Jill Bommarito

Jill Bommarito is the founder and CEO of Ethel's Baking Company, a gluten-free bakery located in Metro Detroit, Michigan. She started her business in 2011 by leasing a church kitchen with a $10,000 loan from her mother, initially employing just herself and one other person.123

Business Background:

• Founded Ethel's Baking Company in 2011, specializing in gluten-free dessert bars and cookies
• Named the company after her grandmother, Ethel St. John, who inspired her love of baking
• Currently operates a business with $5 million in annual revenue and 26 full-time employees14
• Products are sold in 49 states across grocery stores, airports, hospitals, universities, and convenience stores1

Motivation and Mission: Bommarito was motivated by her family's 30-year history with Celiac Disease to create high-quality gluten-free baked goods. Her goal was to make gluten-free desserts that are not just "good enough" but truly exceptional, ensuring people with dietary restrictions feel like "the rockstar of the party".23

Achievements:

• Graduated from the first Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in Detroit in 201414
• Received Start-Up Company of the Year for Macomb County in 20144
• Expanded from 25 retail stores in 2014 to over 1,500 stores across the U.S. and Canada by 20243

Entrepreneurial Approach: Bommarito is committed to growing her business strategically, using Michigan-made ingredients and supporting local economic development. She is also passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and advocating for small businesses.4