November 13, 2023 by Jessica Vilca, CDMP

Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success: Elena’s One and All Program Journey

In the bustling world of business, sometimes all you need is a guiding hand, a supportive network, and the right opportunities to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Elena, a determined and visionary entrepreneur, discovered just that when she became a participant in the “One and All” program, cohort 7.

Elena Herrera, Owner of Ledger Ally | Program 7 Graduate

Elena’s entrepreneurial journey began long before she established her business, Ledger Ally in 2022. With 11 years of experience in bookkeeping under her belt, she was no stranger to the intricacies of financial organization. Elena’s had her hands full with managing tedious bookkeeping and payroll tasks for small business owners. Simultaneously, she worked closely with individuals who were in the process of forming new businesses. Elena’s journey is intertwined with a family legacy of entrepreneurship. Her father, with over two decades of experience, runs a successful wholesale business in the Lansing region, distributing produce, chips, tortillas, and more. Elena’s commitment to bookkeeping was born out of her desire to relieve her father from the stress of processing invoices late into the night, allowing him to focus on being a more efficient business owner.

Being an entrepreneur is not easy. To have a space where you are getting answers to questions that you didn’t even know you had, and hearing about other people’s journeys was amazing.

When Elena applied for the program, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. She knew about the mentorship, business courses, and the financial rewards upon program completion, but the true value of the program exceeded her expectations. One of the most significant takeaways was the network of like-minded business owners she connected with. These connections extended beyond the program, and Elena was delighted to see familiar faces at other events and mixers. The inspiration drawn from these meetings and the sense of shared experiences were what kept her going on challenging days. “You take away connections, course content, and a support system.”

Pat McPharlin – Mentor | Photo: LSJ

Elena had the privilege of being paired with an experienced mentor, Pat McPharlin, a LEAP board member. Pat’s guidance was instrumental in Elena’s journey. He provided not only advice and encouragement but also shared his own life and business experiences, making the journey relatable and inspiring.

“We talked about realistically how much she wanted to expand her business given the demands on her and her time. Family and work. This was mostly Elena talking about where she was and where she could go with the business. We worked on how she could improve and make her presentations more professional to new clients, how she could market her business, and which associations she should consider joining to increase awareness of her and her business. I found the experience to be very rewarding and look forward to helping others.”

Mentors in the One and All program play a pivotal role in their mentees’ journeys. They meet with their mentees weekly or biweekly during the program and continue offering support after the program concludes. Their role evolves to meet the changing needs of their mentees, providing guidance, motivation, and tools for success.

The ultimate gift Elena received from the One and All Program was a profound understanding of her business and a crystal-clear vision of what she wanted it to become. The program forced her to sit down, reflect on her business structure, image, and branding, and articulate her vision and mission.

If you’re considering applying for the One and All program, Elena’s advice is straightforward: take the chance.

It’s a journey that can transform your business and your life. Just as Elena seized the opportunity, you too can embark on a path to entrepreneurial success with One and All. Elena’s advice to fellow participants is to make time and prioritize the program. Attend each meeting, engage with fellow participants, and build relationships not just within your cohort but also with the program facilitators. These connections could be an invaluable source of support even after the program concluded. The program’s impact on Elena’s business and her journey was immeasurable, and she knew that it could be the key to unlocking the doors to entrepreneurial success for others as well. The One & All 2024 program dates are: