[THE LOWDOWN] Issue 18 | GRANTS.GOV

Picture of Mimi

Mimi

2026 is here, and I’ve been doing some serious, honest looking under the hood of my business. 

 
In 2025, I went big: I launched Project Biz Lab Academy, the free monthly Mini Biz Hack Seshez, and a three-day training webinar. Our final sessions of Thrive, Pivot, & Close weren’t just for you. I took that message to heart, too. 
 
Like any savvy bizperson, I dug into what truly moves the needle: where my time goes, what creates revenue, and where I had my thumbs in too many pies. The verdict: it’s time to focus. 
 
So for now, I’m intentionally scaling back and putting my head down to build for 2027. Project Biz Lab will live on through Book League, and I fully reserve the right to bring things back or spin up something brand new in the future.  
 
I’m still here for 1:1 consults on the topics below, and I’m keeping [THE LOWDOWN] going so you’ll always know #WhereInTheWorldIsSarah. 
 
You can still count on me as your #BizLifeLine with no-fluff, real-world #BizHacks.
 
And if you’re craving some intentional space to dream and map out what’s next, you’ll find me at my good friend Jeannine Pohl’s 2026 Vision Boarding + Goal Setting: Design Your Life event at Block Portrait Studios in St. Paul tomorrow from 6–9 p.m. It’s an open-house style evening with all supplies, snacks, in an awesome spot. Just show up as you are and leave with a visual game plan for your year. If 2026 is calling you to get clear, focused, and authentically you, this is a perfect place to start.
 

Keep going,

 

#THE 1:1 LIST

Scrappy Branding 
Websites and Social Media, Oh My! 
What’s Your Price? 
Get Known for the Stuff You Do (BE KNOWN AS THE EXPERT) 
Your Origin Stories 
The Art of Leveraging & Packaging 
Pick 3: Where to Put Your Marketing Efforts 
Putting the REAL into REALationships 
You Are The Visionary 
The Magical Power of Biz Talks 
Developing Your Concise & Juicy Offerings 
Close, Pivot, & Thrive

 

#TheBookLeague | THE SUCCESS PRINCIPLES | Q1

We’re cracking open The Success Principles—aka the ultimate playbook for tackling challenges, boosting confidence, and chasing down your big, bold dreams. With 64 timeless principles (and stories from CEOs, athletes, celebs + everyday rockstars), this book doesn’t just inspire—it gives you a step-by-step blueprint to actually make it happen.

 

Reserve your spot now — The New Year of the Book League starts January 28th!

 

Get a copy of your book HERE!

#PBL | THE ACADEMY | CLASS OF 2025 SPOTLIGHT

Huge congratulations to our Project Biz Lab Academy Class of 2025!

 

Join us in celebrating these incredible founders who showed up, did the work, and fully embraced the Project Biz Lab manifesto:

Alyson Phillips — Sassy Daffodil
Monica Treviño — Little Pencil
Bill Peterson — 7 Seasons Coaching

 

This crew didn’t just attend The Academy – they CRUSHED IT. They built rock-solid foundations, clarified their messaging, sharpened their pricing and packaging, and leaned into the emotional (and real-life!) side of entrepreneurship.

 

Now they’re heading into 2026 equipped with serious biz hacks, structure, confidence, and momentum – ready to make waves, serve deeply, and grow sustainably.

 

And honestly? Proud doesn’t even cover it. These founders are proof that when you commit to the work, your business rises with you. 

 

So here’s to courage, clarity, community, and bold next chapters.
We cannot wait to see what you build next. 

#BizHacks | GRANTS.GOV

What is Grants.gov?
Grants.gov is the official U.S. federal government portal where organizations can search for, find, and apply for federal grant opportunities across dozens of federal agencies. It serves as a centralized hub for discovering funding that supports nonprofits, small businesses, research initiatives, community programs, and more.

 

Why it matters for entrepreneurs & small organizations
Instead of navigating separate agency websites, Grants.gov offers a single, searchable platform where you can:
• Explore active and upcoming federal funding opportunities
• Set up custom search alerts to get notified of relevant grants
• Access full application packages and submit proposals electronically

 

How it works (quick overview)

  1. Create an account on Grants.gov and complete your organization profile

  2. Search for opportunities using keywords, categories, or agency filters

  3. Apply & manage applications using their collaborative online workspace

 

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, researcher, or mission-driven entrepreneur, Grants.gov can be an invaluable resource to unlock non-dilutive funding and grow your impact.

 

Pro tip: Set up email alerts so you never miss a new grant posting that could fuel your next big idea.

#WhereInTheWorldIsSarah 

2026 Vision Boarding + Goal Setting

Wednesday, January 28th, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Location: Block Portrait Studios, St. Paul, MN

Register HERE for less than twenty buckaroos


PROJECT BIZ LAB: THE BOOK LEAGUE

Wednesday, January 28th, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Location: Online

Register HERE for the quarter (The Success Principles) or the year!

 

Do you know of a hot networking event in the Twin Cities or Eau Claire areas that I should be at? Let me know!

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