Business Development Grant Writing
Resume:
Stephen Choate
Nevada/California *****
**********@*******.***
SUMMARY
Veteran, entrepreneur, and experienced legal and outreach professional with a diverse background in nonprofit development, legal aid, hospitality, finance, and media. Proven skills in grant writing, legal research, client advocacy, and business development. Strong track record of leadership across public service, corporate, and faith-based initiatives, driven to be granted Minister/ Ordained sponsorship by Universal Life Church March 2025. Recognized by state and federal entities for community impact. KEY SKILLS
• Legal Research & Writing
• Grant Writing
• Nonprofit Formation
• Client Advocacy
• Public Speaking & Podcast Hosting
• E-commerce (eBay)
• Business Development
• Market Analysis
• Web Development
EXPERIENCE
March 2025>Founder / Director/ Ordained Minister by Universal life Church Romans 7 Nonprofit Organization —Romans 7. org <see web page for bylaws>
• Founded and structured a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support the poor in spirit, funded by a donation of 1,300 collectible coins.
• Duties include:
o Grant writing and submission for nonprofit funding o Web development and management for public engagement o E-commerce sales management via eBay
o Host and producer of weekly podcast “Jesus Social Hour: Rags to Riches” o Host / Concierge / Busser
Rainforest Café, Las Vegas — June 2022 – Feb 2023
• Managed high-volume guest services in one of the top family restaurants on the Vegas Strip.
• Seated over 350+ guests per shift using digital tablet systems.
• Ensured guest satisfaction, coordinated with front-of-house team, and adapted to multiple roles to enhance service.
Senior Law Clerk / Legal Aid to poor/broken spirited souls each week Casa Grande Transitional Housing / Hope for Prisoners Program — March 2015 – April 2023
• Provided legal aid to approx. 300 inmates per week in areas including: o Family law (divorce, child support modification) o Criminal appeals
o Civil rights and grievances
o Immigration holds (ICE/INS)
• Assisted with drafting motions, filings, and legal correspondence to aid inmates’ transitions.
President / Market Analyst, real estate, commercial/real estate underwriting Choate Associates / Focus 2000 Financial (CA/NV) — 1982 – 2015
• Led residential and commercial lending operations across California and Nevada markets.
• Conducted real estate market analysis and lending evaluations.
• Oversaw business development, loan processing, and compliance operations. EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Paralegal Certificate – Blackstone Institute — Awarded Aug 2024
• Completed 125 hours of lectures via UNLV (Aug 2022 – Feb 2023)
• Topics: Legal Research, Torts, Contract Law, Criminal Law & Procedure, Civil Motions
Certificate in Grant Writing – Awarded August 2024 Certificate in EPA, Hazwoper/ Asbestos. Sept 2023
MBA & BA in Business/Finance – Webster University, San Diego — 2005 MILITARY SERVICE
U.S. Army Veteran – Vietnam Era — 1972 – 1975
• Cold War Service Award Recipient
1975> overland travels to India (1975)
HONORS & RECOGNITION
• U.S. Senate – Congressional Recognition
• U.S. House of Representatives – Congressional Recognition
• Secretary of State, Nevada – State Recognition
• Governor, State of Nevada – Certificate of Honor
• Las Vegas Police Department – Certificate of Encouragement
• Clark County Commissioner – Public Service Commendation
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