We sit down with the grant queen,” Whitney Cumbo—a powerhouse entrepreneur who’s secured over $2 million in grant funding for herself and her clients. Whitney reveals how her journey from struggling small business owner to thriving multi-storefront entrepreneur was fueled by the power of government and private grants.

You’ll hear Whitney break down her personal story, including how a car accident and financial adversity led her to discover grants as a lifeline for her business. She debunks common myths about grants being too hard to get, shares her winning strategies for crafting persuasive applications, and explains why telling a compelling story and showing genuine need is the key to winning funding.

No matter if you’re just starting out or looking to level up your existing venture, this episode is packed with actionable advice—from navigating business plans and mission statements to building the right connections and finding your first grants. If you’ve ever wondered how to tap into the world of business grants (without the confusion or overwhelm), this candid conversation with Whitney will give you the roadmap and motivation to get started. Let’s dive in!

00:01 - 06:07 Grant Application Challenges & Success Rates

06:08 "Grant Success Through Storytelling"

07:43 Crafting Impactful Business Missions

10:00 "Grant Funds: Plan Before Spending"

15:48 Grant Writing and Business Mentorship

18:21 "Grant Systems Detect Plagiarism"

20:24 Empowering Through Education

24:40 Adopting an Abundance Mindset

27:32 Mentorship: Fast-Track Business Success

31:17 "Embrace the 33% Rule"

33:42 "Grant Classes & Community Networking"