Crunch Bunch | Application Preview
Crunch Bunch is seeking government funding to scale its operations from a small, California-based cottage food business into a nationally distributed snack brand. The grant would help secure a certified commercial kitchen, essential for expanding legal sales beyond California. Funds would also support hiring part-time staff for production and fulfillment, and bolster marketing efforts—including digital ads, influencer collaborations, and market research—to reach new audiences and grow brand awareness.
Over the next five years, Crunch Bunch plans to build a reliable team, expand product offerings, and enter wholesale and direct-to-consumer markets across multiple states. The long-term goal includes developing a strong supply chain and sustainable profit margins, eventually moving into national distribution and exploring co-packing or private label partnerships.
The brand has already gained traction through grassroots efforts like farmers markets and community events, with a loyal customer base and strong product demand. With a focus on personal touches—like handwritten notes and thoughtful packaging—Crunch Bunch offers more than snacks; it provides a unique, emotionally resonant customer experience.
In a competitive landscape dominated by large players like Chex Mix, Crunch Bunch stands out through handmade, small-batch products with bold, nostalgic, and culturally-inspired flavors. It competes in the premium snack space with an identity rooted in storytelling, joy, and community values.
This grant would not fund a startup from scratch, but accelerate the growth of a woman-owned business that’s already resonating with customers and prepared to scale.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 1420
Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: NO
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Funding Usage
The funding will be used to transition Crunch Bunch from a California cottage food business to a scalable, nationally distributed snack brand. A portion of the funds will go toward securing access to a certified commercial kitchen, which is essential for legally producing and selling our products outside California. We will also use the funding to hire part-time staff to support production, packaging, and fulfillment. Additional funds will support marketing efforts to reach new regions, including digital ads, influencer partnerships, and market research. This grant will help us build a foundation for sustainable national growth.
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Business Plan
Over the next 5 years, I plan to transition Crunch Bunch from a local cottage food business into a national snack brand. My first priority is to move production into a licensed commercial kitchen, which will allow us to sell outside of California. With increased capacity, I aim to expand into new markets through wholesale partnerships, regional grocers, and direct-to-consumer online sales. I will build a small team to support production, fulfillment, and customer service, and invest in brand awareness through digital marketing and events. Long-term goals include launching new product lines, securing national distribution, and exploring co-packing or private-label options. By year five, I plan to be operating in multiple states with a reliable supply chain, a strong customer base, and sustainable profit margins. Crunch Bunch is more than just a snack — it’s a growing brand with proven demand, a clear market opportunity, and a founder who has built momentum through hard work, creativity, and deep community engagement. What started as a homemade holiday mix has evolved into a highly sought-after product at farmers markets and events, with strong repeat customers and a brand people remember. At the heart of Crunch Bunch is connection — every interaction is personal, from handwritten thank-you notes to playful, nostalgic packaging that sparks joy. I’ve built this business by listening to my customers and creating something that makes them feel seen, whether they’re buying for themselves or gifting someone they love. With funding, I’m not starting from zero — I’m scaling a brand that already has traction and heart. My plan includes expanding to a commercial kitchen, developing curated gift packs, hiring support staff, and growing nationally through both wholesale and online channels. An investment in Crunch Bunch is an investment in a woman-owned, experience-driven snack brand with the potential to scale while staying rooted in what matters most — people.
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Self Identified Competition
Chex Mix (General Mills) – As the most recognizable name in the snack mix space, Chex Mix dominates the retail market with mass distribution and brand familiarity. However, their products are standardized and lack the handmade, gourmet, or cultural flavor twists that set Crunch Bunch apart. Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn – Though focused on popcorn, Poppy targets a similar audience looking for artisan snacks in eye-catching packaging. Their success with curated gift sets and regional flavors reflects market demand for premium, small-batch snack experiences — a lane Crunch Bunch also occupies with its own unique identity. Dang Foods – Known for bold flavors and Asian-inspired snacks, Dang appeals to health-conscious and adventurous snackers. Crunch Bunch shares a similar spirit of flavor fusion (e.g., Furikake seasoning) but stands out through its cereal-based mix and whimsical brand tone. Crunch Bunch stands out by combining nostalgic comfort food with bold, culturally inspired flavors — all wrapped in a playful brand that genuinely connects with customers. While larger competitors rely on mass production and generic appeal, we focus on handmade small-batch snacks with a personal touch, like our Furikake Chex Mix, which fuses Asian pantry staples with classic American cereal in a way that’s both familiar and fresh. What truly differentiates us is our emphasis on experience and storytelling. Every bag feels like a gift — designed with intention, personality, and joy. Our curated gift packs and event-friendly packaging make us a go-to for meaningful, memorable snacking moments. As a woman-owned, values-driven business rooted in community, Crunch Bunch isn’t just selling snacks — we’re creating delight, connection, and moments of surprise. That’s why we’re worth investing in.
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Contact Applicant
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