In a corner of Kensington Avenue, where the city’s hustle and bustle never stops, Mildred Bermonty has created a space where the dreams of small entrepreneurs come to life. Her business, Consultoría Amigas Unidas, was born out of a simple need: helping others navigate the complex world of permits, registrations, and business licenses. Today, she is a key resource for Latinos looking to formalize their businesses and contribute to Philadelphia’s economic growth.
Mildred never imagined that her path would lead her to the world of business consulting. With a background in computer forensics and criminal justice, her career had been focused on education and community work. However, everything changed during the pandemic.
While working from home, she began assisting her husband with organizing the paperwork for his towing company. Soon, other business owners noticed her skills and started asking for her help.
“I realized that many Latino businesses were operating without being properly registered or licensed,” she explains. “That put them at risk and limited their growth.”
Almost unintentionally, Mildred became the go-to advisor for many local entrepreneurs.
What started as a favor for friends and acquaintances soon turned into a business opportunity.
“For years, I had been helping the community, but I never thought of doing it as my own venture,” she says.
Making the decision to formalize Consultoría Amigas Unidas wasn’t easy. Leaving the stability of a job to pursue her own business was a leap of faith, but Mildred was clear on her mission: to empower others.
One of her first steps was joining the Coaching for Impact program by Chase for Business, where she gained essential tools to structure and grow her company.
Since graduating from the Chase for Business program, Mildred’s business has experienced significant growth. She transitioned from working out of her home to opening an office at 3571 Kensington Avenue, right in the heart of the Latino community. She also secured financial support, including a grant from the City of Philadelphia to improve security at her business.
But what stands out the most is the impact she has made in her community.
“Last year, I helped launch 39 businesses, 30 of which are owned by women,” she proudly shares.
Her approach goes beyond paperwork—she guides entrepreneurs through every step of the process, ensuring they have the tools to succeed long-term.
For many Latinos, starting a business in the U.S. is a challenge filled with bureaucratic and language barriers. Mildred has become an advocate for those who feel the system is working against them.
“Many women come to me afraid because they don’t speak English and think that holds them back. I tell them: ‘I am your voice. Don’t give up,’” she says.
Her commitment is so strong that even when clients can’t afford to pay right away, she finds ways to support them, allowing them to pay later or simply refer her to others in need.
“This is not just a business for me. It’s a way to give back to my community,” she affirms.
A year after completing the Chase program, Mildred continues to receive support through mentorship and funding opportunities. But her vision extends far beyond her current business.
She is now working to establish a nonprofit organization that will provide free assistance to low-income entrepreneurs.
She also has big plans for her community.
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“If everything goes well, next year, North Philadelphia will experience something it has never seen before,” she says with a mysterious smile.
Mildred hopes her story will inspire others to take the first step.
“They call us minorities, but in reality, we are the majority. We are the ones building this city, opening businesses, and creating jobs,” she states with determination.
Her message is clear:
“Don’t let fear hold you back. Fight for your business, seek support, and believe in your potential.”
With passion and commitment, Mildred Bermonty is transforming the lives of Latino entrepreneurs—one business at a time—making sure no dream gets left behind.
By: Martin Alfaro
Noticias Newswire
