Lydia Howie is a development and marketing consultant, and proud owner of GRANT MARKETING SOLUTIONS, based in White Plains, New York. Howie came to SCORE in late 1999 for help in starting her own business. She had over 20 years of marketing and advertising experience working for NYC advertising agencies and well-known companies, and most recently held the position as Executive Director of a mid-sized nonprofit agency. She possesses a BS in Communications Arts from the College of New Rochelle and an MS in Marketing from Iona College. While she was certainly accomplished at marketing and managing companies and organizations, Ms. Howie knew little about launching and operating her OWN business.

With the help she received from SCORE, especially from counselor, Murray Maizner, she established her own business where she specializes in grant writing and producing marketing materials (e.g. brochures, annual reports, newsletters, journals, press releases) for nonprofit organizations. Some of her satisfied clients include the Child Care Council of Westchester, The Guidance Center, The Center for Human Options, Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester, and many more. At the present time, she employs four part-time workers. For the fourth straight year of operation, Ms. Howie’s business has increased more than 25% annually.

Howie credits SCORE for her success. SCORE walked Lydia through the process of establishing her business, including deciding what type of business to set-up, creating a business plan, selecting accounting/bookkeeping services, and deciding on pricing. Ms. Howie says that she is truly blessed, and owes it all to SCORE! “I love writing and creating marketing collaterals, and derive much personal satisfaction from helping nonprofits accomplish their mission,” says Howie. “I intend to always own my own business, and thank SCORE for helping make it possible.”

Thanks,

Lydia