Hopkins Freedom Customization | Application Preview
Hopkins Freedom Customization is seeking government grant funding to pay off newly acquired lasers, which will support the expansion of their market presence. By eliminating debt on this equipment, the business can reinvest profits into growth initiatives, particularly focused on giving back to the community through programs for veterans and local schools.
The business plan emphasizes a transition from part-time to full-time operations, allowing for increased efforts in marketing and the potential acquisition of a dedicated building for improved organization and inventory management. This move aims to streamline operations and enhance customer service.
The application highlights the company’s commitment to integrity and customer satisfaction. The owner expresses pride in creating meaningful items like memorial plaques and keepsakes, fostering a strong connection with clients who appreciate personalized service over larger, less community-focused retailers.
In terms of competition, the business faces a local competitor with established ties in the community and challenges from overseas sellers on platforms like Etsy, who offer lower prices but at the cost of longer shipping times. The uniqueness of Hopkins Freedom Customization lies in its dedication to customer care and community involvement, treating every customer equally regardless of order size. This personal touch brings emotional value to their products, setting them apart in a crowded market.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 84-4064620
Location: Sturgis, MI, 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
This usage will pay off our lasers and allow us to use the money we make to expand our markets. Since the lasers are new, their lifecycle is a long time and therefore will not require any repairs outside of warranty issues. Our main focus is trying to expand and be able to give back to our local community through Veteran programs or Schools.
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Business Plan
I want to be able to focus on marketing and being able to get more products on the market. I want this job to be my full-time job, not just a part time job. This will allow me more time to focus on marketing and advertising. I would ultimately like to purchase a building to do the work out of, this would allow me to have better organization and more product inventory for quick jobs. My business is focused on integrity and values. When a customer comes to me with a request, they know they are going to be taken care of and they will get the high-quality item they need. Having a customer see the memorial plaque or keepsake from a loved one and love it always brings a smile to my face. Handwriting preservation is something that everyone loves, and being able to put that on items for them to cherish and remember is so special. Also, I love being able to give back to my community, from Veterans, to schools and other organization in the area. I have customers who love to support small businesses instead of going to Amazon or big box stores, because they know how I feel about giving back to the community. Having this dream to be super successful in this business is something that I've always wanted.
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Self Identified Competition
1) Local competition, she has been in business for longer than I have, and her husband owns a funeral home in the area. Since she only does this job, she has been able to get her cards and name out to local businesses for their stuff. 2) Overseas competition on Etsy. They have the ability to keep their cost down on product, but they have longer lead times. Their pricing is related to their area, and that is much cheaper than prices in the U.S. 3) Don't really have a third competitor. Our business is based on integrity and values. I go above and beyond to make sure the customer is happy with their product, even if I have to spend more time on it that I initially thought. The customer that buys one item is just as important as the customer that buys 100 items, everyone is treated the same.
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Contact Applicant
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