Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Poindexter
Hi Natalie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My entrepreneurial journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austin, Texas. At the time I was working as a Public Health professional for the local response and completing my Master of Public Health degree at Baylor University, there was so much happening both in the world and in my world. But, during this time I had the opportunity to learn about the disparities in communications of accessibility in the grant making process, not only was this a local concern but a universal grant and funding industry concern. Businesses and organizations were not equipped with the appropriate technical assistance support to adequately learn, apply, and successfully be awarded with grants despite doing the exact work the grant would support. Throughout the next two years I began to build, ship, and iterate in my business to truly understand the root cause amongst a specific audience. Now nearing year three of business I have created a variety of free resources, digital products, and comprehensive services to address the technical assistance needs of businesses and organizations nationally. The mission of NPI Consulting House is to educate, elevate, and empower businesses and communities nationwide. As the Founder and Principal, I have disruptive approach to how I’ve created my business and how I’ve built community. Along this journey I have also created the Net-Do Community, an exclusive invite-only collective where individuals and entrepreneurs come together to cultivate personal development, foster professional growth, and build a supportive network of like-minded individuals. In less than a year this community has grown to become an international virtual community of nearly 200 members, a local Austin community of nearly 400 members, and is currently expanding into other cities such as Houston, Texas and Columbus, Ohio.
There are so many other things that I could share about being an Emergency Medical Technician, my job as a lifeguard, being an Austin Travis County Public Health Commissioner, or my podcast Tea.Coffee.Water. However, these experiences albeit important and relevant, they can be saved for another article on another day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been complicated and I have met many obstacles and challenges, the ebbs and flows of being a business owner are not for the faint of heart. When you become a business owner, you are the “chief of everything” as you are honing in on your products and services, scalability, and sustainability. But, just because you wear these hats it does not mean that you’re good at it. Learning by failing up is how I look at the challenges I’ve endured, from not understanding marketing and branding, to learning new terms, to understanding my target audience. You cannot be successful without “doing” in business and that was one obstacle that I personally had to welcome into my learnings. For instance, throughout my business journey the majority of my clients have come from word of mouth marketing. Although I was told this is the best form of marketing I felt that I was behind in growing my business. Trusting the process and remaining resilient can take a toll on the best of us, but I am glad my road has been the road I traveled along my journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about NPI Consulting House?
NPI Consulting House is not just a business; it’s a mission-driven movement that arose from the stark lack of access minority and underserved communities faced in the grant-making and funding landscape. Founded by Natalie Poindexter, a visionary leader with a passion for equity and inclusion, this consultancy is not just a business; it’s a movement poised to reshape the landscape of Social Impact Tech.
With a clear vision and unwavering determination, NPI Consulting House envisions a future where technology serves as a catalyst for equitable access and opportunities. In a world riddled with systemic barriers and digital divides, Natalie saw an opportunity to drive meaningful change by empowering minority and women-owned businesses with innovative tools and solutions. At the core of NPI Consulting House’s mission is a commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions that bridge gaps, streamline processes, and empower businesses to thrive in the digital era. Through relentless innovation and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved communities, the consultancy is revolutionizing the grant landscape. Gone are the days of cumbersome application processes and overwhelming paperwork. With NPI’s suite of digital grant products, small to mid-size businesses now have access to efficient, personalized, and accessible solutions. Whether it’s automating research, tailoring proposals, or providing expert guidance, the consultancy is leveling the playing field and empowering businesses to succeed. But NPI Consulting House is more than just a provider of services; it’s a partner in progress, a beacon of hope for those navigating the complex world of grants and funding. Through a collaborative and empathetic approach, Natalie, and her teamwork side by side with clients, listening intently to their needs, understanding their aspirations, and developing holistic solutions that drive sustainable success.
Our most recent moment of success is launching the NPI Grant Readiness Advisor GPT. The NPI Grant Readiness Advisor is an innovative B2B SaaS tool designed to revolutionize the grant writing process. It offers comprehensive technical assistance, including advanced logic modeling, project planning, and evaluation support. By streamlining these critical tasks, our tool empowers nonprofits and businesses to secure funding more efficiently and elevate their impact on the community.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My biggest risk was moving my life from Columbus, Ohio to Austin, Texas nearly five years ago. I packed up my life from my hometown and drove a moving truck across the country on my savings and faith. I knew that being in an area that would be close to Baylor University could potentially create better career opportunities once I graduated. I was also working closely with a local nonprofit to curate and develop their Health and Wellness department. However I had no idea that in less than six months there would be a pandemic and my whole like would change.
I took a huge risk moving to Austin but it was one of the wildest and best risks I’ve taken, because I took it for myself. I said yes to myself and what I believed was right for my life in that moment. I truly believe that if I hadn’t taken this risk I would not have become the person that I am today.
Pricing:
- NPI Consulting House – Grant Readiness Advisor: FREE
- Monthly Research & Development Retainer: $777.00
- Proposal/Application Audit & Development Blueprint: $2,500 (per 2 proposals/applications)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.npiconsultinghouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie.poindexter/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFYJNtj22xc_P0EWl_cxnfwRGBnVqf8g6&si=DaLKWZ86VkNM3q9B
- Other: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-LHAarE13a-npi-grant-readiness-advisor
Image Credits
Personal Photo – The Luisa Pineda Photography
