Rustburg Vines | Application Preview
Rustburg Vines is applying for government grants to fund the development of a new storefront on their existing property. The grant will also facilitate hiring 2 to 4 employees to enhance production capabilities and explore additional retail opportunities, as the business is currently featured in five stores. The plan includes expanding their shirt line by trademarking their brand and investing in advanced equipment such as UV-DTG printers and more presses to improve operational efficiency.
The business plan focuses on launching a trademarked shirt line and bolstering support for other small businesses. Currently, Rustburg Vines supports 18 small businesses within its storefront. The owner, who holds a Doctorate in Business, has experienced significant growth since opening the business in 2020 as a sole proprietor, later rebranding to Rustburg Vines Vintage & Artisan Market, LLC.
The application highlights the proprietor's dedication to fostering local small businesses, evidenced by receiving multiple accolades, including the Readers' Choice Award for Best Home-Based Business. The emphasis is on strong customer service and a commitment to quality, which distinguishes Rustburg Vines from competitors who may offer similar products at lower prices.
The competitive edge lies in the owner’s extensive knowledge, expertise, and commitment to the community, paired with a focus on servant leadership principles. The owner advocates for continuous improvement through regular SWOT analyses to ensure ongoing success. The funding is presented as an opportunity to not only grow a reputable business but to also uplift the surrounding community by fostering entrepreneurship among local small businesses.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: Rustburg Vines
Location: LYNCHBURG, VA, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $100k to $250k
Annual Gross Expense: $100k to $250k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
The plan for using the funds is to build a new storefront on the property I currently own, hire 2 to 4 employees to meet production and seek out other storefronts for placement (we are currently in 5 other stores), and expand our shirt line by trademarking the name. I will need to invest in UV-DTG printers, more presses, and other equipment for growth.
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Business Plan
The main goal is to launch a new shirt line that is trademarked. I plan to hire 2-4 employees to meet production and seek out store opportunities for placement. Currently, I am in several stores locally. We are an ink-based company at the moment. The plan is to expand with UV DTG printers to optimize the most effective and efficient means possible to meet production. In addition, I want to expand my vintage and artisan small business opportunities within my store helping other small businesses grow. Currently, I support 18 small businesses in my storefront. I have a Doctorate in Business and in the past three years, I have seen substantial growth within my business. When I opened in 2020, I was a sole proprietor. Recently, I changed my business name from Rustburg Vines to Rustburg Vines Vintage & Artisan Market, LLC. I have worked hard in the past three years building a reputable small business here in Campbell County, Virginia. Having a Doctorate in Business, I take pride in utilizing my education and helping other small businesses grow. My passion stems from being an educator in business. Now, I concentrate on helping other small businesses grow with me. In 2021, I opened a storefront in the front part of my home. In 2022 I won the Readers' Choice Award for Best Home-Based Business. This year, I won that award again, including 2nd place for Best Locally Owned Business, 2nd place for Customer Service, 2nd place for Best Women's Clothing, and 2nd place for Best Gift & Specialty Store. I dedicate my knowledge to advertising and marketing, understanding the fierce competition in the market today. However, with the right tools, small businesses can be successful and that is what our community needs.
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Self Identified Competition
My competitors are other small business owners in my area that do similar work. However, the foundation of my business has been built on customer service and focus. We target individuals who seek out custom designs and quality work. While our customers can seek out other small businesses that do similar work for cheaper, my customer service, dedication, and knowledge of the business sets me apart from them. My local awards prove that. Again, what sets me apart from other competitors is knowledge, education, dedication, perseverance, customer service, and grit to name a few. I am a go-getter. I'm always finding ways to serve and grow within my community. My dissertation was written on Servant Leadership. I believe that it takes a servant, someone who is willing to be at the forefront of the small business, even when it grows, to remain successful. I have spent my life in business education, whether teaching or learning, to understand that a small business must create a SWOT Analysis or use some type of tool quarterly to stay on track and remain successful.
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Contact Applicant
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