How winning the Flourish Media Conference small business grant affected this Mental Health CEO

What could $3,000 do for your business? For Seneca Willams, winning the Flourish Media Small Business Grant fueled the growth of The Conquer Network, a membership program that provides emotional wellness for entrepreneurs. In this interview, she shares how the grant impacted her business and the most important investments she made. 

At Flourish Media we want to help the next generation of businesswomen achieve their dreams. That mission will be on full display Feb. 17 - 18 at the Flourish Media Conference in Miami, FL, where we will offer tools and strategies for women entrepreneurs to learn tools and strategies to build successful online brands. Because our ethos is all about putting our money where our mouth is, we are celebrating this annual event by giving away three grants to emerging and established women entrepreneurs for $1,000 each. One grant will be given to a random ticket holder, so be sure to get your ticket here. 

How did winning the business grant change the way you saw your business? 

Winning the FMC Small Business Grant was a great indicator that my business idea had value. Every entrepreneur wants to feel like their business has value–not just monetary value, but the value of impact, influence and transformation.

Mental wealth and wellness are valuable to the entire entrepreneur community. Entrepreneurs are usually reactive when it comes to mental health. I want to grow The Conquer Network, to help entrepreneurs become proactive about their mental health.

Why did you decide to apply?

Flourish Media is excellent at simplifying marketing and pitching, so even though it's a little scary, it does not feel as intimidating or overwhelming, to apply for a grant or to pitch to investors.

I also believe that when I elevate myself, I can empower other entrepreneurs to do the same. The best way to elevate, is to shoot my business shot, you never know when you'll score.

How has winning the FMC Small Business Grant improved your mindset around applying for other opportunities?

The FMC Small Business Grant was the jumpstart I needed after a really difficult year.

From the pandemic to my own personal health issues, I felt like giving it up. I figured I should just focus on being a therapist, being a solo mom to my teen daughter and staying healthy. But I decided to attend FMC 2021 and give this business idea another shot.

As a therapist and coach, I have always worked on my personal and business mindset, but it helps to have the support and backing of the entire Flourish Team. Every single one of the ladies on the team have been extremely supportive.

How has your business changed since the day you won the FMC Small Business Grant?

My business had a boost, by getting branding and marketing services by the Flourish Team, I increased my social media visibility, wew members joined the online community and I spoke on multiple podcasts and panels. I also hosted monthly sister circles for women entrepreneurs to gather and discuss their emotions and get support about business during a pandemic.

What is your next big milestone within your business?

My next milestone in business is launching an online course Business Anxiety Breakthrough. It walks new entrepreneurs through steps it takes to conquer their fears in online business and social media anxiety, so they become more confident with marketing themselves and selling.

What’s something you’ve been working on in your business that you want the world to know?

I would love to host intimate live in-person meetups in South Florida, that help entrepreneurs manage their business anxiety and business burnout. These meet ups would be a chance to relax, relate, release and have fun.

Online communities are great, but there is no greater transformational experience as small group gatherings. I used to host meetup groups and lead therapy groups. Groups are powerful for relationship building. We need more authentic relationships in business.

FMC private Facebook Group has grown significantly in the recent years, how are you using that Facebook Group to help your business flourish?

FMC private Facebook Group, has been a great place to learn about other entrepreneurs, view live Flourish training and find resources. I have also uploaded and shared my business there. I believe this has led to new followers on my social media.

Why should other women small businesses owners apply for the FMC Small Business Grant?

Here is what I would tell a woman attending the Flourish Media Conference about applying for the FMC Small Business Grant, this is your opportunity to think like a CEO, seeking funding for your business.

The FMC Small Business Grant is a seed. My seed flourished into joining a one year Mastermind group led by co-founders, Dr. Tracy Timberlake and Vivian Olodun. I also worked with Behind The Leaf to develop a logo, quiz and sales pages. The grant basically covered my ticket of attending, so I could re-invest into my business.

You have just as much chance to win, as any other applicant at this conference, even me.

The Flourish Media Conference Small Business grant is open to anyone who identifies as a woman and is over the age of 21. Applicants must submit an executive summary, 90-day business plan to enter and upload a 30-second video to Facebook or Instagram. Apply here.