Ali Ward Media LLC | Application Preview
Ali Ward Media LLC is seeking a government grant to support its growth and establish a solid foundation in the photography business. The total funding request of $62,020 will be allocated as follows: $30,000 for a 12-month lease on studio space, $12,000 for living expenses while transitioning from current employment, $5,000 for studio equipment and props, $3,500 for a Sony AS7III camera, $2,800 for a 12-24mm lens, $2,000 for unforeseen expenses, $1,800 for a company Mac, and $720 for yearly expenses.
The business plan focuses on investing in quality equipment and training to meet the expectations of prospective clients, including professionals needing headshots and families with newborns. By upgrading to a more advanced camera and lens, and securing a versatile studio space, the owner aims to enhance the client experience and expand marketing efforts. As a solo entrepreneur, the plan includes gradually hiring a small creative team as the business grows over the next two years.
Since its inception in June 2020 amidst the challenges of the pandemic, the business has made significant progress, including collaborations, publishing achievements, and a growing social media presence. At 23 years old, the owner is committed to building a profitable company while emphasizing personal growth and community contribution.
In a competitive photography market in Portland, Ali Ward Media LLC highlights its unique perspective, commitment to learning, and community engagement as key differentiators. The owner believes that fostering a collaborative spirit among peers and constantly striving for self-improvement will help carve out a niche in the photography landscape.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 185560894
Location: Beaverton, OR, United States
Length of Operation: 1
Number of Employees:
Annual Gross Income:
Annual Gross Expense:
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
$30,000 12 month lease space $12,000 Living expenses to leave current employment $5000 Studio equipment/props $3,500 Sony AS7III $2,800 12-24mm Lens $2000 Unforeseen Expenses $1,800 Company MAC $720 Yearly Expenses
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Business Plan
The first step to growing my business is to invest in equipment and training that will satisfy the standards of my desired clientele. I plan to study from some of the most experienced photographers, stylists, and editors in the industry right now. I would upgrade to a Sony AS7III camera with an equally capable lens. I intend to rent a spacious, well-lit studio space as the focal point of Ali Ward Media LLC and as a space to photograph clients. The clientele I am trying to attract are primarily professionals who need headshots and families with newborns (as I have been exclusively shooting newborns recently). The ideal studio is versatile and will allow for those, as well as many other creative projects. In addition to finding the right location, there will need to be an appropriate budget for advertising. Because I am the sole employee at this time, marketing budgets will be increased as the business grows. Ideally within 2 years, there will be enough of a foundation for me to hire a small team of creative individuals. Starting in June of 2020, during the peak of the Coronavirus outbreak, Ali Ward Media LLC has been growing from concept to reality. This challenge to build a consumer-driven business in the midst of a contactless society has given me confidence to stand on my own two feet as a business entrepreneur. In 14 months I have organized 3 collaborations with crews of 7 or more contributors, been published in a magazine, grown a social media following of over 1300 people, and landed a job as a newborn photographer. I recently filed business registration and am on the road to owning a profitable company at the age of 23. I am moving forward fully in the pursuit of this obtainable dream.
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Self Identified Competition
Photography is a versatile occupation and there are numerous professionals out there who do great work in the Portland area. I will be facing competition on every side. What gives me reassurance in this situation is that each photographer offers a specific style that clients gravitate towards or away from. While there are thousands of talented photographers, there is only one Ali Ward. My obstacle is to prove that I deserve my place in the photography world. What sets me apart from my competition is that I strive to learn, find creative services to be a great way to give back to the community, and am driven by seeing my own self-improvement. I believe in working hard and giving your best to whatever you do. I want to learn from and offer knowledge to those around me, and I want to thrive alongside my competitors because there's enough demand in the market for each of us.
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Contact Applicant
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