Jill Bommarito and Ethel’s Baking Company Journey

This case study details the entrepreneurial journey of Jill Bommarito, founder of Ethel’s Baking Company, and her experience with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. The narrative begins with Jill's background and her transition from a career in real estate to starting her own business in 2011. It highlights her family's history of entrepreneurship and her motivation to create gluten-free baked goods that everyone can enjoy. The case study outlines the challenges she faced, including capital constraints and the need for expertise in various business areas. Jill discusses the importance of strategic planning and scaling operations, as well as the community support in Detroit. The program provided her with valuable education and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, enabling her to grow from a local brand to an international presence. Additionally, Jill emphasizes the significance of advocacy for small businesses and her desire to leave a legacy through her brand.