Sarah'ndipitous Sweet Treats & Eats, LLC | Application Preview
Sarah'ndipitous Sweet Treats & Eats, LLC is seeking government grants to transition from a part-time operation to a full-time retail venture. The goal is to establish a grab-and-go location that serves morning coffee and baked goods, as well as pre-packaged meals for lunch and dinner. The store will also feature a section for selling jams, candy, and products from local small businesses.
The business plan includes several strategies for growth, such as ongoing product research and development, increased marketing efforts, and a focus on customer satisfaction. A sales funnel will be implemented to enhance customer retention, alongside the use of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and loyalty programs. The owner aims to strengthen online sales through an email campaign, growing social media presence, and participating in local networking events. The retail space will be designed to provide a safe and inclusive environment for both employees and customers, with an emphasis on community support and sustainable practices.
As a relatively new entrepreneur, the owner emphasizes her success despite balancing her current job as a special education teacher. She plans to hire individuals with disabilities, creating work experience opportunities in collaboration with local schools. This initiative aims to equip students with important job skills while integrating her passion for teaching and baking.
Regarding competition, Glory's Bakery offers a similar model but with different products, while The Painted Tree does not provide fresh items or made-to-order options. This unique positioning will be leveraged as a competitive advantage in the local market. Overall, the funding will support the growth and expansion of the business while making meaningful contributions to the community.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: Sarah'ndipitous Sweet Treats & Eats, LLC
Location: Virginia Beach, VA, 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 expand the business into a full-time venture and open a retail, grab-and-go location. With my items becoming increasingly popular, I would like to focus on a location where people can stop for morning coffee and baked goods, as well as pick up items for lunch or dinner from refrigerated/freezer areas. I would also like to have an area in the store where other items can be sold (my jams, candy, candied nuts, etc.), as well as other items from local small business owners.
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Business Plan
I plan to grow my business into a brick-and-mortar location and use several strategies to increase growth. I will continue to research and develop products to meet the needs of my customers. I will also increase my marketing budget to ensure my business and products are reaching my current and potential customers. I will also continue to develop and build a sales funnel, ensuring I am able to move customers through the funnel and ensure their satisfaction. At this time, I also have great customer retention at my markets and this is trickling into online sales as well. I will continue to research and develop customer loyalty. Some of the ways I am looking to increase this is through using a CRM system, creating a customer loyalty program, continuing to use an email campaign/newsletter, increasing my social media presence, and using a tracking system to ensure I am meeting the needs of my consumers in all ways (returning calls and emails, having preorders ready on time, etc.). I will also participate in networking events in the surrounding areas to promote the store and products. I will also provide a supportive and inclusive, safe environment for not only the employees but for my customers as well, through giving back to the community and using as many recyclable products as possible. I also plan to continue to participate and expand with farmer's markets, bringing in more customers through this. It is important to make continue to analyze data and what is working and refine any areas as needed. As a newer business owner, with very part-time availability with my current schedule, I have been very successful. I am persistent and always find a way to succeed. Although my plan includes leaving my current profession as a special education teacher, I plan to hire individuals with disabilities and provide a supportive work environment. I am also working closely with not only my current school but other schools in the area to provide work experience opportunities for students with disabilities. Currently, I have students who assemble boxes and roll silverware for my business. Having a retail location would also afford these individuals to be able to leave the school building during the day to work in my location with a job coach. This will teach them valuable work readiness skills and help them to be able to gain and maintain employment after they exit high school. This brings my two loves together, teaching students with disabilities and baking/cooking and sharing this with my community.
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Self Identified Competition
Glory's bakery The Painted Tree Glory's Bakery has the most similar business model but her items are completely different than what I would offer. The Painted Tree carries local products as I would also like to do, but does not offer anything fresh or made to order.
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Contact Applicant
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