Mathilde | Application Preview
Mathilde is applying for government grants to help scale her woman-owned, Latina small business in Rhode Island. The funding will be utilized primarily for hiring additional help, including training her assistant to manage some of her workload. This will allow her to purchase materials in bulk, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Additionally, Mathilde plans to outsource some marketing efforts, which would free up time for her to focus on acquiring more business.
Her business plan includes expanding from her previous participation in a wholesale marketplace, aiming for improved turnaround times for orders. To enhance visibility, she intends to create better marketing materials such as videos and social media content. Having been featured in Martha Stewart Living in May 2021, she recognizes the need to develop press kits to broaden her exposure in other publications.
Mathilde cites her potential for job creation and mentorship as a key reason for approving her funding request. She emphasizes her commitment to reinvesting in the Rhode Island economy and supporting local non-profit organizations. Her unique product offering, characterized by soft-washed quilts made of linen and cotton batting, differentiates her from competitors. The quilts are praised for their breathability, intricate design, and modern appeal, making them suitable for everyday use while having heirloom potential. Mathilde notes interest from larger retailers and competitors but believes her exclusive techniques and product quality give her a competitive edge.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 82-1862079
Location: Pawtucket, RI, United States
Length of Operation: 3
Number of Employees:
Annual Gross Income:
Annual Gross Expense:
Open to Loans: NO
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Funding Usage
In order to scale up, I need to hire help; this includes expanding the scope of work to my assistant to train her and let her do some of the work I do. Additionally, I could buy more materials at 3-4 times a year rather than monthly and save on wholesale prices and shipping. Farming out some of the marketing to an assistant part time would also help so I can concentrate on getting more business.
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Business Plan
Last year I participated in one wholesale marketplace. I plan to expand this market because I can keep up with wholesale orders as the turnaround time can be more efficient. I need better marketing materials (video, social media management) to increase my visibilty. I also was published in Martha Stewart Living in May 2021 and I need to expand press kits to other publications to get the word out and increase visibility and sales. I'm a woman-owned, Latina small business in Rhode Island and I have the opportunity to employ more women and scale up my business. I can mentor employees, create jobs, put money back into the RI economy and continue to support non-profit organizations that serve as support to local communities. There is not other product like mine. I know this because big box retailers are scoping me out. China manufacturers have visited my website to see what I'm doing. Home Goods' trend forecaster tried to order one of my quilts, and I can only speculate as to why. (I rejected his order).
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Self Identified Competition
Rebecca Atwood, a textiles designer who has expanded quickly in the home goods market. Blok Textiles, makes small batch hand-printed pillows, throws, prints. Joanna Howard Home; waffled throws and blankets My quilts are soft-washed, great layering pieces and made of linen with cotton batting. They are exceptionally soft, intricately detailed and delightfully modern. The textures and modern patterns are breathable, can be used every day yet are heirloom pieces meant to last generations. They are incredibly breathable yet insulating. The textures created by the patterns have been a technique I've honed over the years and are a trade secret that is exclusive to my work.
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