Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brittnei C Leon, Owner and CEO of Write the Vision Plainly, LLC., located in Spring, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is centered around grant consulting, grant writing, and coaching - amongst other things. I am a Certified Grant Consultant who specializes in grant readiness, grant preparedness for nonprofits at inception, businesses at inception, and rising grant writers.
Tell us about yourself
The daily motivation behind my business can only be shared by my story. I got fired from my job in the middle of the pandemic shutdown in July 2020. It was the best day of my life! I had 5 years as a Paralegal Assistant (or Records Revival Specialist) at a records retrieval firm that specialized in medical malpractice and personal injury cases. I was already helping others, doing the research behind the case, writing it out, and reading what happened to them for the case. I knew my new chapter was beginning - I became a Grant Consultant.
I discovered that grant consulting/grant writing is like being a paralegal assistant - the only difference is that the other requires a courtroom. I started getting heavily involved with grant writing and its practices in 2019. I had to learn the grueling grant proposal writing process through trial, error, and rejection about the grant writing process, so you don't have to.
I have noticed two ongoing problems: first, new 501(c)(3) nonprofits and new grant writers are on the rise - a lot of the known practices, protocols, and strategic planning have been overshadowed by the "grant equals free money" myth, you can "make money quickly" myth, scammers guaranteeing grant funds, while not understanding that building a nonprofit it a marathon, not a sprint!
Second, grants are being released daily all over the world in every city, state, and country. There's no shortage of funds but a shortage of trained grant writers who can speak the funder's language to win grant awards. Meaning if you don't know the language, you won't win funding. In reality, there are billions on the table that funders want to get rid of. Let's help them to get rid of it.
Where does it end? There's always going to be a rising nonprofit, a rising business, or someone curious about the grant-writing proposal process. It can be confusing if one doesn't know the protocol, technique, and structure to get them funded (awarded grant funds). As a grant consultant, I can help guide them through the process.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building a structure for the language of Grant Proposal Writing that gives a comprehensive breakdown of the grant proposal process, which includes training, practice, and jargon associated with the funder. Lastly, a realistic point of view of what the funder is looking for and writing a grant proposal/grant application accordingly from the start.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The challenge is truthfully telling potential clients that grant awards aren't "free money," and it's not always easy to get. Truthfully telling potential grant trainees that grants are a process and not to rely on one grant award to fulfill their funding needs. Debunking common myths about grant proposal writing and its processes. "Challenge Accepted!"
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get your REST. No one is good to anyone when they are cranky and ornery. The day will come when you can't rest.
- Get comfortable with rejection and planning. You will get more "nos" than "yes," and you must be okay with it. Plan for the plan.
- At the inception of your nonprofit or business, apply for startup grants (can be qualified in the first 1-3 years)
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writingvisions22
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.visions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/writingvisions933103223/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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