Meet Kimberly Sellars-Bates | Founder & President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Sellars-Bates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing many outsiders don’t realize about the grant writing and nonprofit development industry is just how essential it is to diversify funding streams. Many organizations make the mistake of relying too heavily on a single source — whether it’s one foundation, government agency, or donor. But in today’s climate, you can’t keep fishing in the same pond and expect different results.

At KSTB, we’ve addressed this challenge head-on by developing a proprietary database that houses a wide range of funding opportunities — from federal and state grants to corporate and community-based sources. This gives our clients access to new, often untapped streams of funding that align with their mission and programs. It’s not just about writing compelling proposals; it’s about strategic positioning and expanding your reach in ways that many don’t even realize are possible.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Please tell us more about your business.
I’m the founder and CEO of KSTB Enterprises, a dynamic firm specializing in grant writing, nonprofit development, and securing sustainable resources for organizations that are changing lives. We don’t just write proposals — we build capacity, cultivate relationships, and connect our clients to long-term funding strategies that work.

What sets you apart from others?
Our 85% grant success rate speaks volumes, but what truly sets us apart is the heart behind the work. We’re not a cookie-cutter firm. Every client gets a customized approach, and we dig deep to understand their mission, their impact, and their vision. Also, we’ve built a proprietary funding database that gives our clients access to a wide range of funding opportunities — many of which they didn’t even know existed. It’s a game-changer.

What are you most proud of or excited about?
I’m proud that we’ve helped secure millions in funding for programs that serve communities — from safe streets and affordable housing to education, tech, and wellness. I’m excited about what’s next — expanding our impact, growing our team, and launching some new initiatives to mentor the next generation of nonprofit leaders and fundraisers.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy?
Whew — no, it wasn’t easy. When I started KSTB full-time in 2016, I was scared to spend money. I tried to do everything myself instead of hiring experts, and let’s just say I learned the hard way that trying to do it all doesn’t mean you’re doing it well. Over time, I learned that in business, you have to invest if you want to grow. I now understand the importance of team, systems, and saying no to things that don’t align.

How did you overcome challenges?
Through faith, persistence, and being willing to adjust without quitting. I stopped taking things personally, and started taking them professionally. I leaned into my community, asked for help when needed, and stayed true to the mission, even when things got tough.

What lessons have you learned along the way?
Several! But here are a few big ones:

Don’t chase every opportunity — pursue alignment.

People may not understand your vision, and that’s okay — it’s not their assignment.

Consistency beats perfection every single time.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want people to know that KSTB is more than a business — it’s a calling. We show up with excellence, passion, and a deep sense of purpose. My story is one of resilience, faith, and believing that impact and income can go hand in hand. If you’re building something that matters, we’re here to help you fund it — and sustain it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend is coming to Atlanta, she’s in for a week she won’t forget! Atlanta is rich with culture, history, great food, and good vibes. We’re grown, we’ve got taste, and we know how to have a good time without needing to be in the middle of the chaos. Let me walk you through our itinerary:

Day 1:
• Lunch at South City Kitchen (Midtown) – Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Shrimp and grits is a must!
• Check-in at The Whitley in Buckhead – Elegant and comfortable, perfect for unwinding in style.
• Evening cocktails at The Garden Room – Beautiful ambiance, creative drinks, and the perfect “we’ve arrived!” vibe.

Day 2:
• Breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club
• Morning at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Powerful, moving, and something every visitor needs to see.
• Afternoon stroll through the Atlanta BeltLine and Ponce City Market – Shopping, rooftop vibes, and people-watching galore.
• Dinner at Two Urban Licks – Live music, good food, and energy that’s just right for an adult crowd.

Day 3:
• Brunch at Le Petit Marché in Kirkwood
• Visit to the Hammonds House Museum – Beautiful Black art in a charming historic home.
• Drive through Cascade and Southwest ATL – I always like showing folks where I grew up, the “real Atlanta” — rich in culture and legacy.
• Evening at the Jazz Club at St. James Live or the Red Phone Booth (I am a member) – Grown-folks only. Smooth, soulful, and classy.

Day 4:
• Morning walk at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Spa afternoon at JeJu Sauna or Exhale Spa – Yes, we’re going to relax and recharge.
• Dinner at The Consulate – Global rotating menu and gorgeous decor. Grown and sexy energy.
• Nightcap at Bar Margot in the Four Seasons – Always a great way to wind down.

Day 5:
• Brunch at Toast on Lenox
• Visit the AUC (Clark Atlanta, Spelman, Morehouse) – I always love to give folks a tour of where Black brilliance lives and breathes.
• Pop by The Village Market ATL if it’s open – Amazing Black-owned brands and a celebration of community.
• Evening at City Winery or Wolf Creek Amphitheater if there’s a concert – Great music, wine, and vibes in my community.

Day 6:
• Attend church service – Because we keep God first around here!
• Sunday brunch at The Beverly or Roc South
• Rest, laugh, and reflect on the trip — maybe even squeeze in a little shopping at Lenox or Phipps Plaza

Day 7:
• Quick breakfast at Highland Bakery
• Final hugs and a promise to do it again soon

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 husband, TaDarol Bates, my children, Taylor and TaDarol II, and my KSTB team.

Website: https://www.kstbenterprises.com

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