Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness Programs

Empowering entrepreneurs in Latin America, Africa, and the United States to thrive and compete in the global marketplace.

Entrepreneurs: Skills, Tools & Network for Growth

The Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness Programs at Columbia Business School comprise the ECLA, EC-Africa, and EC-America programs, exclusively for entrepreneurs from small to mid-sized companies in Latin America, Africa, and the United States seeking to expand and better compete in today’s global environment.

The EC programs equip entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and network to professionalize and grow their businesses. A key component of the program is that each firm participates with 2–3 leaders. This ensures a shared mindset and experience that enables decision-makers to implement the methodologies and changes that are needed for continuous improvement in their companies.

The rigorous curriculum features:

Classes on campus and online under Columbia’s world-class faculty
International study tours
Results-oriented projects

Next Program: EC-Africa 2026

We will begin recruiting for the next EC-Africa cohort in April.

The EC-Africa program at Columbia Business School equips entrepreneurs from mid-sized African companies with the skills, tools, and network to professionalize and grow their businesses in today’s global environment.

Learn more about the EC-Africa program in the meantime.

Immediate Results and Long-lasting Benefits

What ECP Can Offer

Tools and Strong Networking

Acquire tools and skills to grow your business beyond borders and lead change within your organization
Collaborate with faculty advisors to work on process improvements with measurable results
Build a strong network of entrepreneurs, industry coaches, and business leaders from all over the world

Exposure and Opportunity

Gain international exposure to a region of unique business and entrepreneurial culture
Experience the ideal environment to share challenges with other peer entrepreneurs and benefit from professors’ expertise and insight
Take the opportunity to step back as a team and analyze your company from a distance

Alumni Privileges

Join the Columbia Business School alumni network of more than 42,000 executives in 120 countries
Audit Columbia Business School classes at any time as a lifelong alumni privilege