Welcome to Castillo Creative Consulting
Empowering Growth.
Helping small businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies achieve clarity, compliance, and sustainable growth.
Building Strategy.
Helping small businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies achieve clarity, compliance, and sustainable growth.
Inspiring Impact.
Helping small businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies achieve clarity, compliance, and sustainable growth.
Our Mission
1
People-First Approach
We build lasting partnerships based on trust, transparency, and tailored solutions that address your unique challenges and opportunities.
2
Results-Driven Strategy
Our comprehensive consulting services deliver measurable outcomes through proven methodologies and over 25 years of industry expertise.
3
Community Impact
We specialize in empowering underserved communities and organizations through sustainable growth strategies and capacity building.
ABOUT OUR CEO/FOUNDER
Rebeca Castillo's background in economic development, business growth, and strategic planning makes her an experienced leader. As a former Economic Development Director, she has dedicated her career to empowering underserved communities. Fluent in English and Spanish, Rebeca proudly leads her South Texas-based, Latina-owned firm with cultural competence and inclusive practices.
Experienced Leader
With 25+ years in economic development, business growth, and strategic planning, Rebeca brings unparalleled expertise to every client engagement.
Community Champion
As a former Economic Development Director, Rebeca has dedicated her career to empowering underserved communities through clarity and trust.
Bilingual Consultant
Fluent in English and Spanish, Rebeca proudly leads her South Texas-based, Latina-owned firm with cultural competence and inclusive practices.
Our Services
Business Consulting
Navigate your business journey with our comprehensive registration assistance and personalized strategy coaching. Our certified WBE/MBE application support boasts a 90% success rate, while our customized HR policies and industry-specific licensing guidance ensure full compliance and accelerated growth for your organization.
Branding & Marketing
Elevate your brand with our professional logo design services featuring unlimited revisions. We deliver strategic social media management across multiple platforms, create custom responsive websites with integrated SEO, and implement keyword optimization that boosts visibility by 40%. Our targeted messaging strategies authentically connect your business with your community.
Government Contracting
Unlock lucrative opportunities with our complete SAM.gov registration and profile optimization. We identify tailored bid opportunities, provide hands-on proposal development with winning strategies, offer comprehensive procurement mentorship, and deliver ongoing compliance monitoring for federal, state, and local contract requirements.
Grant Writing
Secure your nonprofit's foundation with our end-to-end 501(c)(3) formation and IRS filing assistance. We conduct strategic grant opportunity research with custom matching, develop sustainable fundraising strategies, design evidence-based programs, and build complete nonprofit infrastructure including board development support.
Strategic Planning & Public Sector Support
Transform communities through our economic development consulting for cities and nonprofits. We deliver research-based custom reports, conduct thorough needs assessments and feasibility studies, produce comprehensive workforce analyses, and facilitate multimodal transportation planning with meaningful public engagement and stakeholder alignment.
Workshops & Training
Empower your team through our interactive live workshops and professionally produced training modules. We specialize in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation certification, business startup processes, grant writing fundamentals with proven 75% success techniques, and transformational leadership development that delivers measurable results within 90 days.
Premium Resource Hubs: Your Gateway to Success
Grants Hub
Access comprehensive grant resources, funding opportunities, and application templates at grantshub.castillocreativeconsulting.com
- Searchable database of foundation and government grants
- Step-by-step application guides with examples
- Expert tips from successful grant writers
Training Hub
Elevate your skills through on-demand courses and resources at traininghub.castillocreativeconsulting.com
- Self-paced professional development modules
- Downloadable worksheets and templates
- Certificate programs for career advancement
Strategic Planning Excellence
We guide organizations through a streamlined strategic planning process, from initial research to implementation, ensuring actionable strategies and lasting impact.
Research & Assessment
Comprehensive needs assessments and feasibility studies tailored to your organization's unique challenges.
Custom Planning
Development of actionable, data-driven strategies for economic growth and community impact.
Stakeholder Alignment
Facilitated engagement to ensure all voices are heard and integrated into the planning process.
Implementation Support
Ongoing guidance to transform strategic plans into measurable results and sustainable outcomes.
Insights & Resources
What Makes a Business Grant-Ready?
Learn the essential elements that funding organizations look for and how to position your business for grant success.
Starting a Woman-Owned Business in Texas
A comprehensive guide to registration, certification, and resources specifically for women entrepreneurs in the Lone Star State.
Intro to Government Contracting
Navigate the complexities of public sector opportunities with our straightforward approach to winning government business.
Stay Connected
Join Our Community
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We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Newsletter
Monthly updates with funding opportunities and business growth strategies.
Training Alerts
Be first to know about our workshops and certification programs.
Resource Library
Access to exclusive guides and templates for business success.
What Makes a Business Grant-Ready?
Being "grant-ready" means your business has established the necessary foundation and documentation to successfully apply for and secure funding opportunities. Grant readiness signals to funders that your organization is a responsible steward of financial resources and capable of delivering on proposed objectives.
Clear Business Structure & Documentation
Funders require legitimate business entities with proper registration, EIN numbers, and business licenses. Ensure you have formation documents (articles of incorporation, LLC agreements) and at least 1-2 years of clean financial records that demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
Defined Mission & Impact Metrics
Articulate your business purpose, target audience, and how you measure success. Grant-ready businesses can clearly explain their community impact and have systems in place to track outcomes that align with funders' priorities.
Tax Compliance & Financial Systems
Maintain up-to-date tax filings and implement proper accounting procedures. Grant organizations look for businesses with transparent financial management, budgeting processes, and the capacity to track grant expenditures separately from general operations.
Operational Capacity & Infrastructure
Demonstrate you have the staff, systems, and infrastructure to successfully implement funded projects. This includes project management capabilities, reporting mechanisms, and sufficient operational stability to focus on new initiatives.
Alignment with Funder Priorities
Research potential funders to ensure your business goals match their investment areas. Grant-ready businesses understand how their work addresses specific community needs or industry gaps that funders are interested in supporting.
Grant Management Experience
While not always required, previous experience managing funds or smaller grants strengthens your application. If you lack this experience, consider partnering with established organizations or securing mentor relationships to strengthen your credibility.
Taking time to establish these foundational elements before applying significantly increases your chances of success. Remember that grant readiness is an ongoing process that strengthens your business regardless of funding outcomes.
Starting a Woman-Owned Business in Texas
Texas consistently ranks as one of the best states for women entrepreneurs, offering a supportive ecosystem, diverse markets, and growing opportunities. While launching a business comes with universal challenges, women often face unique obstacles in accessing capital, building networks, and balancing competing responsibilities. With proper planning and resources, these hurdles can become stepping stones to creating a thriving enterprise.
Legal Structure & Registration
Choose the right business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) based on your needs for liability protection, tax considerations, and growth plans. Register your business name with the Texas Secretary of State, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and apply for necessary state and local permits. For Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, many resources are available in both languages through organizations like the Texas Workforce Commission.
Access to Funding
Explore Texas-specific funding options including the Texas Women's Venture Fund, PeopleFund's women entrepreneur loans, and LiftFund microloans. Consider applying for women-owned business certification (WBE/WOSB) to access set-aside contracts with government agencies and corporations with supplier diversity programs. First-time business owners should also explore SBA-backed loans with lower down payment requirements.
Build Your Support Network
Connect with organizations specifically supporting women entrepreneurs in Texas, such as Women's Business Centers in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, and Houston; the Texas Women's Business Enterprise Alliance; and SCORE mentorship programs. These networks provide mentoring, training, and connections to fellow entrepreneurs facing similar challenges.
Navigate Regulatory Requirements
Understand Texas-specific regulations including sales tax permits through the Texas Comptroller, workforce regulations through TWC, and industry-specific licensing. The Texas Business Portal (available in English and Spanish) serves as a comprehensive resource for navigating state requirements and accessing forms online.
Marketing Your Woman-Owned Status
Leverage your certification and story as market differentiators. Texas consumers increasingly value supporting diverse businesses, and your journey as a woman entrepreneur can become part of your brand narrative. Utilize free resources from the Governor's Commission for Women and local chambers of commerce to amplify your visibility.
Starting a woman-owned business in Texas offers tremendous potential for success. By thoughtfully navigating these steps and connecting with the rich ecosystem of support available, you can build a foundation for sustainable growth. Remember that entrepreneurship is a journey—embrace the learning process and celebrate each milestone along the way.
Intro to Government Contracting
Government contracts represent a significant opportunity for small businesses and nonprofits seeking stable, lucrative revenue streams. Federal, state, and local governments collectively spend billions annually on products and services from private sector vendors. With set-aside programs specifically designed for small businesses, women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned companies, government contracting can provide a pathway to sustainable growth while reducing dependency on fluctuating commercial markets.
1
Understanding the Opportunity
The U.S. government is the world's largest buyer of goods and services, with annual contract spending exceeding $650 billion. Additionally, state and local governments collectively spend hundreds of billions more. While navigating government procurement processes requires patience and diligence, the rewards can be substantial: predictable payment terms, multi-year contracts, and opportunities to scale your business through reliable government partnerships.
2
Getting Started with SAM.gov
The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) serves as the primary registration portal for all federal government contractors. Before bidding on any federal contract, your business must register in SAM.gov, which requires your tax identification number, DUNS number, and business information. This registration must be renewed annually and serves as your business's digital identity in the federal procurement ecosystem. State and local governments often have their own registration portals with similar requirements.
3
Contract Vehicles and Agreements
Contract vehicles streamline the purchasing process between agencies and vendors. The most common include Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), and Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs). Perhaps most valuable for small businesses are GSA Schedule Contracts, which pre-approve vendors to sell specific categories of products or services to government agencies at pre-negotiated rates, significantly reducing the bidding process for individual opportunities.
4
Set-Aside Programs
The federal government aims to award at least 23% of prime contract dollars to small businesses. Additional goals exist for socioeconomic programs including 5% for small disadvantaged businesses, 5% for women-owned small businesses (WOSBs), 3% for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and 3% for businesses in HUBZones. Getting certified in these programs can significantly increase your competitive advantage for contracts specifically set aside for these categories.
Building Your Government Contracting Strategy
Success in government contracting requires strategic preparation. Start by identifying which agencies buy your products or services by researching past contract awards through SAM.gov. Network with procurement officers at industry days and matchmaking events. Consider starting as a subcontractor to gain valuable experience while building past performance credentials. Most importantly, invest time in understanding the precise requirements and evaluation criteria for each solicitation before submitting a bid.
While government contracting involves a learning curve, the potential rewards make it well worth the investment for small businesses and nonprofits looking to diversify their revenue streams. By understanding the basics of SAM.gov registration, contract vehicles, and set-aside programs, you can position your organization to successfully compete in this substantial marketplace.
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