Sarah Creal Photography | Application Preview
Sarah Creal Photography is seeking government grants to sustain her business during challenging economic times. The funding will be directed towards essential expenses, including small business loan repayments, studio rental, travel, and marketing efforts.
The business plan includes expanding into new cities and states, hiring associates for photography sessions, and establishing a permanent studio. This growth aims to enhance the luxury experience for clients while also employing individuals for social media and website management.
As a 100% permanently disabled female veteran, Sarah emphasizes her commitment to serving military families and the civilian community through her photography work. She values the skills gained during her Army career as an occupational therapist and is passionate about applying those skills in her new profession, especially for those with special needs.
In terms of competition, Sarah faces challenges in Virginia with established businesses offering similar services at competitive prices. Notably, her unique qualifications as a single mother and her military background provide her with a competitive edge, allowing her to cater effectively to the specific needs of her clients.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 413518994
Location: Chesterfield, VA, United States
Length of Operation: 6-10
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 have to keep my business afloat right now in this economy to be able to pay my bills, serve clients and provide income for my household. I would use the funding to pay on my small business loan during COVID-19, for studio rental, travel expenses, and marketing and advertising.
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Business Plan
I want to expand my photography business to additional cities and states, eventually add photography shooting associates, build a permanent studio building and hire assistants, both virtually for social media management, website management and in-person for photography sessions for a more streamlined luxury customer experience. As a 100% permanently disabled female veteran, I am so thankful for my Army career. It gave me so many skills as an occupational therapist. I was so fortunate to serve my fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms and their families. Unfortunately, due to those injuries and the restrictions I now have , I have been having great difficulty finding gainful employment with my restrictions. I fell in love with my new career as a professional photographer because I am still able to serve my military families and the civilian world in a new capacity and make a positive societal contribution. My goal is to continue supporting all these families in and around Lawton-Ft Sill, Oklahoma, Fort Cavasos, Texas and Fort Gregg-Adams and Fort Eustis in Virginia.
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Self Identified Competition
My competitors differ in Virginia versus Oklahoma. I have less competition in Oklahoma, but my top three competitors in Chesterfield, Virginia are MalJack Photography, Katherine Comparetto Photography and Megan Garrison Photography. MalJack and Katherine are priced lower than me because they work on volume pricing. They all do maternity, newborn and family photography and are located within 5-15 miles of my business. Megan is priced higher but all three have been in the area much longer than me and do not have to market or advertise nearly as much because they have a steady client long-term client base. My business is different because of three things. 1. I'm a recently divorced single mom and need my business to put food on my table for my kiddos. 2. I have occupational therapy training and am uniquely qualified to support special needs clients. 3. I have served my country and am able to understand military client needs and price points so well.
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Contact Applicant
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