Oak Hill Dry Cleaners | Application Preview
Oak Hill Dry Cleaners is seeking government grants to recover from significant losses and pay off equipment investments while securing some operational funds. The business plans to enhance delivery services by at least 5% yearly and is considering adding a laundromat with eco-friendly systems, promoting sustainable practices.
The grant application highlights the company's resilience during the pandemic, emphasizing that while many dry cleaners closed, Oak Hill not only survived but adapted to meet evolving community needs. They support local initiatives, such as providing free cleaning services to Maine Needs, and take pride in being the sole USDA-approved eco-friendly dry cleaner in the area. Their goal is to create an eco-friendly laundromat that supports children's programs, displaying a commitment to community wellbeing.
In terms of competition, Oak Hill primarily contends with one local chain, Pratt Abbott. However, as a family-owned business, they differentiate themselves by keeping all operations in-house, allowing customers to witness the cleaning process. The owner, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience, engages personally with clients, fostering strong relationships. This personal touch, coupled with a reputation for high-quality service, sets them apart from larger competitors who outsource cleaning. The application portrays Oak Hill as more than a business; it sees itself as an integral part of the community, dedicated to both exceptional service and customer care.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: Oak Hill Dry Cleaners
Location: scarborough, ME, United States
Length of Operation: 11plus
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $250k to $500k
Annual Gross Expense: $250k to $500k
Open to Loans: NO
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Funding Usage
This is our total losses and we are hoping to pay off our equipment investment as well as enjoy a bit of breathing room with some much-needed (hopefully forgivable) operating capital
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Business Plan
We anticipate increasing our delivery services by 5%, or more each year. We hope to add a laundromat to our business offerings, using the LaundryLux or Huebsch systems. We are growing after surviving the pandemic. One in three dry cleaners, nationally, did not make it. We did not only survive, but restructured our business to meet the changing needs and demographics. Today, we are a community partner with Maine Needs, doing all of their cleaning for free and supporting the needs of our fellow Mainers. We have a thriving home delivery service that will only grow further, and we are the only USDA approved ecofriendly cleaner. Our goal of opening an eco-friendly laundromat includes a Library Cares element to support kids who visit the facility with their parents. We are not just about surviving, but thriving and growing with our community.
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Self Identified Competition
We compete with only one local chain - Pratt Abbott. There is no real competition as we are a single entity, family owned and operated shop and they are a huge chain. While our competitor ships all of their customers' items to large plants, we keep everything right at our store. Everyone can see us do the work, and our chief presser is also the owner! He has more than 30 years of experience, and is not yet 50! There is a huge difference in an owner operated, "Mom and Pop," shop. For example, people come here just to introduce their dogs or visiting family. We are frequently invited to customer weddings and events because we care about each person and engage directly with them. Our quality is well-known and we often (and by often, weekly) get an item or items just done by the competition and in bad shape. We don't engage in any negative talk and just redo the work to the highest quality imaginable. We are all about garment and household care, but also about customer care and engagement.
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Contact Applicant
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