Meet the immigrant entrepreneur working to uplift other immigrant entrepreneurs

A decade ago, Liliana Quintero moved to the United States from Bogotá, Colombia, and she’s been helping immigrants reach their potential as entrepreneurs ever since.

Quintero, 45, landed in Middletown, Delaware, after her husband’s job relocated them to the US. 

She currently works as the bilingual small business consultant at the Widener University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and as chair of the board of directors of the Delaware Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which she helped to form in 2024 with founder Ronaldo Tello and others with an interest in serving the local Hispanic community. 

As an entrepreneur herself, Quintero is also in the process of starting her own consulting firm for entrepreneurs, called Silvana Consulting Services LLC, slated to launch in the fall. 

“My goal is to collaborate with universities and organizations to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering resources and accessible training for small businesses,” Quintero told Technical.ly.

In this edition of Technical.ly’s How I Got Here series, Quintero discusses her journey from warehouse to hybrid tech worker, and shares advice for anyone not sure of their career path.

This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. 

What would you say was the beginning of your entrepreneur ecosystem journey?

My journey in the entrepreneurial ecosystem began when I realized the lack of accessible resources and guidance for small business owners, particularly within the Hispanic community. Through my work with organizations like the Delaware Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the SBDC, I have supported entrepreneurs in key areas such as strategic planning, access to capital and regulatory compliance.

Over time, my focus has expanded to strengthening these ecosystems by connecting resources and providing hands-on business education. Now, through my own consulting firm for entrepreneurs, I collaborate with universities and organizations to improve access to training and resources for small businesses while maintaining a close and practical approach for entrepreneurs.

How has being an immigrant affected your career journey?

Being an immigrant has given me a unique perspective on the challenges Hispanic entrepreneurs face in the US. 

I have personally experienced language barriers, limited access to crucial business information and difficulties in securing funding. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to education and business empowerment, helping others overcome obstacles and achieve their business goals. 

Additionally, it has positioned me as a bridge between institutions and the Hispanic community, facilitating programs and opportunities that promote economic growth and the sustainability of small businesses.

What does a typical day look like?

My days are dynamic and diverse. I may be organizing networking events, facilitating strategic planning workshops, advising entrepreneurs on business structures and funding or drafting key communications for programs like Emprendedores sin Barreras.

Now, starting my own business, I also dedicate time to developing training programs in collaboration with universities and business support organizations. This allows me to expand the impact of my work, ensuring that more entrepreneurs have access to practical and relevant resources. I also invest time in planning new initiatives and evaluating the impact of the programs I’m involved in.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the kind of work you do?

My advice is to develop a true passion for helping others achieve their goals and to be willing to learn constantly. This work requires knowledge of business operations, finance, regulations and growth strategies, but also strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Patience and empathy are key, as every entrepreneur faces unique challenges. Getting involved with local organizations, building connections with experts and staying informed about business trends can make a significant difference.

What goals do you hope to achieve in the next few years?

In the coming years, I want to continue strengthening programs that support Hispanic entrepreneurs by expanding initiatives like Emprendedores sin Barreras. I also aim to develop more accessible educational resources, such as specialized guides and workshops, to help entrepreneurs navigate critical processes like financial planning and access to capital.

With my consulting firm for entrepreneurs, my goal is to expand collaborations with universities and organizations, designing more effective and sustainable training programs. At an organizational level, my goal is to improve the sustainability of the programs I work with and expand their overall impact on the Hispanic business community.

What’s your message to other entrepreneurs?

I would like to send a message to entrepreneurs and small business owners: I want to remind you that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. The entrepreneurial journey is not always easy, but with determination, education and the right connections, success is within reach. Don’t be afraid to seek support and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.

To Chambers of Commerce, universities and all organizations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, I encourage you to continue strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem through accessible and relevant programs. Together, we can create more opportunities and break down barriers so that small businesses can thrive. 

This story, and all of Technical.ly's immigration reporting, is made possible by the WES Mariam Assefa Fund.

The WES Mariam Assefa Fund supports catalytic efforts to create more inclusive economies for immigrants and refugees in the US and Canada. It works closely with organizations and leaders focused on ensuring more equitable access to opportunity and wealth.