We recently connected with CATRECE SMITH and have shared our conversation below.

CATRECE, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In the journey of entrepreneurship, I, Catrece Smith, embarked on a path driven by a passion for learning and a deep-rooted desire to empower others. This led to the creation of my business, Team-BMG, and the inception of my nonprofit, One Woman and a Broken Pencil.

With a belief that knowledge is a powerful tool, I’ve always seen the potential for individuals to achieve their dreams with the right information and resources. Team-BMG was founded with a focus on assisting individuals in setting up their businesses, emphasizing the importance of a solid organizational foundation and structure in the pursuit of success.

My commitment to empowering women and fostering a supportive community inspired the creation of One Woman and a Broken Pencil. This nonprofit is not just about breaking glass ceilings but empowering women to construct their own narratives and overcome challenges. Through initiatives like a docuseries of the same name, we aim to amplify the voices of women from diverse backgrounds, sharing their stories to inspire others facing similar struggles.

The choice of the name “One Woman and a Broken Pencil” is intentional. It symbolizes the resilience and determination of women who, despite facing adversity, continue to write their stories. Whether it’s as a single mother, a survivor of domestic abuse, a recovering addict, or a professional striving for success, every woman finds a way to script her journey, even if the pencil is broken.

I am driven by the belief that it is my responsibility to encourage, empower, and equip small businesses and nonprofits with the tools they need to succeed. Through these endeavors, I hope to contribute to a world where everyone, especially women, can confidently pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who haven’t crossed paths with me before, my name is Catrece Smith, and I’ve been deeply immersed in the grant management industry since the age of 23 so for about 24 years now. My journey began with a genuine passion for learning and a burning desire to use my skills to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I vividly remember attending numerous grant writing seminars early in my career, each time leaving with a hunger to delve deeper into the intricacies of the field. There was one pivotal moment that significantly shaped my path. At a particular seminar, I invested a considerable amount in books and materials, excited about the wealth of information I had acquired. Eager to learn even more and understand best practices, I approached the speaker and proposed a mentorship.
However, the response I received was unexpected but profoundly motivating. The speaker, rather than offering guidance, questioned the idea of sharing knowledge, stating, “Why would I show you how to do what I do when I have mouths to feed?” This encounter fueled my determination to understand the industry comprehensively and to eventually share that knowledge openly with others.
Driven by the belief that there’s enough success to go around for everyone, I committed myself to gaining hands-on experience and navigating the challenges of the grant management landscape. This journey led to the founding of Team-BMG, a platform that has since served over 150 nonprofit organizations.
Approaching each project as an opportunity to teach, I instill in every client the mindset that I am a small part of their journey to greatness. Through Team-BMG, we’ve not only helped organizations set up their structures but have also provided comprehensive training in grant seeking, grant writing, budgeting, and overall capacity improvement.
My mission is clear: to empower nonprofits to serve their communities in the most impactful way possible. Every interaction, every project, is an opportunity to contribute to the collective journey of greatness for those we serve.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of determination, faith, and resourcefulness. Starting my business, Team-BMG, was not a venture fueled by a large investment or external funding. Instead, it emerged from a combination of grit, hard work, and a relentless belief in my vision. At the outset, I found myself in a challenging financial situation, grappling with bad credit and a substantial debt of over $80,000. Undeterred by these obstacles, I channeled my energy into generating income through various avenues. As a grant writer, I took on side projects and workshops, leveraging my skills to earn additional income. Hosting paint and sip events, taking on website design gigs, and creating logos for clients became essential components of my entrepreneurial journey.
Every penny earned from these side endeavors wasn’t earmarked for personal indulgences but served as the lifeblood of my budding business. After settling bills and essential expenses, any surplus funds were strategically invested back into Team-BMG. This approach allowed me to build my business organically, step by step, without accruing further debt or relying on external financial support.
What fueled my journey, even in the face of financial challenges, was an unwavering faith in both a higher power and in my own abilities. I was determined to defy the notion that a lack of funds or a perfect moment could prevent anyone from achieving their goals. I chose to be a living testimony to the idea that with dedication, faith, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, anything is possible.
The decision to bootstrap my business was intentional. I wanted my story to inspire others, demonstrating that the absence of substantial financial backing shouldn’t be a deterrent to pursuing entrepreneurship. Through perseverance and an unshakable belief in the possibilities, I carved a path that showcased the resilience of the human spirit when fueled by passion and purpose.
In sharing my journey, I hope to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their dreams fearlessly, knowing that the power to succeed lies within their own hands and hearts.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In my journey, I unlearned the habit of giving up easily. It was a lesson born out of the realization that every obstacle is an opportunity to discover a solution. I came to understand that there is no challenge too great only solutions yet to be uncovered. Through this mindset shift, I’ve embraced resilience and perseverance as my guiding principles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.busmodelgroup.org/ https://www.onewomanandabrokenpencil.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Busmodel.group/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@lovetrece36
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/568966996852435

Image Credits
Catrece Smith