Daily Inspiration: Meet Stephanie Scott

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Scott.

Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Business Story: From $500 to Purpose-Driven Impact
Six years ago, after a series of budget cuts while serving as Director of Sales and Marketing at Townsquare Media, I made the bold decision to bet on myself. With just $500 in my pocket and 20 years of experience helping businesses grow in both reach and impact, I took a leap of faith and founded Grow Business Today.

What started as a spark of possibility has now grown into a thriving, purpose-driven business that proudly celebrated its 6th anniversary this year. At the heart of Grow Business Today is a passion for empowering entrepreneurs—especially family-owned and women-led businesses—to launch, grow, and scale with confidence and clarity.

Fueled by a deep love for my community, In 2020 I opened Grow Hub GR a business hub and coworking space rooted in purpose. Over its four years, the space had become more than just an office—it’s was community where ideas, collaboration, and impact came to life.

Beyond growing businesses, I’m committed to bringing people together around shared values and meaningful action. One of my current missions is reviving Festa Italiana, the beloved West Michigan Italian Festival, bringing back tradition and culture to the heart of our community.

I’ve had the honor of working with companies like Meijer, helping women-owned businesses on their journey to WBENC certification, and serving as a marketing coach with business incubators like Spring GR. These experiences reflect my commitment to walking alongside others as they discover their potential and navigate the entrepreneurial journey.

Three years ago, I reentered the workforce in a new capacity—because I believe growth is not linear, and we can thrive in multiple lanes. Today, I serve in Fund Development and Communications at The Other Way Ministries, where I continue to explore how economics, systems, and community infrastructure impact family growth and generational change. This role allows me to gain new perspective, deepen my understanding, and contribute to lasting transformation from a different seat at the table.

Every step of my journey—whether in business, community service, or ministry—has been about one thing: bringing people and ideas together to create real, meaningful change.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting and growing Grow Business Today with just $500 and no other financial backing was more than just a leap of faith—it was a crash course in perseverance, creativity, and resilience. There were no investors, no safety nets—just a deep passion to empower others, a relentless work ethic, and the belief that impact could be built one step at a time.

When you don’t have upfront capital, every decision matters. I had to run lean. Every dollar had a purpose. There was no room for waste or impulsive moves. And while that’s challenging, it became one of my greatest advantages. I learned how to manage a tight P&L, stretch resources creatively, and solve problems on the fly. It taught me patience—real, hard-earned patience—and forced me to focus on what truly moves the needle.

But growing a business isn’t just about numbers or strategy—it’s also deeply personal. My mission has always been to serve and empower others to grow. But when your heart is wired that way, it can be hard to say no. In the early days, I said yes to too much, spread myself too thin, and occasionally let communication fall through the cracks. It came from a good place, but it wasn’t sustainable.

I’ve had to grow not just as a business owner, but as a person. I’ve learned the value of clear, firm boundaries. I’ve learned that “no” can be the most powerful form of self-respect. And I’ve also learned that strong communication is a muscle—it requires constant care, attention, and sometimes, humility.

There were personal challenges too—moments of transition, heartache, and deep reflection. Times when I had to recommit to who I was and what I was building. And in those moments, I learned that it’s okay to ask for grace. Grace from clients, grace from my community, and most importantly, grace for myself.

Grow Business Today was never just a business. It’s a reflection of everything I’ve lived, learned, and pushed through. And today, it stands not only as a support system for other entrepreneurs—but as proof that even with limited resources, you can build something meaningful. You just need grit, heart, and a willingness to grow through the messy middle.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart isn’t just what I do—it’s the diversity of my lived and professional experience.

I’ve spent over 20 years building a career in Business consulting, media and marketing, approaching it from multiple vantage points—corporate leadership, grassroots organizing, entrepreneurial innovation, and community development. In the past six years especially, my focus has expanded beyond business growth to include community impact, and that shift has placed me in rooms and spaces most people never get to experience.

My work has taken me from boardrooms to backrooms—from praying over urban ministries and walking through jail cells, to talking strategy with multi-generational business owners, connecting with unhoused neighbors, and meeting with West Michigan’s most respected business and philanthropic leaders. I’ve sat on farms in the back country, stood in courtrooms with community advocates, and listened deeply to grassroots leaders and social changemakers.

This rare blend of spaces has taught me that real change happens when people meet in the middle. My strength lies in hearing the challenges, bridging the gaps, and encouraging people to come together—whether to grow a business, an idea, or their impact in the community.

It’s this depth, diversity, and duality—business and heart, strategy and service—that fuels Grow Business Today. And it’s what drives me to continue building spaces and opportunities where everyone has a seat at the table.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My Nonie and Poppy meant the world to me. They were the heart of our family, and their love was something you could feel in the smallest of gestures. One summer, when I was about 9 or 10, Poppy traveled to Italy with my Uncle Pete Sangalli, and since Nonie didn’t drive, and I didn’t want her to be alone, I ended up spending most of that summer with her.

What started as a practical arrangement turned into one of the most cherished times of my life.

Nonie and I fell into a rhythm that felt like magic. We’d walk into downtown Three Rivers almost every day, hand in hand, Rocky Road ice cream cones melting faster than we could eat them. During the day, I’d swim until I was sun-kissed and waterlogged. At night, we’d sit outside and listen to the hum of the highway in the distance, the kind of quiet that makes you feel safe and still.

Evenings were for Yahtzee—serious championships, full of laughter and a little friendly trash talk—while I Love Lucy played in the background. She taught me about life during those games. About where we came from. About her parents journey immigrating to the United States. About resilience, family, love, and the little things that truly matter.

That summer, I didn’t just feel cared for—I felt seen. Nonie had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world, even when you were just a kid rolling dice at the kitchen table.

It was the best summer of my life. One filled with joy, stories, connection, and love that still lives in my heart today.

Pricing:

• Free Consultation
• Starter Package $650.00
• Growth Package $1500.00
• Agency Package $3000.00
• Consulting $150.00 per hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://growbusinesstoday.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growbusinesstoday
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemscott616/
• Other: https://theotherway.org/