Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness in Latin America (ECLA)
Entrepreneurs in Latin America have the innate creativity, spirit, and energy to build successful ventures, but do they have the skills and training to make their businesses thrive and compete in the global marketplace?The Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness in Latin America Program (ECLA) will equip participants with the skills, tools, and global mindset to prepare for today's changing global environment, create a sustainable competitive advantage, and expand business impact. Relying on the expertise of faculty from Columbia Business School and the Escuela de Negocios, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, and the advice and participation of Endeavor, this unique program provides entrepreneurs with the integrated foundational knowledge and perspective to implement and lead change within their companies and be successful across borders. Participants who complete the program will receive the Chazen Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness (CEC) from Columbia Business School and a certificate of completion from Executive Education, Di Tella Business School.
Program Objectives
- Equip participants with the educational foundation, tools, and resources to grow their enterprises and conduct cross-border transactions;
- Develop and hone participants' macroeconomic skills and global mindset, enabling them to capture opportunities and recognize challenges of entering new markets;
- Expose participants to the business and entrepreneurship culture of a country outside the region;
- Enable participants to develop and implement a company improvement project with measurable results and impact;
- Bridge theory with practice, utilizing case discussions, guest speakers, industry coaches and the diversity of experiences inherent in the faculty and student community; and
- Establish a network of Latin American entrepreneurs, industry coaches, academics, and business leaders.
Program Curriculum
ECLA takes an integrated approach by focusing on three key challenges: efficiency improvement, growth planning, and internationalization. Participants complete six learning modules over the course of 12 months, which combine classroom training, distance learning, international immersion, and project-based education in a comprehensive and relevant curriculum. Participants will be expected to complete three program deliverables that enact the skills, tools, and perspectives introduced in the program: a Process Improvement Project, which involves the creation, implementation, and evaluation of actionable strategies to improve company performance; a Business Growth Plan, which outlines steps for cross-border expansion; and a final Case Study, which reports how students attempted to grow their businesses throughout the program. Click here for more information about the ECLA curriculum.Program Information
The ECLA program will run from January 2010 to January 2011. Program modules will be delivered at Columbia Business School, the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, and at various facilities in a study tour destination outside of the region. The total program fee is $13,000, which includes tuition, materials, and double occupancy lodging for all six learning modules. Meals and airfares to program locations are not included. Firms sending a second participant will be eligible to receive a discounted program fee of $6,000 for the second participant. Click here for additional program information.Application Information
Acceptance to the program is by application only. Successful applicants will be mid-career entrepreneurs from across Latin America who are looking to take their businesses to the next level and who demonstrate entrepreneurial initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a global mindset. Ideal companies are mid-sized companies in all sectors of the economy that demonstrate business innovation, have high potential for growth across borders, model sustainable practices, and have development impact. Preference will be given to firms sending two representatives. Click here for information about how to apply.Additional Information
