.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Mujer Emprende Latina is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers an integrated ecosystem of entrepreneurship education, networking, mentorship, and seed capital programs for Latina women in Puerto Rico and the US diaspora. Its paid core offering is the 14-week online EmprendeME business training program ($199.99), supplemented by free in-person Taller ME workshops, the EmpodéraME seed capital competition (up to $30,000 per cycle), Conecta & Crece networking events, the Aliadas MEL monthly membership, and one-on-one mentorship sessions. Revenue is also generated through branded merchandise sales, gift cards, and individual and corporate donations that fund the Seed Capital Fund (Fondo Semilla MEL).

Product overview

Mujer Emprende Latina is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive ecosystem of programs and services for Latina women entrepreneurs. The portfolio includes business training programs (EmpréndeME, Taller ME), a business competition (EmpodéraME), networking events (Conecta & Crece), and a membership program (Aliadas MEL) with three tiers. Individual mentorship services cover business coaching, finances, sales, and technology. Merchandise includes branded apparel and accessories featuring the Libre, Digna y Próspera message, with proceeds supporting the Seed Fund for microentrepreneurs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• EmprendeME Business Training Program A 14-week online business training program covering 14 topics including business planning, digital marketing, sales, human resources, financial management, legal requirements, taxes, budgeting, and diversity. Delivered via Zoom with expert instructors for Latina women entrepreneurs seeking to start, formalize, or grow a business.
• Taller ME Workshop A free full-day in-person educational workshop for Latina women exploring entrepreneurship, covering 8 key topics from business concept to strategic planning and financial management. Hosted in auditoriums for 100-200 women with optional vendor tables for microbusinesses.
• EmpodéraME Business Competition An annual business competition that provides seed money grants to women entrepreneurs with business ideas or established businesses under two years old. Includes mentorship, pitch preparation, and awards up to $30,000 per cycle, with past winners receiving up to $30,000 in seed capital.
• Conecta & Crece Networking Event A networking event for women entrepreneurs featuring power talks, elevator pitch training, and speed dating-style business introductions. Held evenings from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at local restaurants and partner venues.
• Aliadas MEL Membership Program A monthly membership program with three tiers: Siembra ($15), Cultiva ($25), and Florece ($45). Includes discounts on workshops and events, access to a private community of women entrepreneurs, monthly newsletters, and contributions to the Seed Fund. All tiers are classified as 501(c)(3) tax-deductible donations.
• One-on-One Mentorship Sessions Individual mentorship sessions with experienced women leaders and board members covering business coaching, brand strategy, budgeting and financial management, sales planning, and AI/software/technology integration. Available through the online store with various mentors including Virginia Rivera, Karen Oliver, Lluendah Moro, and Yaksani Ventura.
• EvalúaME Business Analysis An express business analysis service for incentives and capital access. Evaluates whether a business meets requirements for government incentives, financing, or seed capital, and includes an action plan for readiness.
• MEL Branded Merchandise (Libre, Digna y Próspera) Branded merchandise featuring the 'Libre, Digna y Próspera' message, including t-shirts, crop tops, caps, mugs, travel mugs, mousepads, and seasonal Christmas ornaments. Items range from $15 to $35, with proceeds contributing to the Seed Capital Fund.
• MEL Gift Card (Creo en TI) A gift card enabling recipients to access MEL's mentorship, events, workshops, and educational experiences. Available in denominations starting at $25.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,500 women have completed intensive MEL programs, generating sustainable businesses, jobs, and access to seed capital of up to $25,000.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Prospera: Prospera is a nonprofit that supports Hispanic and Latina entrepreneurs in the US through business training, technical assistance, and access to capital — closely mirroring MEL's mission, target demographic, and education-plus-capital ecosystem model.
• SCORE Association: A US-wide 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free business mentoring, low-cost workshops, and educational resources to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs — directly overlapping MEL's training and mentorship offering for a similar SMB/individual consumer target.
• Accion: Accion is a global nonprofit that supports small business owners through lending, training, and networks, with explicit focus on women and minority entrepreneurs — overlapping MEL's mission of combining financial education with capital access for underserved founders.
• DreamSpring: DreamSpring is a nonprofit CDFI providing microloans and business training to underserved entrepreneurs, including women and minority-owned small businesses — directly comparable in combining capital access with education for low-income founders.
• Grameen America: Grameen America is a nonprofit microlending organization focused on women entrepreneurs in low-income communities, providing small business loans and financial education — overlapping MEL's capital-access mission and target demographic of women founders.

Broad incumbents

• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses: A large, well-funded business education and growth program for small business owners that delivers cohort-based training, access to capital, and mentorship — overlapping MEL's EmprendeME-style curriculum but serving a broader, non-Latine-focused audience at greater scale.
• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): NAWBO is a nationwide membership organization for women business owners offering networking, education, and advocacy — comparable to MEL's Aliadas MEL membership and Conecta y Crece events, but serving all women-owned businesses rather than the Latine segment specifically.
• Women's Business Centers (SBA program): A network of SBA-funded centers providing business training, mentoring, and access to capital for women entrepreneurs — directly comparable to MEL's free workshops and mentorship services, but operating at greater scale with public funding.
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): WBENC is a nonprofit dedicated to certifying and supporting women-owned businesses, offering networking, education, and corporate connections — comparable to MEL's networking events and corporate partnership programs at a larger, US-wide scale.

Regional players

• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico's leading Hispanic business chamber supporting Hispanic-owned businesses through training, advocacy, and networking — directly comparable to MEL's Puerto Rico-rooted entrepreneur support, but operating as a broader chamber rather than a Latine-women-focused nonprofit.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mujeremprendelatina

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mujer Emprende Latina