A couple of people sitting at a table.

SomerCor 504 Focus Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Metaphrasis Language & Cultural Solutions


Metaphrasis Language & Cultural Solutions provides interpreting and translation services that focus on creating true human connection for the people who need it most. Their clients include healthcare organizations, government services, corporations, and the people they serve.

Company History

Metaphrasis was founded in 2007 by Elizabeth Colón. Communication is personal for Colón – as the child of parents who do not speak English and a sister of two deaf siblings – she has firsthand experience with the struggles faced by those negotiating a new country and culture without being proficient in the language or unable to understand. Metaphrasis was born out of the desire to empower through translation and interpretation services.

Since founding Metaphrasis, the company has grown both in size and recognition in the community. In 2014, Elizabeth received the SBA Illinois Small Business Person of the Year Award. She was also named the first Latina president of NAWBO Chicago, where she recently completed the organization’s first virtual conference.

SBA 504 Loan with SomerCor

In the early years, Colón operated the business out of her home. In 2010, she decided to purchase office space in Chicago to be in close proximity to her larger customers and establish a proper business location to host meetings and clients. She partnered with SomerCor, utilizing an SBA 504 loan, to buy a 2,300 square foot office space in the West Town neighborhood.

Having a business from home was ideal when Metaphrasis first started.  Over the years, while our client base increased, opportunities were also lost since Metaphrasis lacked a physical office space in Chicago.  With the help of Somercor, we were able to purchase property, which allowed us to grow our service offerings and increase our staff.  The process of obtaining an SBA 504 loan with Somercor came with many more benefits over a conventional loan. The staff is very knowledgeable and genuinely committed to finding the right solution for you and your business.

Metaphrasis is Open for Business!

The Metaphrasis team continues to serve their customers in compliance with statewide social distancing and mask guidelines. Visit https://metaphrasislcs.com/ for details on available services.

Download the program flyer and connect with a member of SomerCor’s loan origination team to learn more about how the SBA 504 loan program supports improved cash flow for small businesses.

Contact Us

A woman with glasses is smiling for the camera.

Margaret Griffin

EVP, Chief Lending Officer
(312) 360-3320
mgriffin@somercor.com

A man in a suit and tie standing outside.

Eric Bacon

A man in suit and tie smiling for the camera.

Darin Gehrke

SVP Market Lead for Central and Southern Illinois
(217) 793-1075
dgehrke@somercor.com

A woman with blonde hair wearing a black jacket.

Elisabeth Williams