Bombay & Cedar | Application Preview
Bombay & Cedar is seeking government grants to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, specifically in logistics and production. The funds will be allocated toward enhancing manufacturing and logistics processes, hiring staff, upgrading their warehouse and equipment, obtaining certifications, and boosting marketing efforts.
The business aims to grow its subscriber base to over 1,000 by the end of 2021 and maintain a 5% monthly increase for the next five years. Additionally, they plan to improve their monthly retention rate from 82% to 85% by the end of 2021, eventually reaching 92% by 2026. Profit margins are expected to rise from breakeven to 15% in the short term, with a target of 40% by 2026, driven by operational upgrades and strategic vendor negotiations.
A key reason for requesting funding is the ongoing struggle with working capital, hindering their growth despite existing positive vendor relationships and successful marketing strategies, particularly highlighting women-owned businesses. The founders have already invested over $100,000 of their own funds and time.
Competition includes other subscription boxes focusing on self-care, ethical products, and natural ingredients. However, Bombay & Cedar differentiates itself through its passion for the business and commitment to quality. Each box is carefully curated with unique items, and their aromatherapy line uses only natural ingredients—free from synthetic fragrances—demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Many products serve multiple purposes to reduce waste and come in recyclable packaging.
The diverse founding team includes professionals from various fields, which reflects their dedication to continuous learning and growth in the business. Overall, the funding will support their mission to thrive in a competitive market while nurturing their ethical and environmentally conscious values.
-
General Information
Business Registration Number: 20251209325
Location: MARIETTA, GA, United States
Length of Operation: 4
Number of Employees:
Annual Gross Income:
Annual Gross Expense:
Open to Loans: YES
-
Funding Usage
COVID-19 has had a major impact on our logistics so we will use these funds not only to ramp up production of our new line of products but will also employ processes that will make packing and shipping our subscription boxes more efficient. We would also like to be Leaping Bunny and B Corporation Certified. Funds will be used towards... Upfront Manufacturing Costs & Logistics Staffing Warehouse Upgrades Equipment Upgrades Certifications Marketing & PR
-
Business Plan
Increase subscribers to +1000 by year end 2021 and +5%/monthly for next 5 years. (Strengthen targeted digital marketing campaigns, grow Bombay & Cedar branded products through online, retail and wholesale.) Increase monthly retention rate of 82% to +85% between Q3-2021 and Q4-2021, then +92% by year end 2026. (Enhance subscription rewards program, strengthen targeted digital marketing campaign and improve logistics process.) Increase profit margin from breakeven to 15% between Q3-2021 and Q4-2021, then 40% by year end 2026. (Upgrade operations, place larger production orders of BC products and boost vendor negotiations.) Our primary obstacle from the very start has been the lack of working capital. We have built great relationships with our product vendors over the past few years to provide box content at a fraction of the cost. With this we market their brand and business in every subscription and highlight at least one women-owned business each month. This has shown to be very successful. Now that we are growing the capital is still not where it needs to be so we do struggle from month to month with hopes to soon be more profitable. We are super passionate about what we do. We have also invested over $100,000 in our personal funds as well as our time while forgoing a salary.
-
Self Identified Competition
TheraBox Monthly box - Joy boosting activities & thoughtful self-care products. Kinder Beauty Box - Products that are focused on ethical and sustainable production Simply Earth - Pure oils and natural ingredients with easy-to-make recipes Our passion, first and foremost. We do not give up easily. If we are not able find an investors who are interested we would do our best to continue our journey while looking for the best resources out there to help grow our business. This in turn, will put us in position to do the same for others. We are a purpose-driven business. Every product we choose to feature in our boxes is carefully curated. Our box is know as the "box you didn't know you needed" because we pack it full with unique USEFUL items our subscribers didn't know existed. Our line of aromatherapy products are no different. Most of us aren’t able to name at least three ingredients in the products we use on our bodies and in our homes. We decided to craft aromatherapy products with natural, recognizable ingredients and without the use of chemicals. We’ve also seen many products labeled as “aromatherapy” but are actually scented with synthetic fragrance oils. We only use pure botanical aromatherapeutic essential oils in our products and we keep our ingredients to a minimum. And while we are more environmentally conscious than ever before, we still have a long way to go in how much waste we accumulate. Our products are specifically formulated to be multi-use which eliminates the need for additional single-use goods. For example, our linen mist also functions as a body spray and a room refresher and our 100% pure carrier oils can be used as an unscented body oil or massage oil. Also, most of our products are bottled in Opaque Biophotonic Violet Glass which extends the life of its contents plus they are aesthetically pleasing and 100% recyclable and reusable. Our carriers are bottled in PET bottles which are also both reusable and recyclable. Our team of founders include a graphic designer, a logistics expert, an aromatherapist, a customer service manager, a film student, IT engineer and an EDI specialist. We are always learning and we can't wait to see our business grow.
-
Contact Applicant
Subscribe to our Administrator Dashboard to gain full access to this application. Learn More
