Pilot Supplies and Sunglasses | Application Preview
Pilot Supplies and Sunglasses is seeking government grants to support its growth and sustainability. The funds will primarily be allocated toward advertising and maintaining an inventory valued at approximately $30,000. The business aims to expand its Shopify store over the next five years and plans to phase out its eBay store due to high costs associated with that platform.
Since launching in 2017, the business has seen steady growth, generating annual revenues exceeding $160,000 and aiming to reach $500,000 in five years. The company specializes in high-quality sunglasses targeted at pilots and veterans, offering products similar to those provided by the Department of Defense since 1978. The owner, a pilot and Air Force veteran, has a unique competitive advantage, understanding the specific needs of this niche market and establishing strong connections with customers.
Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the business has persevered. The owner holds an MBA from Michigan State University and has a background in successfully managing an aviation insurance agency for three decades. With plans to hire remote workers for marketing, the owner is enthusiastic about the growth potential and is committed to providing exceptional service to fellow pilots and veterans.
While the competitive landscape includes established brands like Randolph USA, AO Eyewear, and Flight Sunglasses, the owner believes there is an opportunity to cater specifically to pilots and veterans seeking an authentic connection and personalized service. Overall, funding approval would facilitate necessary marketing efforts and help capitalize on the perceived gap in the market.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 802074658
Location: Muskegon, MI, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $100k to $250k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
I plan to use the funds for advertising services to grow my income, and to maintain my inventory which I carry a monthly average $ 30,000.
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Business Plan
I plan on continuing to grow my Shopify store over the next five years and eventually eliminate my eBay store because of the excessive costs associated with eBay. The profit margin through my Shopify store (Aviator Sunglasses) is far greater than what I receive through my eBay store. I am extremely busy as a solo entrepreneur and need to hire some remote workers to help me with marketing. I started this business in 2017 and I have experienced slow, steady growth. I have shown that I started from scratch with my own money to annual revenues of $ 160,000+, and I would like to grow revenue to $ 500,000 or more over the next five years. I sell high-quality sunglasses to pilots and veterans. The sunglasses that I sell are the same or similar to the sunglasses issued by the DoD to military personnel from 1978 through the present time. I have a competitive advantage because I am a pilot and an Air Force veteran, and I sell parts for sunglasses for which I have little to no competition. I can identify with my customers and build a relationship with them. My competitors are other websites that sell sunglasses, but who do not have the same knowledge of the market and my customers. My small business has survived through a difficult time in our country due to COVID-19 despite losses during that time period. I have an MBA degree from Michigan State University and owned and built a successful aviation insurance agency for 30 years before I sold it and retired. I am still very active in aviation, I am always interested in business and enjoy the challenge of running and building a business from scratch. I have reached the point where I see an opportunity to grow this business and provide products and services to fellow pilots and veterans whom I really enjoy interacting with.
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Self Identified Competition
Randolph USA, AO Eyewear, and Flight Sunglasses. My competitors are already well-funded, but I want to fill a gap by selling to pilots, veterans, and others who want to deal with an honest, fellow pilot and veteran. I have extensive knowledge about the need for quality sunglasses for this customer base, am well versed in what it means to be a pilot and veteran, and I can provide the personal service these customers deserve and desire.
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Contact Applicant
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