Dr. Stacie Otey-Scott on Winning a $10K Grant & Becoming an Encore Entrepreneur
In the latest Founder Stories feature, we talk with Dr. Stacie Otey-Scott, a licensed clinical psychologist, small business owner, and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant recipient. Known as Dr. SOS, she launched her mental health practice Live Well by Dr. SOS later in her career, bringing decades of experience—and a deep sense of purpose—to her entrepreneurial journey.
Dr. SOS shares the realities of launching a business, how support from Old Dominion University Women’s Business Center helped her grow with confidence, and the power of resources like the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform to make progress feel possible.
Want the full story? Watch the video interview here:
Launching a Practice with Purpose
After years in the mental health field, Dr. SOS founded Live Well by Dr. SOS, a practice serving clients—whom she calls “partners”—aged 15 and up. She runs the business alongside her husband, a pastoral counselor and fellow entrepreneur. Together, they’ve created a unique model that blends professional care with partnership and community.
“We see people across the developmental lifespan. My husband and I wanted to build a model of care that really works for both clients and clinicians.”
Her vision? A practice that not only supports mental health but also gives providers more autonomy and clients more access.
Connecting with a Women’s Business Center
Dr. SOS connected with Old Dominion University Women’s Business Center (WBC) during an outreach event at her previous office. “As soon as they came through the door, we were excited,” she recalls. “They started sharing resources right away. Erika Small-Sisco, in particular, has been a wealth of support.”
She describes herself as an encore entrepreneur—someone who launches a business later in life after a career in another field. “I’ve worked in corporate America long before I decided to become an entrepreneur. Even though I know my job really well—I think I’m an amazing clinical psychologist, and I feel very confident in that lane—as a business owner, there are so many things you just don’t think about when you’re stepping into that space.”
With the WBC’s support, Dr. SOS accessed one-on-one coaching, made informed business decisions, and discovered funding opportunities. “Even if you’ve been in business for a while, having someone walk with you—who knows the landscape—that’s everything.”
Discovering Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Through the WBC, she was introduced to the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform, a free online resource that offers training, tools, and grant opportunities for entrepreneurs.
“There are so many courses—whatever stage you’re at, there’s something that can help. For me, the financial projections and ‘knowing your worth’ courses were especially helpful.”
She found value in the “learning pathways,” which bundle courses around topics like finance or digital marketing and provide a clear direction for learning. “Some courses are self-paced and others are live, which lets you ask questions and really engage. It’s been an incredible tool.”
You can sign up for your own Verizon Small Business Digital Ready account here.
Winning the $10K Verizon Grant
After completing several courses, including the required ones to be eligible, Dr. SOS decided to apply for the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready grant.
“I remember saying to my husband, ‘I think I should apply.’ And he said, ‘Absolutely.’ We reviewed the qualifications, completed the application, and waited.”
She was shocked when the news came: she had won the $10,000 grant.
“It came at just the right time. Erika from the WBC had been encouraging me to take those steps—and I’m so glad I did.” Her advice for others? Don’t let fear or doubt stop you. “Even if it feels intimidating, take the leap, and then enjoy the gain.”
Other Local Funding Opportunities
The Verizon grant wasn’t the only support Dr. SOS received. With her WBC’s help, she also accessed local city funding for technology and space upgrades.
“There are so many things you don’t think about—especially if, like me, you didn’t start out as a businessperson. I had to learn how to write grant applications, navigate city systems, and plan for long-term sustainability.” Thanks to that guidance, she successfully applied for two additional local grants that helped build her business infrastructure.
What’s Next for Live Well by Dr. SOS
Today, Dr. SOS is expanding her practice with a focus on collaborative care direct—a model that helps clients access high-quality care on their terms and supports clinicians in building more flexible, sustainable businesses.
“We’re creating a system that works better for everyone—offering elevated care while giving providers more control under the insurance umbrella.” She’s now accepting new clients and invites anyone interested to visit her website: livewellbydrsos.com
Words of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs
When asked what she would share with others starting (or restarting) their business journey, Dr. SOS didn’t hesitate: “Relationships matter. No one does this alone. The more support you have, the better your outcomes.”
She also shared a quote by Winston Churchill that helps keep her grounded through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
She adds, “When I needed it most, that’s when Erika showed up. That’s when the ODU Women’s Business Center showed up. And I’m just forever grateful.”
Feeling Inspired? Take Your Next Step
Whether you’re just starting or ready to grow, support is out there. Hope2Women offers access to Women’s Business Centers nationwide, plus tools like the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform—completely free to entrepreneurs.
Explore courses, coaching, and funding tools today at hope2women.org.
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