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Breaking Barriers, Building Success
Grants 4 U's story is rooted in a passion for helping entrepreneurs overcome barriers and achieve success. Founded to provide critical grant writing support and business development services, our organization is committed to empowering small business owners across South Florida, especially those from minority, veteran, and underserved communities.
Founded on Service, Driven by Community Impact
Founded in April 2023 by Eriel Forrest, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran and Florida State University alumna from Pompano Beach, Grants 4 U was created to empower South Florida entrepreneurs through access to grant writing support, funding opportunities, and essential business assistance services. Eriel’s personal experience growing up in a veteran- and Black-owned family business inspired her to address the funding barriers many entrepreneurs—especially those from underserved communities—often face.
What makes Grants 4 U unique is that our board is made up of individuals who are part of the same entrepreneurial community we serve. Our leadership reflects diverse lived experiences, including minorities, women, veterans, mothers, entrepreneurs, and individuals with disabilities. This perspective allows us to better understand the challenges entrepreneurs face and tailor our services to meet the real needs of our community.
Inspiration and Expertise
After successfully helping her own family secure multiple grants, Eriel launched Grants 4 U, Inc. to make a broader impact on the small business landscape. Leveraging her expertise in grant writing and community service, she built an organization committed to breaking down obstacles and providing practical resources that help entrepreneurs thrive.
Early Achievements
In just over a year, Grants 4 U has:
- Facilitated over $100,000 in grant funding for local businesses
- Attracted 15,000+ views on its grant database
- Reached hundreds of entrepreneurs through workshops, seminars, and events
Strategic Partnerships and Vision
Through collaborations with organizations such as Miami-Dade County Economic Advocacy Trust, The Miami Foundation, Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of FL, Venprendedoras Foundation, and more. Miami Dade County Gov Procurement Dept...and many more. Grants 4 U, Inc. is building a robust support system for entrepreneurs. With upgraded technology, expanded resources, and a growing team, our vision is to become South Florida’s premier resource for grant notifications, applications, and entrepreneurial support, creating lasting impact across the small business community.
Our Guiding Vision
Grants 4 U is committed to alleviating the economic hardships faced by entrepreneurs. In time, we aim to secure the funding needed to offer our own grants, empowering entrepreneurs to grow and succeed. We are dedicated to creating meaningful change and transforming the trajectory of small businesses, one grant at a time.
The Mission That Drives Us
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are committed to supporting all entrepreneurs. We provide resources, guidance, education, and assistance to help small businesses thrive. While we focus on offering specialized attention to those from historically underserved populations—such as veterans, women, minorities, and individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds—our services are available to all small businesses in need of foundational support, funding, or time. The quality of our services will never be diminished due to an individual's background, race, gender, disability status, or any other personal characteristic.
Our Purpose
- Empowering Entrepreneurs: Providing grant writing support, business assistance, and resource connections to South Florida small business owners
- Educating Small Businesses: Raising awareness about funding opportunities and business development resources to eliminate knowledge gaps
- Workshops and Training: Offering hands-on guidance through workshops and educational programs to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations like Miami-Dade County Economic Advocacy Trust and The Miami Foundation to expand opportunities
- Fostering Economic Empowerment: Addressing funding barriers and supporting underserved communities to create a vibrant, diverse small business ecosystem in South Florida
Board Members
Eriel Forrest
Founder/Executive Director
A mother, wife, and self-proclaimed baker, Eriel Forrest was born and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida. She grew up in a family led by a United States Marine veteran and entrepreneur, where she gained first-hand insight into the challenges and rewards of running a business. From an early age, she witnessed both the lessons and successes that come with entrepreneurship. At just 13 years old, Eriel began working in her family’s business, gaining practical, hands-on experience that would ultimately shape her career path.
Dr. Michelle Saunders
Vice Chair/Business Development Director
A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, Dr. Michelle Saunders has been an entrepreneur and strategic leader with over 30 years of transformative experience across 10 industries. Her expertise spans operations, logistics, transportation, analytics, information technology, and marketing.
Education and Credentials
Dr. Saunders holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lynn University, a Master of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Entrepreneurship from Nova Southeastern University, a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Passion and Leadership
Throughout her career, Dr. Saunders has been passionate about nurturing future leaders from our communities and guiding them on a collective journey toward excellence. Her vision focuses on empowering entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and resources to succeed.
Beyanka Graham – Program Director
Beyanka has always been passionate about serving others. As a registered nurse care manager, she coordinates care, manages, and provides assistance to patients during critical recovery periods after leaving the hospital.
Entrepreneurial Insight
Serving her hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Beyanka understands the challenges small business owners face. Her husband owns his own business, which has given her firsthand insight into the barriers minority and underserved entrepreneurs encounter—including starting a business, securing funding, and accessing resources and education about entrepreneurship.
Inspiration and Commitment
In 2020, Beyanka was notified by Eriel Forrest about the influx of small business grants, especially for minority owners. She helped her husband research, apply, and secure funding, inspiring her passion to help other small business owners access available resources and achieve their “American Dream.”
Dara Mitchell – Philanthropy Director
A Pompano Beach native, Dara Mitchell has always had a compassionate, serving heart. As the oldest of five siblings, she naturally assumed leadership responsibilities and became a role model for her younger siblings.
Professional Expertise
Dara works as a Human Resources Manager, coordinating, recruiting, training, and developing teams. Her leadership skills extend beyond her professional role into community service and mentorship.
Community Service and Dedication
Dara frequently visits construction sites throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties with her company to feed hundreds, sometimes thousands, of workers who build the local economy.
Ongoing Education and Ambition
She is on track to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, is earning her second bachelor’s degree, and is pursuing a commercial real estate license.
Commitment to Grants 4 U
Dara’s passion for service, strong work ethic, and leadership skills position her to help Grants 4 U effectively meet the needs of small businesses and the community, ensuring entrepreneurs receive the support, resources, and guidance they need to succeed.