Ms. Shana Bryant is the founder of Shana Bryant Consulting, a thriving consultancy serving government agencies, small businesses, and nonprofits. Ms. Bryant’s journey began as a young mother determined to provide stability for her family and to complete her education. Shana Bryant Consulting leverages her skills, experience, and passion for crafting unforgettable events.
In 2016, Ms. Bryant formed Shana Bryant Consulting, and by 2019 her entrepreneurial spirit had transformed her to full-time. To grow the business, Ms. Bryant turned to the City of Boston’s Small Business Office, which connected Shana with LEAF’s Elevate team.
In 2021, Ms. Bryant’s hard work to expand the business culminated in receiving the first contract for Boston’s Open Streets event series. The opportunity brought new analysis and capital needs, and Shana reconnected with the Elevate team to support the process. Shana Bryant Consulting secured the capital needed through LEAF and another CDFI, Mill Cities Community Investments. Ms. Bryant’s success with the first contract led to a second contract in 2023, which LEAF was also able to support with both technical assistance and capital.
Ms. Bryant is one of many long-term clients of the Elevate program. Ms Bryant said, “After working with LEAF, my profitability went from 6 to 24%. This allowed me to hire full-time staff. My profits quadrupled. LEAF has been instrumental in my success and financial confidence. I would not be where I am without LEAF’s support since 2019. I’m forever grateful to the organization.“
Shana Bryant Consulting is a testament to what can happen when LEAF’s Elevate team and small community business owners, often considered too small for traditional financial institutions, collaborate. And these small businesses can exist, transform, and go on to prosper and serve.
