Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarevonte “Clay” Williams
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got my start as a startup coach by working in venture capital, a field that historically has been accessible to those already in the know or with significant financial resources. I saw firsthand how much potential there was in entrepreneurs who lacked access to the tools, networks, and opportunities they needed to succeed. That inspired me to create solutions tailored to startups and early-stage businesses, equipping them with a house of tools to grow their ideas into thriving ventures.
Where I come from, the two most impactful ways to help people were through political and economic empowerment. That background fueled my desire to make a difference by bridging gaps in opportunity and knowledge. I realized early on that fostering economic growth—whether through supporting small businesses or advocating for equitable policies—was key to creating lasting change.
This journey has been about more than just coaching; it’s been about helping others see the possibilities in their ideas and providing them with actionable strategies to succeed. It’s deeply fulfilling to know that the work I do helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses, build their communities, and create opportunities for others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it. When you don’t know what you don’t know, you’re bound to encounter challenges. The journey has been filled with bumps, errors, and mistakes, but I’ve learned to embrace them as opportunities to grow. As long as I’m failing forward, I believe I’m on the right track.
One thing that keeps me grounded is a poem I was taught called Don’t Quit. I recite it in my head constantly, especially when it feels like the whole world is crashing down. It reminds me to keep going, no matter how tough things get. I also tell myself, “You can have results, or you can have excuses—you can’t have both.”
That mindset pushes me to double down and work even harder, because I know the work I’m doing isn’t just for me—it’s for my community. I believe God wouldn’t give me a burden I couldn’t carry, and that faith keeps me moving forward. Through it all, I remind myself why I started: to help others succeed and create opportunities where they didn’t exist before.
As you know, we’re big fans of C Williams Consulting. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I like to brand myself as The Startup Coach. My mission is simple: to help businesses and startups grow, stabilize, and thrive—no matter where they are in their journey. I work with a wide variety of clients, from solopreneurs who are just starting and struggling to find their footing, to billion-dollar corporations looking to refine their strategies. My ultimate goal is to help businesses succeed and achieve their potential.
My specialty is helping early-stage companies secure funding, whether through private equity, venture capital, CDFIs, banks, or loans. Beyond funding, I also assist with marketing strategies, business development, operations, and whatever else the business may need to move forward. My background spans corporate America, the private sector, the public sector, and even teaching, which gives me a unique perspective. I leverage that experience to empower my clients with the tools and knowledge they need to reach the next level.
What sets me apart is the impact I strive to make. For example, helping a single mother whose business is struggling, unsure of how to turn things around, means everything to me. I’ll go above and beyond to guide and support her, knowing that my advice can put her on the path to success. Or helping a recent college graduate who dreams of starting their own business instead of entering the workforce—I work to make their vision a reality.
For me, it’s not just about business; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering growth, and empowering others to succeed. That’s what drives me and defines my brand.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was winning a bike in my school’s raffle. It was the prize for perfect attendance during standardized testing week. Every day you showed up to take the test, you earned a ticket, and by the end of the week, if you had been there every day, you’d have five tickets to enter into the raffle.
At the end of the week, they drew the winner, and my name was called! I was over the moon—it was the most excited I’ve ever been. That moment of hearing my name and realizing I’d won is something I’ll never forget. It’s definitely my favorite childhood memory.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cclaywilliams
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarevonte.williams
