We had the good fortune of connecting with Liz Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liz, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started G2G because I kept meeting amazing leaders in entrepreneurship and nonprofit organizations spanning from health to education to economic development, who were change-makers working so hard to bring valuable innovations to market or services to the community but did not know how to access government funding, shape policy, or partner to accelerate growth. I thought since I had worked on Capitol Hill and knew advocacy well, I could be that bridge, connecting people to government to make a difference. Then G2G was born: Government to Growth, or G2G Consulting.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
G2G has raised over $528 million in government funding since I started the firm in 2007. We’ve also shaped policies and regulations and built valuable relationships within government spanning from the White House to Congress to governors to state legislators. Because we provide federal, state and local level government affairs consulting services, we are unique in Cleveland, Columbus and Washington, D.C. While we are now at 14-strong and flourishing, when I started out, it was just me in Cleveland. I faced many obstacles all startups face. I remember working for so little money — less than minimum wage and all on my own. I also made some bad hires and had to manage staff when I barely had time to do the work for all my clients. Those were challenging times, but I learned to ask for better compensation, hire with more scrutiny, and to step in much sooner when employee issues arise. Learning and growing are key at G2G for everyone on the team. I regularly say each of must find the work rewarding, have opportunities for growth and love most of what doing. I think that is key to success and that means mistakes happen and we learn from them and keep moving forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are many hidden treasures in and around Cleveland. When I lived on the westside, I loved running in Edgewater Park and couldn’t believe what easy access I had to the beach, especially right next to the city. I also love Ohio City and grabbing drinks at the Treehouse. Down by University Circle where I started G2G out of BioEnterprise, are the amazing Cleveland Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. All are lovely Cleveland treasures to walk through. Finally, dining at the many restaurants in Little Italy is a wonderful treat following wandering through the museums. I also love the nearby Coventry neighborhood and Tommy’s is my favorite, as I am a vegan and they have so many great vegan/vegetarian options and the owner is the nicest guy in Cleveland!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My entire team at G2G deserves full credit for the success of the firm and more importantly, to making a difference in the world. I work with the most amazing team of hardworking, smart and passionate change-makers who understand the work we do is greater than ourselves. In addition, one of my first mentors was Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, who always said to those much is given much is required. She inspired me and allowed me to spread my wings early in my career, and that trust and freedom enabled me to try, fail and learn a lot. That has made all the difference in building my confidence and willingness to take risks. Entrepreneurs must be risk-takers, not just in the beginning but always, and combine that with a vision for where you want to take your business. That’s key to success!

Website: www.G2Gconsulting.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-powell-507b135/

Twitter: G2Gconsulting

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTb0jikZ8QOHu67y484CQVg

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