Mind Your Business Series: Meet the Financial Coach & Grant Writer

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) invites you to the next installment of its 2025 “Mind Your Business” series: "Meet the Financial Coach & Grant Writer" on Wednesday, April 17th @ 11:00am.

The “Mind Your Business” series is an educational platform of classes taught by subject matter experts to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs in scaling with the skills for business cycle planning, marketing strategies, workforce building, business financials and taxes, and succession planning.

This Lunch + Learn is all about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners leverage their financial data to confidently pursue grant funding. Join Sonja Jones of GIP Financials as she breaks down the financial side of grant readiness and teaches you how to track your numbers using QuickBooks—so your business is always prepared to tell its financial story.

In this session, Sonja will cover:

• The role of monthly financial tracking in strengthening grant applications
• How to use QuickBooks to organize and present your numbers clearly
• Tips for aligning your financials with common grant reporting requirements
• Why funders care about your bookkeeping—and how to meet their expectations

About Sonja Jones
Sonja Jones is a business accounting expert and founder of GIP Financials, a firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow profitable, fundable businesses. After over 20 years in education, including 12 years as an elementary music teacher and nearly a decade in school operations and finance, Sonja saw firsthand how many business owners were missing opportunities due to a lack of financial structure. She launched GIP Financials in 2019 to close that gap.

Today, her firm serves clients in multiple states and partners with local nonprofits and coaches to deliver accessible financial education. Sonja holds the following credentials:

• Bachelor’s in Music Education – University of Memphis
• Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology – University of Memphis
• Certificate in Education Finance – Georgetown University
• Certified County Finance Officer – University of TN CTAS
• QuickBooks Pro Advisor

Please register to save your spot—lunch is included!

Host or Publisher Memphis Medical District Collaborative