A 3-Year Journey of Growing a Grant Writing Agency

This episode, Sheleia Phillips explains how to grow a grant writing business, different ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable, and the benefits of having an anchor client.Sheleia Phillips is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting and has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years.In this episode, Sheleia Phillips explains her journey moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming the CEO of her own business, the impact of having a mentor, and how having SOPs can change a grant writing business.She also talks about the things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency, how to get the first clients for a grant writing agency, and the impact hiring independent subcontractors has on a grant writing business’s profit.What you’ll learn in this episode:Moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming a CEO.The impact of having a mentor.Why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client.Things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency.How to get the first clients for a grant writing agency.How to grow a grant writing business that doesn’t take over your life.Ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable.How hiring independent subcontractors impacts a grant writing business’s profit.How soon after starting a business you should set up SOPs.How SOPs can change a grant writing business.About Sheleia PhillipsSheleia Phillips, MPH, CHES, is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years. Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. She has advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy. Sheleia’s track record of securing millions of dollars in grants for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies is a testament to her attention to detail and dedication to her clients. Her ability to effectively communicate her clients’ missions and objectives is a key factor in her success.Sheleia is also a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant reviewer. Sheleia is an active Grant Professionals Association (GPA) board member. She is committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards by following GPA’s Code of Ethics. Beyond her grant writing work, Sheleia’s expertise and insights have made her a sought-after speaker and educator in the field. Sheleia has partnered with and been featured in various industry platforms and publications, including Forbes, Grant Professionals Association, Network for Good, Voyage Magazine (St. Louis), Certified Fundraising Executive Digest, Instrumentl, and Neon One. A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Her clients believe she motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and cheerful personality. She genuinely enjoys her work and brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to organizations and individuals interested in growing their capacity.Connect with Sheleia:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramQuotables:“Under promise and over deliver and do it in a way that is unique for you.”“I want to create my business in such a way that I can be duplicated, not replaced but duplicated because I want to take vacations, I like taking naps, and I don’t want to be the bottleneck in the business.”“If you’re just starting out in business give yourself the opportunity to grow into it. Don’t stress about SOPs because you’re going to need to pivot and make adjustments to how your process works as you work with more clients.”Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.Resources mentioned in this episode:The Grant Writing Coach Tells All on Going from Biologist to Grant ProfessionalWhen to Start a New Service for a Grant Writing BusinessScale Your Grant Writing Business with an Identity ShiftGrant Easy Management SoftwareOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.———————————————————————————This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!