The Tidy Nest | Application Preview
The Tidy Nest is applying for government grants to support an expanding cleaning service that has seen increased demand since the Covid pandemic. The owner started the business 5.5 years ago and now operates out of a garage, facing rising expenses while striving to provide quality cleaning services to local businesses and homeowners. The goal is to secure funding to rent or buy a downtown space, which would not only help professionalize the business but also revitalize the community's downtown area.
In the application, the owner shares plans for the new office: a gathering place for employee interactions and supply organization, fostering a sense of community among staff. The applicant believes that building relationships is key to the service, prioritizing client satisfaction and employee engagement.
The funding is seen as vital for growth, enabling the owner to create a more sustainable business while contributing to local revitalization and providing competitive wages. Additionally, the owner discusses the challenges posed by competitors who operate informally, allowing them to undercut prices, complicating the business landscape.
The Tidy Nest distinguishes itself by fostering personal connections with clients, offering 24/7 communication, and providing a supportive work environment, especially for single parents. The passion for cleaning and community service drives the owner to inspire others and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Overall, the grant would enable The Tidy Nest to flourish, supporting both economic growth and community well-being.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 820911301
Location: Randolph, WI, United States
Length of Operation: 6-10
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $100k to $250k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: NO
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Funding Usage
I started my business about 5.5 years ago due to the demand/need of cleaning in our area. Following Covid, the need has grown exponentially as businesses and homeowners are placing more value in the need for clean spaces to maintain a safer/cleaner environment for both their customers and families. However, as more people place value in the service, my expenses have significantly increased, especially following COVID, leaving less of profit to continue growing the small business, along with hardships others are facing to afford such a service. Currently I am running my business out of my garage with supplies everywhere. My dream is buy/rent a downtown space in our small community, and to revamp the interior/exterior. Our town has less than 3,000 people in it, and the downtown needs help. I hope to continue growing and expanding to meet the cleaning needs, along with hopes to continue employing more of the workforce to pay them competing wages to live on. This money would significantly help with moving my office to a much-needed rented space downtown, also giving those building owners some needed income as some of those places have sat vacant for many years, looking dreary and sad. I am hoping to help Randolph flourish, and have become active in the Chamber to help make our town a better place for all. I love to give back to the community, and hope I can do even more of that by having an office space that will inspire the change downtown. Thank you for your consideration!
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Business Plan
As explained in the section above a bit (whoops!), I plan to have an office space to actually have interviews in (not in my house with my kids running around sometimes!), and a place for cleaners to come and get all of their supplies by not having to come out to my house for work. I think it sets a more professional tone by having a nice place for all to gather for employee birthdays and celebrations as well. I think it’s important to make employees feel like they are part of a family, not just clocking in and out. I am continually pushing myself and others around me to do their best in all realms of life! I invest a lot of time with my clients, their families, my employees and their families, and always try to give 100% no matter what I do. Im driven and passionate, and I want to take my business to the next level! I’ve always loved cleaning, and find it not only a job, but also a pastime. Most women I know think I’m crazy for loving cleaning, but the benefits of a clean environment and giving back has been instilled in me from a young age. My work ethic is strong and I don’t give up easily. I have 3 boys who also give me the motivation to show them that if you work hard ethically, anything is possible! My grandmother is in her 80s and is still cleaning homes for others, and my mother is always helping out in the community as well. I did go to UW-Madison and got a degree after high school, but decided that cleaning was the route for me. I’m proud to be a small business owner, and hope to inspire other individuals as well!
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Self Identified Competition
While there are many competitors within 30 miles of our town, it has been increasingly common for individuals to start their own “businesses” and get paid “under the table,” through VenMo, PayPal and the like. Therefore they are reporting little to nothing of what they make while I’m reporting my income/expenses and paying quarterly taxes on all of our sales. Since new people keep popping up and don’t have the overhead expenses and do not report much income, they are in turn able to take customers at a much lower cost, which cuts into our business. Although everyone should have passion for serving others, I truly try to exemplify love for what I/we do. In contrast to our bigger competitors (KleenMark, MerryMaids, and the like), I love building honest and close relationships with ALL of our clients. I get to know what ‘pain’ they are dealing with personally or on a business level, and do my best to meet their needs. I take calls, emails, texts 24 hours a day and try my best to leave everyone feeling better than they did before. Amy concerns come directly to me, the owner, and I relay them to my staff. I am currently doing all of the book work, marketing, hiring, supply ordering, some cleaning, training, equipment cleaning, laundry, and other work that needs to be done on a daily business. I’m always willing to go the extra mile for clients and employees, and strive to make my business a place where single moms can make a decent wage, and people needing extra money can work to pay their bills. I believe my small-town, personal approach is what gives employees and clients a sense of comfort when choosing my business!
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Contact Applicant
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