Thomas Performing Arts Center | Application Preview
Thomas Performing Arts Center is seeking government grants to address a significant increase in their rent and an impending relocation to inadequate space that will hinder their operations. They have identified a new location that better meets their needs but require funding to complete the necessary buildout, as their existing financial resources have been exhausted.
The business plan includes expanding their class offerings and activities for children in Franklin County, hiring additional staff, and introducing afterschool programs. They aim to enhance their service by adding fitness classes to their curriculum.
The applicant's personal connection to the community is strong, with a background rooted in the local dance scene through their mother’s long-standing business. They are committed to providing opportunities for all age groups and backgrounds, ensuring that no child is turned away due to financial difficulties, supported by existing scholarships. The center also offers inclusive dance classes for individuals with mental and physical disabilities.
While competition exists from two other studios, Thomas Performing Arts Center differentiates itself through its inclusive philosophy and supportive environment. Their focus is not just on dance skills but also on nurturing the emotional well-being of their students, making their studio a safe haven for many. This holistic approach is what they see as their competitive edge.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 006802833
Location: Farmington, ME, United States
Length of Operation: 6-10
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
Our current studios are in a building that was just bought out by an insurance agency. They have raised our rent by 64% and are moving us the basement where we will not have the adequate room to run two classes at the same time. We have found another location that will support our needs, but we need to do a complete buildout. After spending years to get our studios up and running, we have already put everything we have into our space. We do not have the money to move again.
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Business Plan
If we are able to move into a new, larger space, we plan to offer more classes and activities for kids in our area (Franklin County). We would like to hire more staff and offer an afterschool option for our community. We also plan to start offering fitness classes. I have grown up in Farmington. My mother was a dance teacher/business owner for 25 years in our area. Once she retired, I opened our current studio. After 8 years as a business owner, I still love what I do! Working with children and adults is my passion. Not only do we give the kids in our community an opportunity to explore the world of dance, but we have also never turned away a student. It does not matter a family's financial hardships. We have SEVERAL families on scholarship. We also offer classes to children and adult with mental and physical disabilities. I am in the process of becoming a teacher for Dance Ability of Maine where we specialize in inclusive opportunities for everyone.
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Self Identified Competition
There are two other studios in my area. 1 teaches out of our local American Legion. We are a different studio and offer a different philosophy. The other studio in 35 minutes away and draws from a different region. My studio is inclusive. We consider our students family. We offer a competition team, but our main focus are our recreational dancers. We look at the dancer as whole. Not just their ability to achieve goals physically but also nurture their mental health as well. For some, our studio is a safe place to come and express emotions. For some, it's the only safe place they have to just be themselves.
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Contact Applicant
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