Valentinas Store | Application Preview
Valentinas Store is seeking government grant funding to expand its facilities and improve operations. The funds will be used for store enhancement, including more lighting and windows, as well as acquiring additional freezers and a vending machine. The funding will also cover utility costs and shipping expenses through local airlines.
The business plan includes hiring local community members, investing in technology such as scanners and cash registers, and launching a customer loyalty program. Additionally, the owner aims to participate in business events to gain insights into thriving small businesses and plans to extend services to the neighboring village of Savoonga, AK.
Valentinas Store emphasizes its value as a worthwhile investment. As the only small business in Gambell, AK—a community of over 700 residents—and the first woman-owned establishment there, the owner believes her dedication and connection to the community set her apart.
While competition includes two corporate chains, Valentinas Store differentiates itself by focusing on unique local needs, offering items like fishing nets, native jewelry, and traditional winter clothing. The owner aims to highlight cultural products, such as seal skin earrings and native head-dresses, to better serve the community.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 2164659
Location: Gambell, AK, 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 planning on using this funding to extend and enlarge my store with more lighting, and windows. I also plan on buying more freezers, a vending machine, and paying for the electricity and heating. I will also use the funding to pay for shipping on the local airlines.
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Business Plan
I plan on expanding my small business by hiring locals in my community, purchasing scanners, more cash registers, while creating a customer loyalty program. I also plan on attending business events to learn more about other small business and how they thrive. I want to start extending my services to the next village over, Savoonga, AK. I am worth investing in. I am a hard worker, Alaskan Native, and first woman owned business in my community which holds over 700 people. My little store is the only small business in Gambell, AK. The next small business is about 200 miles East in Nome, AK.
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Self Identified Competition
I live on an Island, and in my small community, there is 2 corporate chains: ANICA INC and Alaska Commerical inc. They have bigger buildings, more cash registers, and have more of a variety of items. ANICA INC has a loyalty program at the end of the year where they give cash back to those who have a program with them. My store is different because I plan on purchasing items that our community members need such as fishing nets, native jewelry, and winter clothing. As an Alaskan Native, I would love to see a small business carry items such as seal skin earrings, native head-dresses.
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Contact Applicant
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