Shauntae E. Lewis is a certified grant writer and business success coach who founded Grant Life Consulting—a woman and veteran-owned consultancy specializing in grant proposal writing, management, and strategic funding solutions. Drawing on over 20 years of professional experience in business writing, organizational management, and development, she leverages her U.S. Air Force background to empower nonprofits and small businesses to secure critical funding. As a passionate advocate for underrepresented communities, she also mentors emerging entrepreneurs and serves on nonprofit boards, driving impactful change in the sectors she serves.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
Like an eagle that soars high and has incredible vision, the eagle symbolizes the qualities of focus, strength, and endurance—traits one needs when navigating the complex landscape of grant funding. Its ability to spot opportunities from a distance mirrors the consultancy’s vision in spotting sources of funding for small businesses and nonprofits. Moreover, the eagle is also a powerful symbol of American power and leadership, resonating with the company’s veteran-owned history and commitment to empowering marginalized communities.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
I’ve learned that keeping a healthy work-life balance isn’t just something that happens on its own—it takes discipline and clear boundaries. I’ve redefined what balance means for me as both a business owner and a mom of four. I schedule my day carefully, prioritizing the tasks that drive my business forward while also carving out dedicated time for my kids and myself. I lean on my support network, knowing that when my professional goals and personal life work together, it fuels success in every area of my life.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
When unexpected detours come my way, I remind myself that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. I take a step back, reassess my strategy, and trust my instincts to pivot in a way that aligns with my mission. I lean on my experience, my support network, and the belief that resilience isn’t about never failing—it’s about using every setback as fuel for future success. By sharing these lessons, I hope to inspire fellow women entrepreneurs to embrace change with grace and forge ahead with confidence.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
For me, success goes way beyond the numbers on a balance sheet. I measure it by the real impact we create—how we empower nonprofits to achieve their missions, the positive feedback we receive from clients, and the lasting relationships we build within our community. It’s about seeing our work translate into lives changed, opportunities created, and a ripple effect that strengthens the whole ecosystem. Every success story, every smile, and every milestone our partners reach is a true measure of our impact.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
One memorable moment that really captured the heart of what we do was when I helped a nonprofit secure a pivotal grant that completely transformed their program. I remember that rush of excitement—not just seeing our business grow, but witnessing a tangible change in the community we serve. That breakthrough, where our services directly empowered an organization to expand its impact, reaffirmed our mission and reenergized my entire team. Moments like these, where lives are truly transformed and communities uplifted, are what drive me every single day.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship isn’t just about advice—it’s the lifeline that lifts us higher. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who not only shared invaluable industry insights but also bolstered my confidence to face challenges head-on. Programs like Bunker Labs’ Veterans in Residence, now known as the University of Syracuse IVMF program, were game-changers for me, helping me refine my strategy and overcome imposter syndrome. Their support has taught me that every setback can be transformed into a stepping stone when you draw on the strength and wisdom of our community. Each mentor has played a pivotal role, inspiring me to uplift fellow entrepreneurs—because when we lift as we climb, we all rise together.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
My work is all about unlocking opportunities for organizations that are making a real difference in our communities. I help nonprofits and small businesses secure the grant funding they need—not just through proposal writing, but by crafting strategies that empower them to grow and thrive. It’s more than a business for me; it’s a mission to bridge the gap between passion and funding, ensuring that essential programs continue to serve underrepresented communities and spark change. Every grant we secure is a step toward transforming lives and building a brighter, more equitable future.
