Silver Branch Soapworks | Application Preview
Silver Branch Soapworks is seeking government grants to address pressing financial challenges and invest in business growth. The funding will primarily go towards paying off a substantial personal property tax that is accruing interest, which could jeopardize the business's license if not settled. Additionally, the owner wishes to pay off a credit card debt of about $940 that has been accrued due to purchasing supplies. There is also a desire to invest in an airbrush to enhance production speed for the bath bombs, a best-seller that currently takes significant time to paint.
The business plan focuses on expanding market presence by participating in larger markets that charge higher fees, creating a well-designed website to reach more customers, and exploring opportunities to sell in physical stores, including reaching neighboring states. The goal is to generate an annual income of $20,000 after taxes and fees.
The owner expresses a strong personal motivation to succeed in this venture, emphasizing the importance of creativity and autonomy in their life. They have received positive feedback from repeat customers who appreciate the quality of their products, particularly the creamy, moisturizing soap and unique bath bombs.
In terms of competition, Silver Branch Soapworks faces challenges from Purple Elephant Bath and Body. However, the owner believes their competitive edge lies in the use of a higher percentage of shea butter in soaps and a unique formulation of bath bombs that enhances the bathing experience. The owner’s extensive background in customer service also contributes to building strong customer relationships, creating a welcoming environment that encourages repeat business. Overall, with the right support, the owner is confident in achieving greater success for Silver Branch Soapworks.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: Silver Branch Soapworks
Location: Slidell, LA, 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: NO
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Funding Usage
I want to pay the ridiculous personal property tax that the government hit me with off. Interest means it keeps increasing by the month and by the end of the years, if it's not paid, I will lose my license. I have a credit card to pay that I've been putting supplies on and I'd like to pay it off (it's currently roughly $940). I'd appreciate more to buy more supplies but that will always be an expense. I'd like to buy an airbrush so I can more quickly paint my bath bombs since they sell so well and it takes forever.
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Business Plan
I want to start attending bigger markets with bigger fees. There are several in the area that charge in the realm of hundreds of dollars that I can't attend because I don't have the money. I want to build a well selling website and reach more potential customers. I'd love to expand into physical stores to sell and expand to neighboring states in my sales. I'd love to be bringing home $20,000 a year after taxes and fees. I've always hated these questions. It's hard to brag about yourself and talk about why you're wonderful and worth it. I could say it's because I'm worth it, that I desperately want to be in control of my own life. I want to grow doing something I love. I've always been creative and now I feel like I have a real possibility of using it to make something great. I have repeat customers that tell me my soap is creamy and comforting. That most soap makes their skin dry, sticky and itchy but mine doesn't. That my bath bombs are my best seller and kids especially absolutely love them. That I truly believe I can accomplish something with this business. It WILL happen. With your help, I can accomplish it faster.
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Self Identified Competition
Purple Elephant Bath and Body is my main competitor. This will sound strange but it's the shea butter. Most soapers will use only 3% in their soap. I use 20%. I feel that with 3%, there isn't a real noticeable different in feel or usefulness. I have customers return and say mine is better than anyone else they have tried. Also my bath bombs contain not only a derivative foaming agent but also buttermilk to help with bubbles and the silky feeling while also changing the bath colors. But the biggest thing is me. I've been in customer service 35 years though not in this industry. I know what to say and when, how to deal with customer problems or issues, and more. Its feel so weird to say but I have people sometimes come to my booth just to hang out because they enjoy the chat. So different, I guess it's a matter of perception, but everyone seems to like me and what I offer.
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Contact Applicant
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