Wild Fern Images | Application Preview
Wild Fern Images is applying for government grants to fund the purchase of a 12x24 building for a photography studio, along with necessary equipment such as lights, backdrops, and reflectors. The funding will also support upgrades to portrait lenses and the acquisition of an additional camera body.
The business owner is an award-winning photographer in Franklin County, Missouri, and has been successfully servicing weddings, families, and events. With a growth rate of 47% from 2021 to 2022, the owner plans to transition to full-time photography by the end of 2023. This shift will enable a more focused effort on expanding the business through increased client sessions and strategic marketing. Future plans include hiring a part-time associate photographer, enhancing marketing initiatives, introducing new services like product photography, and expanding into the St. Louis area to increase earnings.
The application highlights the owner's accolades, including first-place awards in the Lieutenant Governor's 'Missouri Adventure' photo contest in 2018 and 2019. As one of the top photographers in the area, the owner cites a solid and growing client base, with a goal to increase growth to 60% in the coming year. The need for studio space is emphasized as crucial for accommodating clients, particularly during winter and inclement weather.
The competitive landscape includes several local photographers, but the owner stands out due to personal dedication and a memorable client experience. Balancing a full-time corporate job while managing a growing photography business, the owner's journey from a modest beginning to success is underscored by determination and a passion for the craft. Current business is fueled largely by repeat clients and referrals, accounting for 75% of the clientele.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 85-2230585
Location: Washington, MO, 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 am requesting funding to purchase a 12x24 building to use as a photography studio, and purchase the equipment needed for studio including lights, backdrops, and reflectors. I also need funding to upgrade portrait lenses and add an additional camera body.
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Business Plan
I am an award winning, full service photographer serving Franklin County, Missouri. I currently photograph weddings, seniors, families, events, maternity and newborns. From 2021 to 2022, I have experienced a growth of 47%. I plan to leave my corporate marketing job and go full-time with my photography business by the end of 2023. This will allow me to focus solely on building and expanding my business and I will have dedicated time to take on more clients, more sessions, and more reach through strategic marketing efforts. My specific plans for the next five years include: hiring a part-time associate photographer, plan and execute targeted marketing plans, broaden my service offerings to include product and business branding photography, expand into a larger geographic area to include St. Louis, and increase earnings. I am an award-winning photographer - in 2018 and 2019, I won first place in the Lieutenant Governor's 'Missouri Adventure' photo contest sponsored by the Missouri Department of Tourism. I have a very solid client base, and it is constantly growing. After 3 years of being in business, I have become one of the top photographers in my area. I have the drive and passion to take my business to the next level and beyond. I need assistance to build on the progress that I have made, and help me achieve my goals. I have experienced growth of 47% from 2021 to 2022, and I plan to increase that growth to 60% over the next year. One element of my business that I am missing is the ability to do studio work. I don't have adequate space in my home so I need a studio to serve clients indoors. This will help grow my business exponentially during the winter months and allow me to shoot in inclement weather.
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Self Identified Competition
My top 3 competitors in my area are fellow wedding/family photographers. I am in the top 3 of the photographers in my area, despite being a newer photographer, and it is a highly competitive market. It has always been my dream to be a photographer, and my passion and love for photography runs deep. I am a single mom of 3 grown daughters, and I didn't have the opportunity to invest in myself while my children were young and we were living paycheck-to-paycheck. I was gifted my first camera in 2018 and it has changed my life. I started booking clients and my business became official in 2020 and flourished despite the challenges of Covid. I currently work a full-time corporate marketing job, and run my photography business full-time as well. What sets me apart from my competitors is my determination, drive to succeed, and effort that I invest in my business, and the personal, memorable experience that I provide to my clients. I consistently receive 5-star reviews, and word of mouth advertising has been tremendous. Due to my time constraints, I have relied solely on repeat clients and referrals, which make up 75% of my current business.
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Contact Applicant
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