KNOWLEDGE IS LEARNED.
WISDOM IS EARNED.
Who We Are
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Latina and Latino entrepreneurs by providing resources, opportunities, and community connections.
Who We Are
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Latina and Latino entrepreneurs by providing resources, opportunities, and community connections.
Our Mission
CLECHA exists to ensure that all barriers are removed in order to allow San Francisco Latina and Latino small businesses to thrive.
Vision Statement
CLECHA’s goal is to not exist in a generation from today, because San Francisco Latina and Latino small business will be robust and self reliant.
Small Business Services
With access to the right resources, youths and adults can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. Our services include business permitting, financial planning, credit education, and access to grants and resources that are available.
Take a look at Outlaw Jiu-Jitsu with the support of Clecha's Business Navigators they successfully launched their Martial Arts studio location in addition to support in the areas of seeking bank loans, website, insurance and more!
Our re-entry program is uniquely designed to empower entrepreneur that have formerly been incarcerated. Clecha offers services to launch ideas and guide ventures. We promote opportunities by leveraging our expertise, network, and deep roots in the Latino community. We believe people are capable and willing to work and we have the ability to direct and connect them with needed resources.
Clecha has been supporting SF's re-entry population for many years now. One of our clients has had a big vision and we were here to support them on this journey. Check out Freedom Braiders and how they are transforming the way programing is carried out in custody while empowering and supporting the start of independent businesses.
Youth Services
There are many programs available for youth, but none are teaching them how to be entrepreneurs. We give our youth financial education, teach them about credit building and how to start a business.
Lets take a look at Amidulce! A sweet mother and daughter duo that is dishing out traditional tasty treats, while you may be in SF trying their authentic pan dulce, you'll definitely feel like your in the streets of Mexico!
Driven by Purpose, United as a Team
Meet the dedicated team behind CLECHA, committed to supporting and empowering Latina and Latino entrepreneurs.
WILLIAM ORTIZ-CARTAGENA
Founder & Treasurer
Born and raised in San Francisco's Mission District, William Ortiz-Cartagena has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, enjoying a successful career with Joie de Vivre hospitality. After leaving Joie de Vivre, William founded several companies and now focuses his efforts on the challenges experienced by underserved communities in San Francisco. William also served as Board President of the Mission Economic Development Agency, is the President of the Board for Mission Adelante, serves on the Board for Bayview S.O.L. and is an appointed official for the City and County of San Francisco as a Commissioner for the San Francisco office of Small Business.
