Rachel Werner on Expanding MyFedTrainer and Building a Thriving Grants Consulting Business

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

I am the Principal of MyFedTrainer, a training company focused on educating groups and individuals on managing the complexities of federal grants. We offer virtual and in-person training, which can be customized to meet clients' needs. I purchased the business from Lucy Morgan in 2023. I also have a consulting business, RBW Strategy, that is focused on longer term pre- and post-award grants projects.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

I met with as many people in my community who were willing, and reaching out to people who were interested in working with me. Word of mouth was the genesis for my business.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

Having more profitable years as a business owner since MyFedTrainer's inception, and building out a strong team of support.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

It's going to work out in the end!

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

How would you handle X situation?

What did you go before starting your own business?

I worked in the nonprofit sector as a grant and development professional, and then as a management consultant specifically focused on federal grant projects.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

When I had my son, I was finding it difficult to work in the corporate sector so I made a leap to freelance grant writing.

Do you have any recent wins?

Building out our speaking and and coaching services, and also fully implementing our training using a learning management system.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

My gym app so I can book classes in advance before they fill up

Who are your customers?

Public serving entities - state/local/tribal government agencies, nonprofits, universities

What's your top productivity tip?

Time blocking and management is key to a healthy work life balance!

What's your favorite business tool?

Upwork! I have found some amazing resources on that website

What's your approach to work-life balance?

Prioritizing what's important each week and building my activities around that. It might mean missing a work event or a child's activity, but I always focus on what is most important.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I don't work on weekend or evenings.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Have big ideas, but know that it takes time to grow. You can make your business what you want it to be. Don't get intimidated by others who might make you feel small - I guarantee they have struggles as well.

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