YouTube Live on Grant Opportunities

Key Points

• Host: Superior Shelby, Grant Writer
• Context: Discussion on new grant opportunities and general tips for starting and sustaining a business.

Introduction

• Highlighted a new video on grant opportunities for new and seasoned businesses.
• Emphasis on grants being free money that doesn’t need to be repaid (no credit checks, personal info like SSN needed).
• Mentioned four ways to get approval for grants:
  1. First-come, first-served
  2. Pitch competitions
  3. Judged applications
  4. Random raffle/drawings

Importance of Execution

• Emphasis on the importance of execution in entrepreneurship: E is for Execution.
• Many fail due to lack of execution despite having good ideas.
• An anecdote about a seasoned client who had an LLC but no business plan or profits emphasizes the need for execution.

Misconceptions about Funding

• Not necessary to have a line of credit or business funding to start a business.
• Sharing a client’s story who faced multiple setbacks but didn’t execute essential steps when needed.
• Urging business owners to prioritize tasks to avoid starting from scratch after setbacks.

Steps to Prepare for Grant Applications

• *Three Essential Documents:
  1. A business plan ($300 service offered or AI tool venturekit.ai for $20/month)
  2. Pitch Deck ($150 service offered or AI tool beautiful.ai)
  3. Pitch Video (90 seconds introducing the business, its success, and future needs)
• Showing proof through these documents increases chances of approval for grants.

Grants Discussed

1. T-Mobile Hometown Grant

   • $50,000 grant for nonprofits looking to revitalize urban or underserved areas.
   • Steps: Apply online, submit project plan proposal, detailed budget/timeline, five letters of community support.

2. Zero Beautiful Business Fund

   • Global businesses eligible.
   • Entry: Register, submit application with a 90-sec pitch video, deadlines till Aug 27, 2024.
   • Grants for different categories (environmental sustainability, tech innovations, community connection, etc.)
   • Winners could receive up to $42,500.

3. DoorDash Relief Fund

   • Grants for food and beverage businesses.
   • Flexibility in grant amount, application system through Hello Alice.

4. Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Grant

   • $50,000 for Black business owners.
   • Required: EIN, business details, brief overview, pitch video.

5. General Advice on Grant Tools

   • Websites for grant opportunities: grants.gov, helloskip.com (Superior Shelby referral code), grantwatch.com.

Execution Strategy Tips

• Importance of being prepared and professional in grant applications.
• Encouraging viewers to focus on executing advice given in videos.
• Preparation should include correct business addresses and properly structured business documents.
• Encouraging viewing other free resources before spending money on consultations.

Interaction with Audience

• Responded to various queries about specific industries (music, food trucks, etc.) and provided tailored advice for each.
• Challenged viewers to act on given advice to determine credibility and effectiveness.

Closing Remarks

• Offered $47 consultation calls to help develop execution strategies.
• Reiterated importance of business fundamentals like proper documentation and realistic goals.
• Urged viewers to prioritize their business by taking action on the advice provided.
• Upcoming plans to livestream more grant applications starting next Monday at 9 AM and 6 PM EST.

Summary

• Emphasized the value and accessibility of grants for businesses of all types and stages.
• Focus on the significance of executing business strategies effectively.
• Encouraging self-starting attitudes and thorough preparation to maximize grant opportunities.