Kinshop | Application Preview
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 88-0558131
Location: SALMON, ID, 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
We are requesting a grant of $10,000 to transition Kinshop from a small, single-person operation to a more efficient, community-focused business with the capacity to employ 1-2 additional team members. This funding will directly enhance our production capabilities, improve the quality of our workspace, and support our mission to deliver high-quality, handcrafted leather goods from rural Idaho. Studio Upgrades – $2,000: Currently, our studio space operates at the minimum setup required, and we’re ready to transform it into a fully functional, efficient workspace that can support Kinshop’s growth. This funding would allow us to undertake a complete studio overhaul. Planned improvements include: Interior Upgrades: Painting walls and improving lighting to create a welcoming and professional atmosphere. Storage and Organization: Installing shelving for leather rolls, a designated area for finished products, and a shipping station to streamline order fulfillment. Workstations and Tools: Adding sturdy workbenches, pegboards, and storage drawers for tool organization and production efficiency. Photo Studio Setup: Establishing a dedicated area for product photography to improve our online marketing. This upgraded studio will also serve as a hub for community workshops, offering leatherworking classes that enhance local arts engagement. Additionally, the space will function as a small storefront where customers can purchase Kinshop products in person, contributing to our town’s retail environment and providing a local, artisan shopping experience. Tool and Equipment Investment – $8,000: As we transition into a permanent studio setup, we aim to increase production efficiency with upgraded tools and machinery. We plan to invest in: Hand Press ($460) and Edge Burnisher ($1,200): These tools will improve the quality and speed of our leatherworking processes. Heavy-Duty Laser Cutter ($8,000): A larger laser cutter is essential for increasing our production capacity while maintaining precision. We plan to sell our current laser cutter (valued at $3,000) to offset the cost of this new equipment. These upgrades will allow us to scale our operations sustainably while maintaining our standards of craftsmanship and quality. Hiring and Expanding the Team: With a more efficient studio and enhanced production capabilities, we would be prepared to hire 1-2 additional team members. These hires would focus on: Production Assistance: To increase output and maintain quality. Online Presence Management: To enhance Kinshop’s digital marketing and online engagement. Order Fulfillment and Shipping Management: To streamline logistics and ensure timely delivery. With this added support, I, as the owner, would be able to focus on designing new products and driving strategic business growth. This expansion aligns with Kinshop’s mission to foster local creativity and create job opportunities within our small Idaho community.
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Business Plan
At Kinshop, our vision over the next five years is to build a sustainable, thriving business that promotes handcrafted, locally made goods. We believe that this kind of intentional, small-scale production not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also provides a meaningful counterpoint to fast consumerism. By growing our business thoughtfully, we aim to foster a retail environment that values quality and artistry and to create a community space where others can learn and appreciate these skills. With the support of a $10,000 grant, we plan to pursue the following milestones: 2025 In our first year, we’ll focus on increasing production capacity with upgraded tools and machinery, and by hiring one employee to assist in production. We will hold in-person workshops in our studio and community spaces, sharing leatherworking skills with our local community. To expand our reach, we’ll bring on a consultant to refine and elevate our online presence, aligning it with our increased production capabilities. Additionally, we’ll establish a small storefront within our studio, allowing customers to purchase Kinshop items in person. Expected gross income increase from $20,000 to $25,000. 2026 Building on our foundation, we will continue scaling production sustainably and expanding our reach within the U.S., with a plan to initiate international shipping. By maintaining regular online engagement with the help of a consultant, we’ll broaden Kinshop’s audience and brand recognition. We’ll host in-person workshops, continuing our mission to teach leatherworking skills. Our offerings will expand to include online tutorials and DIY leatherworking kits for customers who want to learn at their own pace. Our storefront will expand to feature work from other Idaho artists, creating a platform that celebrates local makers. We also plan to promote our leather home goods to high-end hotels in the region, appealing to establishments seeking quality, handcrafted decor. Expected gross income increase from $25,000 to $32,000. 2027 At this stage, we anticipate having a stable team of 2-4 employees focused on production, online presence, and order fulfillment. With a streamlined production process that balances handcrafted quality with efficiency, my role as the owner will shift towards steering sustainable growth. Year three will prioritize stabilizing and maintaining our progress, ensuring the team and community connections remain strong and true to our values. Expected gross income increase from $32,000 to $42,000. 2028 With an established team of 4-5 employees, we will focus on diversifying revenue streams, including online sales, our storefront, select in-person markets, leatherworking classes, and wholesale partnerships. We’ll introduce a new line of products that incorporates sustainable materials like canvas alongside leather and wood, expanding our offerings to include carry goods and home decor items. This diversification will allow us to reach a wider audience while remaining aligned with Kinshop’s ethos. Expected gross income increase from $42,000 to $57,000. 2029 In year five, we envision Kinshop as a flourishing small business that remains rooted in its core values of slow, intentional production and sustainable craftsmanship. Our offerings will include handcrafted leather, wood, and canvas goods, as well as in-person classes, online tutorials and DIY leatherworking kits. With our established studio, storefront, and strong online presence, we’ll be able to serve a national and international customer base. Targeting high-end hotels, B&Bs, and interior designers will create a steady and lucrative stream of wholesale revenue. Expected gross income increase from $57,000 to $75,000. Investing in Kinshop is an opportunity to support a small business with a strong commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community impact. Here’s why Kinshop stands out as a worthy investment: Commitment to Sustainable, Locally-Minded Production At Kinshop, we prioritize sustainable production practices that align with our environmental values. By using high-quality, responsibly sourced materials and focusing on durable, handcrafted goods, we offer a thoughtful alternative to fast, low-cost production methods that often harm the planet. Our goal is to create jobs for local residents, contributing to our town’s economy and building a skilled workforce. I, as the owner, have firsthand experience in the production and manufacturing industries, which has equipped me with the knowledge of sustainable techniques that drive local growth. With this foundation, we’re building a business that’s both socially and environmentally responsible. Dedication to Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship and Artistic Education Kinshop values the art and heritage of traditional leatherworking. Through our workshops and community engagement, we share hands-on skills like leather crafting and sewing, fostering creativity and appreciation for the arts across generations. These experiences enrich our community, connecting people through the shared practice of craftsmanship and reinforcing the value of artisanal work in a world where these skills are at risk of being lost. Experienced Leadership and Visionary Growth As the owner of Kinshop, I bring over a decade of experience working with leather, along with a strong background in design and business management. I have a clear vision for the future of Kinshop, with plans to expand our product line, increase production capabilities, and broaden our reach while staying true to our values. My diverse skill set allows me to manage multiple aspects of the business effectively, from design to operations. By investing in Kinshop, you are supporting a female-owned business that brings diversity and fresh perspectives to the leather goods industry. Your investment in Kinshop will help us scale a sustainable, community-centered business that values quality, tradition, and mindful growth, and you’ll be a part of fostering positive change in the artisan economy.
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Self Identified Competition
Range Revolution Range Revolution produces high-end leather goods that, while beautifully crafted, are not as accessible to the everyday consumer. Their production style is entirely traditional, which can lead to slower production times and higher costs. Kinshop, on the other hand, blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, enabling efficient production without sacrificing quality. This approach allows Kinshop to serve a broader range of consumers at accessible price points while still delivering meticulously handcrafted goods. By combining tradition with innovation, Kinshop is uniquely positioned to offer high-quality products that balance accessibility and artistry. Craft and Lore Craft and Lore is a male-owned leatherworking business that targets primarily male consumers and does not prioritize community engagement or education. In contrast, Kinshop actively supports its local community, pledging 5% of profits back to community initiatives. Our focus on sharing leatherworking skills through workshops and classes further sets us apart as a business that values and gives back to the community. As a female-owned business in a male-dominated industry, Kinshop not only promotes diversity in the leatherworking field but also reaches a broader, more inclusive customer base. Our commitment to community involvement and craftsmanship education gives us a distinctive advantage. Brickbound Located in Bozeman, MT, Brickbound specializes in handcrafted bags and wallets, focusing on traditional leatherworking techniques. While this approach results in high-quality products, it also means slower production times and limited product diversity. Kinshop differentiates itself by embracing efficient, modern methods that allow us to offer a wider range of products, including home decor items made from leather, wood, and canvas. Our unique focus on home decor and accessories attracts clients like hotels, interior designers, and high-end ranches, creating a niche market that Brickbound does not currently serve. With our efficient production model and broader product offerings, Kinshop appeals to a diverse consumer base seeking quality, handmade goods with a modern twist. Kinshop stands out from competitors through its unique combination of craftsmanship, community commitment, and growth potential. Here’s why this grant would make an impact: Purpose-Driven Production Kinshop is rooted in sustainable, locally-focused production practices that respect traditional craftsmanship while using modern methods for efficiency. This balance between quality and accessibility enables us to reach a broad range of consumers, bringing artisanal goods to people who value craftsmanship but also seek affordability. The funds would allow us to further develop our production model, scaling thoughtfully while maintaining our core values. Commitment to Community and Education Kinshop goes beyond selling products; we’re dedicated to nurturing a creative community through hands-on leatherworking workshops, educational outreach, and a 5% profit pledge back to local initiatives. This approach enriches our small town by preserving traditional skills and fostering creativity, making Kinshop not just a business but a community asset. With the grant, we can expand our workshop offerings and improve our studio space, strengthening our community engagement. Visionary Leadership and Industry Diversity As a female-owned business in a traditionally male-dominated field, Kinshop adds diversity to the leatherworking industry. With over a decade of leatherworking experience and a solid background in design and business management, I am committed to scaling Kinshop with intention and innovation. This funding would help us make strategic investments in machinery, studio improvements, and team expansion, laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Awarding this grant to Kinshop means investing in a business that honors traditional craftsmanship while actively contributing to the local economy, supporting diversity, and embracing growth with integrity. These funds would empower Kinshop to scale sustainably and broaden its impact, making high-quality, handcrafted leather goods accessible and valued.
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Contact Applicant
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