Whispering Dandelion Farm & Venue DBA | Application Preview
Whispering Dandelion Farm & Venue is seeking government grants to enhance its operations and increase competitiveness in the agritourism and event hosting market. The primary funding request includes 50 evergreen trees, the development of a parking area for at least 30 vehicles, entrance modifications for improved traffic flow, and accounting services.
The business has a wish list that includes a large party tent, permanent handicap restrooms, a versatile food trailer, an accessible petting area, a dance floor, winter attractions like sleigh rides, additional fencing, and various animal care facilities. These improvements aim to create a more inviting and versatile space for events and visitors.
In its five-year growth plan, Whispering Dandelion is focused on expanding revenue streams through enhanced event offerings such as weddings and catering support. The venue recently secured approval for its event space and aims to advertise through social media and local wedding showcases. It prioritizes community engagement, offering support to underserved groups and fostering inclusivity.
The farm differentiates itself from competitors by emphasizing inclusivity, offering flexible pricing, and providing unique experiences such as pony cart rides and farm stays with amenities. The owners are committed to giving back to the community and providing accessible experiences for all, especially those with special needs.
The request for funding is grounded in the owners' dedication to their vision and the positive impact they have made locally. By securing this assistance, they hope to continue creating a welcoming environment that supports diversity and fosters joy for all guests.
-
General Information
Business Registration Number: 88 2190396
Location: SONORA, KY, 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
-
Funding Usage
Priority: Fifty evergreen trees that are at least 5' tall at planting. A developed parking area large enough for at least 30 cars. Modifications to our entrance in the form of a pull off to allow for 2-way traffic. Accounting services Wish List to Increase Competitiveness: Large party tent or pavilion Permanent handicap restrooms Concession/kitchen area in the form of a food trailer to allow for versatility Accessible petting area Dance floor Sleigh and snow machine to allow for wintertime visits More fencing, underground watering systems and automatic waterers to allow for additional pastures Chicken coops to allow for different breeds of chickens. Play structures for our animals. Signage Tables and chairs Tractor with a bucket
-
Business Plan
We have several plans in place to increase growth over the next five years for each revenue stream. We have hired Evolve to manage or short term rental listings. We are monitoring the benefits of that as we get through the bookings we has when we signed on into their bookings. We do save on commission fees paid to platforms we use making it cheaper to use than if we managed our own listing. The venue space was recently approved. We would like to add a large tent to allow holding receptions and/or ceremonies under shelter in case of rain. We also plan to add handicap restrooms, tables, chairs, and a kitchen for caterers so that we can stand out by having most things customers need for their events. We plan to participate in wedding showcases and advertise on wedding related social media groups as well as our own page. We plan to grow the agritourism portion by adding an accessible petting area, additional barnyard activities and possibly concessions. Word of mouth is proving to be very beneficial for us. With our focus on diversity, serving non-profit organizations at free or reduced rates, and participating in community events we are leaving a positive impact on our area. We would like to add alternative hours for those with special needs as well. We currently use sponsored events on Facebook as our primary means of advertising but also do some direct marketing with schools and other large groups. We are also researching innovative ways to to attract customers during the winter months such as sleigh rides and sledding. We allow photographers to have photo sessions on the farm and charge for those sessions. We have partnered with 1 photographers to offer mini sessions this fall. We will continue to host artists, yoga instructors and other small businesses with a following as a way to insure continued growth. Our breeding program will hopefully turn profitable next summer and continue to grow. We have purchased the breeding stock needed but gestational periods can be lengthy. There are several free marketing platforms that we intend to take advantage of when the time comes. Whispering Dandelion Farm and Venue DBA is more than a small business, it is a passion of mine. I have invested every possible dollar I can as well as all of my energy. My husband backs my dream and supports my vision completely with all of his energy and available time. People, all people, are our priority. Profits are necessary to be sustainable and to allow us to continue to support underserved group the way we currently do so we are working even harder so that priority is evident. We have hosted our domestic violence shelter without charge, taken animals to daycares for those with special needs free of charge and allowed kids with special needs come at slower times at reduced rates. We allow adolescents with Autism and mental health issues to volunteer for us as a way to help them learn job skills while also feeling a sense of accomplishment. We are an inclusive business and believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. We need your help to continue being the change we want to see while encouraging others to do the same.
-
Self Identified Competition
Our closest competitor is a farm that primarily focuses on their chicken swap/farmers market. They are open most of the year. They do not have Highland Cattle, pony cart rides or the large variety of barnyard activities we have. They are not close to the interstate. TC Highlands has Highlands but is expensive and rarely allows children 5 and under. They don't have anything else to offer and are in a very rural area. We have 3 area pumpkin patches that are only open during the fall. Area wedding venues are very expensive and do not offer wedding pictures with Highland Cattle or hayrides with a beautifully decorated wagon. There are several things that set Whispering Dandelion Farm and Venue apart from our area competitors. The first being that we are an interracial couple with a deep passion for finding peaceful ways to be inclusive of everyone even those with different political and or religious beliefs. As a mother of a beautiful transgender daughter, our far is open and welcoming to those frombthe LGBTQ+ community. We feel a special calling to help those with special needs, mental health issues and those with abusive pasts. We offer flexible rates so that those who have limited incomes can still enjoy our farm and those with a little more can add to our donation jar. Another thing that sets us apart is our pricing strategy. We have came up with a price that includes all available farm amenities rather that charging for individual activities. This saves time for our volunteers and makes things run more efficiently. It also helps avoid anyone feeling left out. We are set up for all ages and abilities. While we do not currently have an accessible fenced petting area, we are able to bring some of our animals out to alleviate risk of injury that can come with navigating the pasture area. We offer pony cart rides rather than just pony rides. Our goat Carl, joins our hayrides, and parents are encouraged to join their children for barrel cart rides. We offer farm stays with a hot tub and farm amenities are included in the stay. We also provide a s'mores kit, toiletries, and snacks as well as some basic breakfast items. The apartment includes a small gym and a game room as well as a fireplace for guests to enjoy. We are less than 10 minutes from I-65 conveniently located between Louisville, KY and Bowling Green, KY. Our competitors are all in less desirable locations. Our location is also in a rural area surrounded by rolling hills of farmland, it is just much closer to things like restaurants, other tourist attractions and more. Our venue offer unique features such as adding animals to ceremonies or pictures if the couple wishes to do so. We currently offer 2 different packages. With the availability of our DJ, set up and decorating services, planning services and cleanup services. Beautiful weddings are not just for the well off magazine cover bride and groom. We strive to be different with a firm belief that everyone deserves to experience joy.
-
Contact Applicant
Subscribe to our Administrator Dashboard to gain full access to this application. Learn More
