Mountain Meadow Creations | Application Preview
Mountain Meadow Creations is seeking a $15,000 government grant to alleviate credit card debt incurred from purchasing supplies and to convert the owner's basement into a dedicated workspace. This transformation aims to create separate areas for t-shirt production and tumbler crafting, along with shelving for a "ready to sell" section, enhancing customer interactions. Additionally, a designated photo area will improve product photography for online listings.
The funding will also enable the business to expand into sublimation printing, allowing for quicker item production and the capability to meet customer requests that require this technology. The owner intends to sell products in local retail stores and, with increased sales, contribute to local youth sports sponsorships, helping to fund jerseys and equipment.
The business plan includes enhancing productivity through a more efficient workspace. The owner currently manages operations from makeshift storage solutions, which complicates the work environment. Establishing a dedicated area will streamline processes and minimize disruptions like dust and pet hair.
The grant's approval is justified by the owner's commitment to community support, including donations to fundraisers and advocacy for youth sports. With an established track record of high customer satisfaction reflected by five-star reviews on Etsy, the owner aims to expand business capabilities while maintaining a strong focus on personalized service.
The main competition includes larger retail stores that offer cheaper, less personalized items. By adopting sublimation, the owner can reduce costs and provide uniquely crafted, personalized products that stand out. The competitive edge lies in the commitment to quality and customer care, ensuring that each product is special and tailored to individual customer needs, which larger stores cannot replicate.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 228416391
Location: Blacksburg, VA, 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
I am requesting $15,000 grant, this would pay off the credit card debt that I have accumulated for purchasing supplies from my business as well as convert my basement into a working area. I would include a separate area for t-shirts and another area for working on my tumblers. I would also have shelving installed so I can make a ready to sell section in case any customers would like to see my products in person. I would also like to make a photo area so I can take better photographs of my products for listing. I would like to expand my business into sublimation this funding would help me purchase a printer, ink, heat press and paper I would need to expand into this venture. I currently have to turn customers away because I am not able to offer ideas they send me which would require sublimation printing. I would like to offer my products to be sold in local stores with adding sublimation I would be able to make items quicker without the use of epoxy; therefore, increasing my sales. I would be able to offer Sponsorships for local youth sports to help them purchase jerseys and equipment from the sales of my items since my operating costs would be covered with this grant. With the increase of sales I would be able to hire someone to help me with the demand.
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Business Plan
I plan to add my products into brick and mortar type retail stores so I can grow my name and business. I want to add sublimation so I can make my items are a lower cost and expand that savings to my customers. I want to be able to increase my productivity and converting my basement into a work space would make it more efficient for me to work, currently I work out of plastic tubs and old dressers to make do. This room would also reduce the dust and dog hair from the open concept of my basement. I would like this Sole Proprietorship to lead into full time so I could work out of my home and dedicated my attention to growing my sales and increasing our income. I'm not only a Sole Proprietor but I give back to our community when I can. I donate items for fundraisers, I am an advocate for youth sports because my Son plays various sports. I would love to increase my business enough to give back to our community sports, I would love to sponsor jersey for all players, equipment replacement and places to play. I would love to add the sublimation so I can donate more items and still have time to work on orders and increase my sales. I take pride in my work and my Etsy store has 5 star reviews, I don't send out anything that I'm not proud of!
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Self Identified Competition
Big box store that sell items cheaper than I do. I made handmade custom items and big box stores can sell something not as nice but much cheaper. I have lost sales because someone can buy a cup much cheaper than I make but it's not as nice, adding the sublimation would allow me to lower prices on items I make. I care. When a customer tells me they want a cup for their best friend who has cancer I want to make them something JUST for them, not something they can buy at a big box store but something handmade, just for them...personalized and to make them smile. When I can take an idea and put a smile on someone's face then I have done my job. I take my work and set a high standard, I have worked in customer service for 20 years and I know what to expect so I give that to my customers. I work very hard to provide the best service and personal delivery if I can. I also special wrap my items that I ship to make them special.
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