Cheramey Enterprises dba Made in the Shade Blinds | Application Preview
Cheramey Enterprises, operating as Made in the Shade Blinds, is seeking government grants to support its business expansion aligned with a growth strategy. The funds will be utilized to participate in a collaborative program with private entities and the City of Houston, aimed at providing training and development for small construction companies. This initiative will enable the company to bid on over 300,000 housing contracts that have remained incomplete since Hurricane Harvey.
The business plan focuses on leveraging this training to enhance capabilities in securing government contracts. The goal is to transition from subcontracting to hiring full-time employees, enabling a more consistent operational model and supporting business growth.
The applicant's educational background includes a degree from the University of Houston and a graduate degree from Rice University, coupled with ongoing professional development in the construction trades. This strong work ethic, combined with a determination to succeed, underpins the push to become a prime contractor.
Competition includes major retailers like Home Depot and online platforms such as Blinds.com. However, Made in the Shade distinguishes itself by targeting specific market segments—Pro-styler, DIY-styler, and Convenience-styler—comprised of higher-income, educated, and tech-savvy customers, contrasting with the lower-income segments pursued by bigger stores. This strategic focus provides a competitive advantage in a crowded market.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 46-4213850
Location: Houston, TX, United States
Length of Operation: six
Number of Employees:
Annual Gross Income:
Annual Gross Expense:
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
We will use the funds to grow the business in accordance with our growth plan. I am involved in a program offered by a collaborative consisting of private companies and the City of Houston, which offers training and development for small construction companies. Along with this training, attendees are expected to be awarded some of the 300,000 plus housing contracts that have been sitting unfinished since Hurricane Harvey. My company will be assisting with fulfilling all of the elements of home building from start to finish.
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Business Plan
I plan to use the program described above to enhance my ability to win government contracts. Having the right tools, as soon as possible, will help us to get closer to becoming prime contractors for the City of Houston. Being able to bid and win these government contracts would allow the company to grow exponentially. In terms of operational, I will need to hire my own work teams. Currently, Made in the Shade uses subcontractors to perform the work as needed. This has been working well for the business because the opportunities have not been continuous. However, when we are awarded several contracts, some of them simultaneously, we would be able to hire employees on an ongoing basis. Having full time employees would help to grow the business. I have always wanted to become a prime contractor and I have quickly worked my way to becoming skilled to meet this challenge. I am a well educated business woman, with an undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and a graduate degree from Rice University. Since I purchased this business, I have made continuing education of prime importance, learning the trades one step at a time, while obtaining the required business certifications along the way. I have a strong work ethic that sits upon my need to succeed, and I am willing to work on my business until I achieve success.
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Self Identified Competition
Understanding competition is a critical part of planning for growth. Big Box Stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Floor & Decor, Blinds.com online store. Some smaller companies like mine have their specific market share based on customer classifications. The big box stores and online stores cater to what I refer to as the Shabby chic, Cross shoppers, and Walmarter group segments. These segments are comprised of the moderate income group with the least amounts spent. Made in the Shade caters primarily to what I call the Pro-styler, DIY-styler, and Convenience-styler segments, which comprise of a higher income, highest married, highest educated, and tech savvy group.
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Contact Applicant
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