HaiPro Distributions | Application Preview
HaiPro Distributions is applying for government grants to enhance its inventory and reduce reliance on rentals by acquiring a commercial van. The business addresses the needs of over one million people of Haitian descent in the U.S., offering access to culturally significant foods and beverages that are hard to find. The company also targets a broader audience, including individuals who have visited Haiti and appreciate its culture, by selling online through platforms like Amazon and Etsy, and participating in tastings and pop-up shops.
The founder, a Haitian American who grew up in an underserved community in Florida, emphasizes the importance of reinvesting in the community and supporting Haitian exports. With a background in economics, he aims to connect consumers with authentic Haitian products. In its first year, HaiPro Distributions has achieved over $250,000 in revenue, indicating strong demand.
The business faces competition from other importers and domestic producers of Haitian goods, as well as alternative products. However, its unique approach involves leveraging online sales platforms to cater to the younger generation's shopping preferences, setting it apart from traditional brick-and-mortar stores. By strengthening its supply chains and expanding its network of wholesalers and retailers, HaiPro Distributions aims to ensure that Haitian products are widely available to consumers who cherish them.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 352718491
Location: Pompano Beach, FL, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $250k to $500k
Annual Gross Expense: $250k to $500k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
The grant, in whatever amount, would help us tremendously in fortifying our inventory to keep up with the demand that has sent multiple containers full of merchandise each month. Depending on the value, it would help us in the purchase of a commercial van which would assist in lessening our dependency on rentals and delivery at a more convenient schedule.
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Business Plan
The United States has over 1 million people of Haitian descent. Many are still very connected to their culture and consume many of the types of foods/beverages and brands that are popular on the island but are unable to find in America. Our company is bringing those items to America to a waiting and wanting market. We target Haitian areas and ensure those needs are met. Additionally, there is a subset of the larger American population that has visited Haiti and loves Haitian culture with our food. We sell to them as well by ensuring our products are available for consumption online through Amazon prime and Etsy. Finally, we welcome the opportunity to introduce our non-GMO and all-natural products sourced from Haiti to newer audiences by doing tastings and pop-up shops anywhere that will have us. As a Haitian American that grew up in an underserved Haitian American community in Florida, I understand that as someone who was able to leave that community, get a good education (Bachelor and Masters of Economics), and a good career, it's critical to give back and reinvest in one's community to have it grow genuinely. Too many Haitians leave their homeland due to political and economic hardship but yearn for the products from back home. Further, it's critical for the development of that homeland, saddled with the title of the poorest country in the western hemisphere, that products from that country can make it out through exports to the world. The beauty is that with over 1 - 2 million Haitians already living in the US, there is a ready and willing market of consumers. With that purpose driving me, knowledge in hand, and background in economics to provide my ultimate guidance, I started HaiPro Distributions to provide a service connecting consumers with the products they need. And in our first year of operation, our year-to-date revenue has totaled over $250,000 and growing.
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Self Identified Competition
Other Importers of Haitian goods Domestic producers of goods for Haitians Producers of alternative consumable products Our innovation comes in leveraging online platforms like Amazon to accelerate our growth. Many of our products are already listed here and are a significant part of our growth strategy. While the community as a whole still buys their products through brick and mortar, more of the younger generation are shifting their buying preferences to online, and we are one of the few full-time entities providing such Haitian products online. Beyond that, we are adding value by fortifying our supply chains and continuing to build out our wholesaler and retailer network in the states so that wherever those who appreciate Haitian products can find them wherever they may be.
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Contact Applicant
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