Smiling Dog | Application Preview
Smiling Dog is applying for government grants to acquire two laser etching machines to enhance their business. The first machine is a diode laser etcher, allowing for quick etching on various materials, while the second is a portable etcher for personalizing items at events. This investment aims to maximize return on investment and improve the customization options available to customers.
With over nine years of experience in pet photography and a strong local customer base, Smiling Dog has shifted from photography to creating pet-related products. The new machines will enable the business to diversify its product offerings and reach a broader online market through an upcoming e-commerce platform.
The application outlines a competitive landscape filled with vendors offering common pet accessories. However, Smiling Dog believes it can stand out by specializing in laser-etched customizable items. Their past experiences at events suggest high customer interest in their current products, and they see significant potential for growth by expanding their range and personalization capabilities beyond what competitors offer. They express a strong commitment to making this new venture successful.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 26-3305866
Location: Indianapolis, IN, United States
Length of Operation: 6-10
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
We would use this to purchase two new laser etching machines. One would be a diode laser etching machine, which would allow us to etch a much wider array of items at a much faster rate of speed. The second would be a portable laser etcher, which would allow us to personalize items for customers at events. This would help us maximize our ROI.
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Business Plan
We plan on selling more items online, we just have not determined the most appropriate channel yet. If we are able to purchase a mobile etcher, we can attend larger events, as well. We are a passionate and experienced couple who have been running a successful pet photography business for over 9 years. We have a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in our local market. We have exited the photography market and are now making pet-related items. We are seeking funding for two new laser etching devices that will enable us to expand our product range and offer personalized items at events for our customers. These devices are high-quality and versatile, capable of engraving and cutting various materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, and more. They can also create stunning designs and images with high precision and speed. By adding these devices to our business, we will be able to increase our revenue and profit margins, as well as diversify our income streams. We will be able to offer more value and customization to our customers, enhancing their satisfaction and loyalty. We will also be able to reach new markets and customers online, as we plan to launch our e-commerce platform soon. We believe that our business has great potential for growth and innovation. We are ready to work hard and smart to make this new business a success. Thank you for your consideration.
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Self Identified Competition
Many pet accessory businesses sell bandanas, leashes, collars, beds, etc. Some sell wooden signs, door mats, etc. Events are full of vendors who sell the same things with different designs, different cloths, etc. We believe that we have found a niche in the market offering laser-etched pet accessories, especially if we can offer personalized items at events. At the few events that we have sold items at, people love the items we offer now. We would love to be able to take our products to the next step and offer a wider variety of items and personalization that other vendors cannot.
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Contact Applicant
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