Carma Bags | Application Preview
Carma Bags is seeking government grants to support the development of three new product designs— a crossbody bag, a messenger bag, and a sling bag— all crafted from salvaged car seat leather, with an estimated cost of $10,000. The company also aims to create a professional brand video to enhance marketing efforts, projected at $5,000.
Currently, Carma Bags participates in four urban flea market shows annually in Cincinnati, generating around $1,000 in sales. The business plans to expand its presence by adding shows in Dayton, Columbus, Louisville, and Lexington. Increased social media activity is also on the agenda to boost brand visibility and sales.
The grant funding is justified by the uniqueness of the product, which utilizes materials salvaged directly from junked cars, such as seat belts and leather, diverting waste from landfills. This reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning with the growing consumer demand for sustainable products. Carma Bags stands out among competitors like Rareform, Sword & Plough, and Alchemy Goods by being the only U.S. company focusing on materials from junked cars, catering to car enthusiasts and environmentally-conscious consumers alike.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 4373807 (Ohio LLC)
Location: Cincinnati, OH, 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: YES
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Funding Usage
I would like to add three new designs to my products, all made with salvaged car seat leather -- a crossbody bag, a messenger bag, and a sling bag. The completion of this will cost about $10K. Additionally, I would like to create a professional brand video that I can use to promote my business and grow my sales. This will cost about $5K.
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Business Plan
At present, I do 4 urban flea market shows annually, all in Cincinnati, where I typically sell around $1000. I intend to expand my participation in shows, adding venues in Dayton and Columbus, Louisville and Lexington, KY. I also intend to increase my social media activity to create interest in my brand and drive sales. My product is unique. I salvage materials directly from junked cars -- seat belts (which make great staps!) seat covers and seat leather -- which I pull before the car is shredded. I also acquire scraps from auto upholstery shops which I often recieve for free. But the most important thing about my product is that my source materials were all headed to the landfill. We send nearly 2 million tons of "soft" auto materials to landfills every year, and my product helps reduce that. Yes, it's a small amount, but it's a start! Finally, research indicates that more and more consumers are interested in buying environmentally-responsible products.
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Self Identified Competition
Rareform, Portland, Oregon, totes, duffles, wallets, and backpacks made from repurposed billboard vinyl. Sword & Plough, Denver, Colorado, bags and jewelry from reclaimed military uniforms. Alchemy Goods, Boulder, Colorado, bags and accessories from recycled bike inner tubes. We are the ONLY American company that salvages raw materials from junked cars. We are truly unique. And the appeal for consumers that love cars is enormous.
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Contact Applicant
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