Sharlene Sheffield/Founder/CEO

SMS Business Consulting is a Florida-based firm led and owned by Sharlene Sheffield, a seasoned business strategist, grant writer, and entrepreneur. With years of experience in business planning, grant development, operations, and branding, Sharlene created SMS to fill the gap between startup struggles and scalable success.

We specialize in helping startups, nonprofits, and small business owners navigate the complexities of launching, funding, and growing their businesses with confidence and clarity.

At SMS Business Consulting, we believe every entrepreneur deserves access to the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to turn their vision into reality. Founded with a passion for helping small businesses and minority-owned enterprises thrive, we provide hands-on consulting services that guide clients from idea to execution — and beyond.

Le'Monica Jackson/Executive Assistant

Lemonica Jackson serves as the Executive Assistant at SMS Business Consulting, where she plays a vital role in coordinating client communications, managing project logistics, and supporting daily business operations. With a strong background in administrative management and customer service, Lemonica brings efficiency, professionalism, and a people-first approach to every interaction.

Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to both our team and our clients. Whether she’s organizing schedules, assisting with document preparation, or guiding clients through the intake process, Lemonica ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

She is passionate about supporting small businesses and believes in the power of professionalism, accountability, and clear communication to drive success.

Our Vision

To be a trusted leader in small business consulting, helping to close the equity gap in entrepreneurship by making professional services accessible, affordable, and impactful.

What We Do

We provide a wide range of services including:

  • Business Plans & Grant Proposals

  • Branding & Marketing Strategy

  • Business Formation & Document Filing

  • Business Credit & Funding Preparation

  • Government Certifications & Contract Readiness

  • Strategic Coaching & Digital Setup

Whether you need a powerful pitch deck, help securing grant funding, or a full roadmap to start your business — we make the process simple, professional, and effective

Our Mission

To empower entrepreneurs — especially those in underserved and minority communities — with the tools, strategies, and support needed to launch, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

Core Values

  • Integrity – We do what’s right, not what’s easy.

  • Excellence – Every client gets our best work, every time.

  • Empowerment – We educate and equip you to thrive long after our work is done.

  • Diversity – We are committed to inclusive growth for all business owners.

  • Results – Our success is measured by the results we help you achieve.

Grant Writing & Business Plan Packages

Clear, upfront pricing. No percentage of your grant award.

At SMS Business Consulting LLC, we don’t play games with “if you win, I take a cut.”
Grants are never guaranteed – they’re competitive and decided only by the funder – so we charge fairly for the work we actually do, not the size of your award.

Most firms charge thousands of dollars or take a percentage of the grant (which many funders don’t even allow).
Our pricing is simple, transparent, and paid upfront so you always know what you’re investing.

1. Professional Business Plan

Flat Fee (Upfront): $700

For startups and nonprofits that need a strong foundation and a document you can use with banks, investors, and grant funders.

Includes:

  • Discovery session to learn about your business or nonprofit

  • Custom, professionally written business plan with:

    • Executive summary

    • Company/organization overview

    • Market/needs analysis

    • Services/programs & operations

    • Basic financial overview and projections

  • Delivered in editable Word and ready-to-share PDF

Many companies charge $1,000+ for a business plan alone.
You get a complete, polished plan for $700 upfront.

2. Business Plan + Grant Proposal

Flat Fee (Upfront): $850

Perfect if you’re ready to start applying for grants and need a strong plan and a compelling story for funders.

Includes everything in Package 1, plus:

  • A master grant proposal tailored to your organization and programs

  • Problem/needs statement, goals, methods, outcomes, and evaluation

  • Can be adapted and reused for multiple funders

Deliverables: Business Plan + Grant Proposal (Word + PDF)

Other firms often charge this amount just for the grant proposal.
You get both the plan and proposal for $850 upfront.

3. Business Plan + Grant Proposal + 5 Grant Submissions

Flat Fee (Upfront): $1,500

This is our done-for-you package if you want us to handle the heavy lifting.

Includes:

  • Full Business Plan (Package 1)

  • Full Grant Proposal (Package 2)

  • Up to 5 grant applications submitted on your behalf to eligible funders

    • Light tailoring of the proposal to match each funder’s questions

    • Completion of online forms/portals where allowed

  • Two rounds of revisions on your business plan and grant proposal

  • Final copies of all documents and submitted applications in Word + PDF

Many grant writers charge $2,000–$5,000 for multi-grant packages,
and some still take a percentage of your award.
You get a complete business plan, proposal, and 5 submissions for $1,500 upfront.

How Our Grant Process Works

  1. Consultation & Intake – We review your goals, programs, and financials to make sure grants are a good fit.

  2. Writing & Drafts – We create your business plan and grant proposal from scratch or refine what you already have.

  3. Review & Revisions – You review, give feedback, and we make up to two rounds of revisions (Package 3).

  4. Submission (Package 3) – We complete and submit up to 5 grant applications for you and send you copies of everything.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

  • Payment is due upfront before work begins for all packages.

  • Additional revisions or extra grant applications beyond what is listed can be added for an additional fee.

  • No one can guarantee funding. Approval is always at the discretion of the Grantmaker. Our role is to create professional, competitive applications that give you the best possible chance.