Suter | Application Preview
Suter is applying for a government grant to support the launch and growth of a diversified, experience-based agricultural business centered around a U-pick berry farm with complementary livestock operations. The funding will cover essential startup and operating costs—seeds, building materials, livestock, wages, fuel, insurance, and farm infrastructure.
The five-year business plan breaks into four stages:
1. Establishing the core (Years 1–2): Launch a U-pick berry farm with seasonal fruit varieties; introduce heritage goats and laying hens; begin brand development rooted in Kentucky’s agrarian identity.
2. Enhancing experiences (Years 2–3): Upgrade infrastructure with visitor amenities; start small-batch cheese production; host on-farm events like berry festivals and goat yoga to boost community engagement and revenue.
3. Scaling the model (Years 3–4): Expand into agritourism lodging; create a branded product line including soaps, jams, and egg subscriptions; build regional market and e-commerce presence.
4. Long-term optimization (Years 4–5): Add new crops; deepen storytelling and brand loyalty through creative content; explore franchising or expansion of the U-pick and value-added model.
The applicant emphasizes a founder-led, ROI-driven operation focused on sustainability, rural imagination, and hands-on customer experiences. The competitive edge lies in a blend of seasonal agricultural harmony, artisanal product development, immersive agritourism, and a strong Kentucky-rooted story. Compared to large farms and high-end producers, the venture positions itself as intimate, authentic, and scalable—with potential to grow into a multi-revenue rural brand that offers both economic return and community value.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: Not yet procured
Location: SULPHUR, KY, 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 would be used for the business startup and upkeep. Seeds, building materials, employee wages, livestock purchase, seeds, soil, fuel, electricity, insurance, etc.
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Business Plan
Over the next five years, I plan to develop a profitable and sustainable U-pick berry farm that offers a high-quality customer experience alongside value-added livestock products. My growth strategy focuses on three core pillars: enterprise expansion, direct-to-consumer marketing, and value-added product development. Year 1–2: Establishing the Core Operation. - Launch the U-pick berry enterprise with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and pineberries. Implement staggered planting and cultivar selection to extend the harvest season. - Introduce heritage-breed goats and laying hens to begin producing farm-fresh eggs and milk. - Create a compelling brand identity rooted in Kentucky’s agrarian heritage and artisanal storytelling to differentiate the farm experience. Year 2–3: Enhancing the Customer Experience. - Expand farm infrastructure: build a shaded picnic area, signage, and small barn for goat interactions. - Begin small-batch cheese production with on-farm sales—feta, chevre, and spreadable farm-style cheeses. - Launch farm events like berry festivals, goat yoga, and seasonal workshops to increase visitation and revenue. Year 3–4: Scaling & Diversifying Products. - Explore agritourism lodging options (e.g. farm stays or glamping) to attract weekend visitors and deepen engagement. - Develop branded product lines such as “wild honey & berry jam,” goat milk soap, and pasture-raised egg subscriptions. - Start attending regional farmers markets and build online pre-order systems for farm products. Year 4–5: Optimizing Profitability and Legacy. - Introduce new U-pick crops like elderberries, currants, or serviceberries to further diversify offerings. - Create storytelling-driven content (short films, print materials) to build loyalty and inspire deeper customer connection. - Evaluate expansion opportunities or franchising for the U-pick and value-added model. I represent a rare intersection of strategic vision, rural sustainability, and artisanal storytelling to turn a modest parcel of land into a high-performing, multi-revenue agricultural enterprise. My business is designed to meet growing consumer demand for authentic, experience-driven food systems by blending U-pick berries with livestock products like farm-fresh eggs, milk, and handcrafted cheeses. As a founder, I bring analytical precision and creative branding to every decision. I’ve carefully selected enterprise models with strong ROI, seasonal complementarity, and scalable potential. With a five-year roadmap already in place, I’m ready to execute on infrastructure, marketing, and product development with minimal waste and maximum impact. Investors can expect: • Diversified income streams (U-pick, dairy, eggs, agritourism, value-added goods.) • Sustainable land use and regenerative practices. • Founder-led operations driven by hands-on management, data-backed planning that builds customer loyalty. • Scalability through seasonal events, branded goods, and possible franchising of the U-pick model. This isn't just a farm, it's a platform for rural imagination and profitable connection. With your investment, we grow not just berries and cheese, but enduring value.
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Self Identified Competition
1. Regional U-Pick Farms with Agritourism Appeal Example: Southern Belle Farm (GA), Great Country Farms (VA), Remlinger Farms (WA) • Strengths: o Established customer base and seasonal events (e.g. berry festivals, corn mazes, farm stays.) o Strong social media presence and family-friendly branding. o Infrastructure for high-volume visitors (parking, restrooms, signage.) • Competitive Edge: Experience-driven marketing and repeat seasonal traffic. • Advantage: can differentiate with artisanal products (cheese, eggs, goat milk.) 2. Farms Specializing in Value-Added Products Example: Willow-Witt Ranch (OR), Monteillet Fromagerie (WA), Blackberry Farm LLC (TN) • Strengths: o High-end cheeses, soaps, jams, and curated farm experiences o Premium pricing and upscale branding o Often featured in travel and lifestyle publications • Competitive Edge: Artisan quality and luxury agritourism • Advantage: can offer similar products with a more grounded, Kentucky-rooted brand. 3. Diversified Livestock & Educational Farms Example: Hermitage Farm (KY), Liberty Hill Farm (VT), Harvest Hosts network farms • Strengths: o Livestock tours, goat yoga, cheese-making classes o Possibility of partnering with schools or host workshops o Emphasis on sustainability and education • Competitive Edge: Community engagement and experiential learning • Advantage: can lean into branding and offer experiences that connect visitors to the land. Multilayered Revenue Streams with Seasonal Harmony • Not just berries but staggered cultivars (including pineberries and specialty fruits) that extend the harvest calendar. • Not just chickens and goats but curated products like berry-jam cheeses, pasture-raised egg subscriptions, and goat milk soap. Branding That Sticks • Competitors market fun; I market legacy. • Visitors don’t just pick fruit, This emotional resonance builds loyalty and repeat traffic. Founder-Led Precision Meets Creative Vision • My planning is ROI-driven, my land use is optimized, and my customer experience is crafted down to the scent of blooming clover. Immersive Agritourism Experiences possibilities • Go beyond seasonal visits with interactive farm stays, cheese-making workshops, goat yoga, and story-led tours that embed the brand in the visitor’s memory. • No sterile transactions. every experience is personal, tangible.
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Contact Applicant
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