The Mocking Bird | Application Preview
The Mocking Bird is seeking government grants for various crucial expenses. The funds will first be directed toward settling credit card debt incurred from food inventory, permits, licensing, and kitchen equipment purchases. In addition, the funding will help cover employee salaries and rent in the near term.
The business plans to grow from a market stall to a full-scale restaurant, with aspirations to franchise in the future. A key part of the growth strategy includes active community engagement and volunteering, highlighting a commitment to local involvement.
The reason for funding approval is grounded in the mission to not only succeed as a business but to also contribute positively to society and the environment. The owner is passionate about offering delicious vegan comfort food, challenging the stereotype that vegan options are limited. Their vision emphasizes better eating habits for families and future generations, along with a drive to support the community through non-profit food events and initiatives, especially during the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.
In terms of competition in Portland, while there are other vegan establishments, the owner notes a collaborative spirit among them. The Mocking Bird distinguishes itself through a unique offering of vegan fried chicken, filling a specific gap in the local market. Despite the vibrant vegan scene, there is no direct major competition for their specialty product.
With a growing social media presence and strong community interest, the business is confident in its potential for success. The owner is dedicated to sourcing ingredients locally and ensuring quality through homemade preparations, underscoring a heartfelt commitment to the venture.
-
General Information
Business Registration Number: 85-0623008
Location: Hillsboro, OR, United States
Length of Operation: less than 1
Number of Employees:
Annual Gross Income:
Annual Gross Expense:
Open to Loans: YES
-
Funding Usage
I would first use this funding to pay off my credit cards used for food inventory, permits, licensing, and all of the kitchen equipment I purchased. I would also use the funding to pay my employees and rent in the next few weeks.
-
Business Plan
I have a vision to continuously expand, as the time is right. I am starting off at a market, and then want to eventually launch my own restaurant. Possibly even franchise later down the road. I plan to grow by continuing to engage and volunteer in my community as much as possible on the side. My business is not just about me being successful. It's about helping others and our planet. I cook comfort vegan food to show people that Vegan food is far from boring, and that it's a great alternative in terms of sustainability and the way we have provided food to society. With everything going on, it's such a great time to make better eating habits for not only our planet, but our families and generations to come. I am very passionate about helping the community, and I have a strong vision to not only profit off of a restaurant, but to utilize it to give back and hold various non profit food events at local sanctuaries and other locations on the side. Right now, I'm doing everything I can to help people who need food during COVID, but I can only do so much, as I haven't had a cash flow and am running out of my own money and credit.
-
Self Identified Competition
In Portland Oregon, competitors would be other vegan food restaurants, but in all honesty we have all come together. Even though I am not open yet, I run a weekly giveway on Instagram (@themockingbirdpdx) that entails a gift certificate to other local restaurants. Also, In Portland there is a huge vegan scene, however my food is unique. I specialize in Vegan fried chicken, unlike any other restaurant in this area. In that respect, I don't have major competition. Portland is known for Vegan food, however most places that offer a chicken substitute out here offer soy curls ( they're similar to a mock chicken chunk). I specialize in Vegan fried chicken sandwiches. Even though I am unique, the demand is very much alive for a good mock chicken sandwich. I have recently launched an Instagram page last month in March and already have around a thousand followers, and I get flooded with messages and people asking me when I'm going to be able to open and how Portland has been waiting for this. With the support and excitement I have received, I have absolutely no doubt that my business will thrive out here. I source a lot of my ingredients locally and make mostly everything homemade. Aside from all of that, I am extremely passionate, genuine, and put a lot of my heart into this business.
-
Contact Applicant
Subscribe to our Administrator Dashboard to gain full access to this application. Learn More
