Designs by CSS | Application Preview
Designs by CSS is applying for a government grant to support the purchase of essential equipment and services, including a computer, design software, a printer, and marketing tools such as a website and promotional materials. The goal is to strengthen the business’s design capabilities and grow its customer base.
In the next five years, the business plans to expand operations beyond Erie County into surrounding counties, including areas in New York and Ohio. There are also plans to hire two to four employees as the business grows.
The applicant brings two decades of experience in building materials and project management, identifying a gap in the market for high-quality, code-compliant blueprints—particularly for smaller residential projects like decks and minor additions. The new software would allow them to fill this gap more effectively.
Designs by CSS differentiates itself from two main competitors: architect firms and lumber yards. While architect firms often overlook smaller projects due to low profitability, and lumber yards tend to pressure clients into material purchases, Designs by CSS offers a more approachable, affordable alternative. Clients receive quality, code-compliant plans without feeling obligated to buy materials through the business, giving them freedom and confidence in their renovation or building projects.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 39-3525398
Location: North East, PA, 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
Funding from this grant would go to purchasing the computer, software, printing, and marketing, which would include a website and advertising materials.
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Business Plan
Over the next five years, I would like to expand my business to hire 2-4 people. I would expand the business out of Erie County, to the counties around us, including New York and Ohio. First, I have been the building material and project manager for the last 20 years. I have seen the need for good blue prints in the building area. With the software I plan on purchasing, I can fill in the void. Some prints that are being used are missing key information on code and just general items which will help; the builder. I think I can bring my years of knowledge from project managing and working in the lumber yards, and knowing materials to the blue prints.
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Self Identified Competition
Well, architect firms are the biggest competitor, but the market I am going after, most architect firms will not touch them as the projects are not very big. Such as adding decks, small additions to their homes. The next competitor is some of the lumber yards are doing this service to help their customers. But not everyone wants to go through a lumber yard to get their prints done, as they feel they are expected to purchase most of their materials through them. These are the many competitors in the area. There are a few differences of what I can bring from the competitors. Like the architect firms, I will be giving them a code compliant print, but without the high cost. Also, I will be able to do the smaller projects which they will not touch. As for the lumber yards, I can give the contractors and home owners a low pressure experance in the first step of making their project a reality. I am not going to push building materials and other products at them like the number yards do. They can go shop where ever they want to do price comparisons, and fell feel guilty about it.
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Contact Applicant
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