Dr. April Willis, founder of April Willis Consulting (AWC), brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the fields of business coaching and nonprofit consulting. With a Doctorate and three Master’s degrees, including an MBA and two M.Ed. degrees, she has created a consulting powerhouse rooted in practical strategy, strong ethics, and real-world results. Since launching AWC in 2018, she has helped countless clients, from solopreneurs to nonprofit boards, turn ideas into measurable impact.
Her career spans leadership roles in education, entrepreneurship, and speaking engagements across the country. With a focus on strategic planning, small business development, and nonprofit operations, Dr. Willis has positioned AWC as a trusted partner for individuals and organizations striving for growth.
A Strategic Partner for Startups and Small Businesses
April Willis Consulting stands out for its hands-on, client-specific approach. The firm doesn’t rely on pre-packaged advice. Instead, every engagement starts with understanding where a client is now and where they want to go.
Small businesses and startups often lack the internal resources to conduct thorough market research, competitive analysis, or financial modeling. That’s where AWC steps in—helping founders action-plan their visions into feasible business models. Strategic planning services cover everything from revenue forecasting to implementation timelines and operational processes.
The consulting team, consisting of nine experts across the country, brings diverse industry knowledge to guide entrepreneurs through both the launch and scale-up phases. Whether it’s securing funding, optimizing workflows, or managing teams, AWC delivers tailored solutions grounded in clarity and accountability.
Supporting Nonprofit Operations and Growth
Nonprofits face unique challenges, including limited budgets, evolving compliance standards, and the constant pressure to demonstrate impact. Through AWC and the National Nonprofit Collaborative, Dr. Willis offers a two-pronged support system: one-on-one consulting and a scalable subscription platform that delivers vital operational tools at an affordable cost.
AWC’s nonprofit consulting services help leaders strengthen governance, plan fundraising strategies, and improve program delivery. From writing grants to streamlining donor communications, the firm focuses on systems that sustain long-term growth.
Meanwhile, the National Nonprofit Collaborative, offered for just $9/month, gives members access to a wide array of downloadable resources, including customizable templates, policy guides, and development materials. These assets reduce administrative strain and free nonprofit leaders to focus on mission-critical work.
Strategic planning remains at the heart of Dr. Willis’s methodology. Her firm works closely with clients to set measurable objectives and align efforts across leadership, operations, and outreach.
For nonprofits, strategic plans may include board development, sustainability models, and impact measurement frameworks. For small businesses, this can mean outlining sales strategies, marketing funnels, and service delivery enhancements.
Every plan is actionable, not theoretical. AWC’s goal is to ensure each client walks away not just with ideas but with a clearly defined path to execution.
Building Nonprofit Excellence with Scalable Tools
The National Nonprofit Collaborative exemplifies Dr. Willis’s belief in removing barriers to nonprofit success. The platform is updated monthly with fresh content that supports everything from volunteer management to annual reporting. Resources are drip-delivered to prevent overwhelm and to help members build systems progressively.
This subscription model reflects her understanding of real nonprofit work: leaders need quick wins, not more paperwork. By offering affordable, high-impact materials, she ensures that even small organizations without access to consultants can still function like well-resourced operations.
Additionally, the platform invites members to contribute articles and success stories, creating a knowledge-sharing ecosystem that uplifts the entire nonprofit sector.
Speaking and Thought Leadership
Dr. Willis is also a sought-after public speaker, often invited to share insights on entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and nonprofit excellence. Her talks resonate with diverse audiences, from grassroots organizers to business executives. She blends academic rigor with real-world experience, making her a compelling voice in conferences, webinars, and leadership panels.
To sum up, Dr. April Willis has built more than just a consulting firm; she has created a support infrastructure for changemakers, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit professionals across the nation. Through April Willis Consulting and the National Nonprofit Collaborative, she is shaping the future of strategic planning and nonprofit operations.
You can connect with Dr. April Willis, a Forbes Coaches Council member and one of the Top 15 Female Business Coaches in America, through her official website, “April Willis Consulting (AWC).” She has been featured in CEO Weekly, is a TEDx license holder, and is the founder of the National Nonprofit Collaborative. As a professional speaker, author, and business consultant, her work continues to influence the nonprofit and small business sectors nationwide. Follow her on Instagram @dr.aprilwillis or connect via LinkedIn.
