The Ice Cream Float CT | Application Preview
The Ice Cream Float CT is applying for government grants to expand its operations and consolidate existing debt. The funding request includes $15,000 to pay off current debts related to its primary business of selling ice cream from a boat during summer months. An additional $20,000 is sought to launch a mobile food trailer named "Sugar Mama." This trailer will enable the sale of ice cream, freshly made mini donuts, and Hawaiian shaved ice on land, providing year-round revenue opportunities.
Currently, the business's revenue is limited by its boat-based model, which faces challenges like size constraints, unpredictable weather, and a narrow customer base. By introducing a mobile trailer, the business owner aims to reach customers year-round, with ice cream and shaved ice being sold primarily in the warmer months and donuts, cider, and hot chocolate offered in the cooler months.
The owner emphasizes their commitment to building the business as a way to set an example for their children. As a U.S. Air Force veteran and a full-time emergency room nurse, they have faced adversity head-on and are determined to succeed. The applicant takes pride in the joy their ice cream service brings to customers and the community's supportive response to the unique boat concept.
Competitors include Flavor King Ice Cream Truck and Robin's Ice Cream. However, the owner's determination, coupled with the novelty of the ice cream boat, sets them apart. The success of The Ice Cream Float CT has also inspired other young entrepreneurs in the area, fostering a sense of community that the owner wishes to continue nurturing. This grant funding would enable the business to grow and create future job opportunities while contributing to the local economy.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 0011725613
Location: Preston, CT, 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
The funding would be used to consolidate debt (approximately $15,000) for the current revenue stream which is limited to selling ice cream on the water from the boat (“The Ice Cream Float CT”) during the summer months. The additional $20,000 would be used to expand my revenue stream by starting a mobile food trailer (“Sugar Mama”) to sell ice cream, freshly made mini-donuts, and Hawaiian shaved ice on land (not on the water or by boat). The ice cream and shaved ice will be primary in the spring/summer and the mini-donuts will be primary in the fall/winter.
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Business Plan
Currently, The Ice Cream Float CT only sells pre-packaged ice cream by boat in the water off of Southeastern CT. Due to the limitations of the boat itself (size, etc), the unpredictable weather, and the customer base being others with access to a boat, and boating season being so short, this revenue stream is limited. I am going to grow this business to bring in revenue on land, any day of the week and in any season by establishing a mobile food trailer. On this trailer, I will continue to sell pre-packaged ice cream but add Hawaiian shaved ice to primarily sell in the summer. I will also make fresh, hot mini donuts and serve cider and/or hot chocolate during the fall/winter months. This business will then have revenue year round and can be stationed anywhere. You should invest in me and my dream because someone once invested in you and yours! I have started this business from nothing and I will continue to grow it, but having some financial assistance will help me grow it faster. I am a veteran of the United States Air Force, I am a full time emergency room nurse, and a mother of 2 that is trying to set an example for my children of hard work paying off and taking the chance to chase your dream. This business will not only provide future summer jobs for my children, but hopefully generational wealth for them. After spending my first summer selling ice cream on The Ice Cream Float CT, I have come to realize that it gives me so much pure joy seeing happy, smiling kids and adults. They are happy because of a service I am providing. I want to expand that onto land and into the fall/winter.
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Self Identified Competition
Flavor King Ice Cream Truck (fleet of trucks in East Lyme, CT) Robin’s Ice Cream (Norwich, CT area) What sets me apart from my competitors is my absolute determination to succeed. Failure has never been an option, not in my military service or any aspect of life. There has NEVER been an ice cream boat in the CT area, and all of my customers think it is a great idea! In the first season of The Ice Cream Float CT, it inspired several young woman entrepreneurs to start their own business selling bracelets they made. They knew that customers came for ice cream, so they would set up right near my business to have a lot of exposure. These young ladies approached me and kindly asked if I would inform my customers about them, and of course I agreed. To see them succeed and to know I inspired them has only pushed me to work harder and do better to inspire others. I want to succeed and I am already helping others do it also.
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Contact Applicant
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