Meet Kimberly Sellars-Bates of KSTB Enterprises in Southwest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Sellars-Bates.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.

I am a native Atlantan and a product of the Atlanta Public and Fulton County school systems. I attended Alabama State University where I was an active student in the band (Stingette), various clubs, radio station, and social and civic organizations.

Upon graduating from ASU with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I returned to Atlanta and began working in various positions that were not related to my major or interests. I eventually landed a position at Spelman College where I was introduced to the world of Resource Development.

While working full time, I was inundated with requests from individuals and organizations to establish them as a nonprofit and secure grants. After a heart to heart discussion with my husband; together, we decided that I would try working for myself for a year. I was scared, anxious, nervous and unsure. I knew an immediate decision had to be made because I was literally burning the candle at both ends. I finally made the decision to just do it. After all, I could always find a job after my year was up.  The next morning , before I lost my nerve, I turned my resignation in to my supervisor. As I walked to my car, I realized that I was now unemployed and almost had a panic attack worrying if I had really made the right decision. Two hours later I received my FIRST contract. I knew then and there that I had indeed made the right decision.

On September 9, 2007 KSTB Enterprises was born. I have always enjoyed writing and public speaking. My elementary school teachers always chose me to recite  “The Creation” and “Life For Me Ain’t Been No Crystal Stair” for assembly programs. I wrote my first “published” story in 3rd grade about a Peanut Farmer running for President of the U.S. It was called, Jimmy Who? And it was featured on the first page of the school’s newspaper.  As an adult, I have a tremendous love for presenting at conferences and take great pleasure in blogging (www.kstbenterprises.com) and conducting webinars.  

In addition to owning KSTB Enterprises , I work in my community as a dedicated and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Order of the Easter Star; 100 Black Women; the Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter of Alabama State University; and Toastmasters.

I am blessed to be married 26 years to my college sweetheart. We have two children, Taylor Cimone (24) and TaDarol II (20). My hobbies include reading, public speaking, entertaining and attending dinner and plays with my friends.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey has been relatively smooth. That’s not to say that I haven’t had challenges but I prefer to call them, “lessons.” One of the hardest lessons was learning to let go.

In the beginning, I tried to do everything. I do not have a business background so I have no idea why I thought I could handle my own accounting. After a few bounced checks, forgetting to invoice clients and having misspellings on my website, I knew I had to make changes. I quickly learned to hire people who are experts in their field.

Another lesson that I learned was that not all programs and services will endure. I wanted to help youth who wanted to attend college by finding scholarships. Although the service looked good on paper it never turned a profit. Finally, after 7 months, I took my accountant’s advice and sold it. I was sad but I couldn’t continue to finance the scholarship search. It was a hard decision but one that was necessary. I quickly learned that In business I am not only responsible for myself. I have employees who depend on me to make sure their paychecks don’t bounce.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about KSTB Enterprises – what should we know?
I am so proud that this little brown girl from Adamsville has built a successful company. I take it upon myself to provide paid internship opportunities to people from my community during summer months.

I determined that my niche market would be small-medium sized startup nonprofit organizations and would provide the following:

➢ Establish organizations as 501c3’s;
➢ Provide individual, corporate, and foundation prospect research;
➢ Conduct annual fund appeals;
➢ Write and secure Grants (private, city, county, state and government);
➢ Secure Corporate Sponsorships;
➢ Provide Nonprofit Coaching;
➢ Conduct Strategic Plans;
➢ Provide Board, Research and Grant Writing workshops and training in person or via webinar all over the United States.

After being in business for 9 months, I was certified by Neighbor Works America, a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts.

This is a “win-win” situation because it enables me to work with organizations who otherwise may not have been able to afford my services. One of my strengths and weaknesses is that I want to help as many people as possible because the need is so great. Programs like NeighborWorks helps me to do just that.

KSTB has grown tremendously from her humble beginnings at my dining room table. I now have offices in four states and we are responsible for over $20 million in grants and contracts. KSTB has a 100% success rate in securing nonprofit status and maintains at least an 85% success rate in securing grants since 2014.

What sets KSTB apart is that I insist that my staff give more than is required. I am very proud of my staff. They are incredibly talented I we work side-by-side to ensure that KSTB delivers quality and professional services to our clients.  

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I went through more than 1 personal assistants but found the one that I have now on a fluke. Tamara G. attended a meeting that I had with a potential client. After the meeting, she sent me an email asking if I needed assistance with anything. I hired her the next week and we have been together ever since. She has organized and streamlined the way I do business. She keeps me on task. I know her job isn’t easy so I tell her often how much I appreciate her.

My Seminar Coordinator, Stephanie W. is the staff member who suggested that I do seminars and trainings. She took it upon herself to organize, publicize and manage the first one. She is also the one who encouraged me to write my first book, Get Grant Ready! She arranged the book signing and that coupled with online sales caused the book to be sold out in 30 days. I am now writing Volume 2. She is a constant source of encouragement and motivation. She believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself.

Michael H started as an intern. He has believed in KSTB since the very beginning. He works hard and tirelessly to ensure the company’s success. I have never known anyone who cheers harder or louder for KSTB than him. He tells anyone who will listen about the company. 🙂 He is responsible for a lot of the company’s growth throughout the U.S.

Pricing:

• $670-$3,500    501c3 Preparation and Submission
• $500-$2,500     Nonprofit Coaching
• $500-$5,000     Resource Development Services.(Fundraising Plan; Proposal calendar; Attend Board Meetings; Fund Development Report for Board meetings; Prospect Research (Unlimited); Annual Fund solicitation; Grant preparation and submission; Planning and implementation of signature fundraiser
• $75-$100 per person    Seminars, Trainings and Workshops (Board Training, Strategic Plans,      Grant Writing, 501c3, etc.)
• $1,250    SAM Registration
• $500        Reinstatement of 501c3
• $75-$3,000    Business Plan
• $2,500        Strategic Plan
• $75-$250    Grant Profile Subscription Service
• $100        Grant Template
• $15        Work From Home- Simple Steps to Becoming A Grant Writing Consultant
• TBD        Book Kimberly for Speaking Engagements

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.KSTBEnterprises.com
• Phone: 770 756-7565
• Email: kstb@kstbenterprises.com
• Instagram: @KSTBEnterprises
• Facebook: @KSTBEnterprisescom
• Twitter:@KSTB

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.