Ruby Mae's LLC | Application Preview
Ruby Mae's LLC is seeking government grants to support the expansion of its formalwear business, Cherry on Top. The applicant outlines plans for utilizing the funds effectively. A $15,000 grant would primarily be allocated to purchase bridal inventory for the new location, catering to local brides, or prom inventory to capitalize on upcoming prom season demand. If awarded $25,000, $10,000 would still be dedicated to inventory while the remaining $15,000 would enhance store operations through essential equipment and improvements, creating an inviting shopping environment.
Over the next five years, Ruby aims to move into a larger space in Strasburg, broadening the inventory to include bridal, prom, and pageant attire. The business intends to strengthen its online presence and engage in various marketing strategies to establish Cherry on Top as a regional destination for women’s fashion.
The proposal highlights the unique aspects of the business: a proven track record of success, a personal shopping experience that emphasizes community connection, and the mobility of the boutique. With no direct competitors within a substantial radius, the business stands out by blending small-town charm with modern shopping elegance. Investing in Cherry on Top offers an opportunity to support a committed entrepreneur poised for growth while serving the local community.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 85-3641361
Location: Strasburg, VA, 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
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Funding Usage
If I were awarded the $15,000 grant, I would use it to place my first order of bridal inventory for Cherry on Top’s new location. Bridal gowns range from $500 to $3,000 wholesale, and this funding would allow me to build a solid foundational inventory to serve local brides. Alternatively, I would use the grant for prom inventory, which has a slightly lower wholesale range, allowing me to stock more dresses just in time for prom season. This would be a crucial step in launching my formalwear expansion and fulfilling the dreams of local women preparing for life’s big moments. If awarded the $25,000 grant, I would allocate $10,000 toward bridal or prom inventory, ensuring the store is well-stocked to meet the needs of my community. The remaining $15,000 would go toward essential store improvements and equipment to support this expansion. This includes investing in point-of-sale systems, cash drawers, computers, iPads, steamers, and clothing racks, as well as large mirrors for the showroom and dressing rooms. These upgrades would allow me to create an inviting, functional space where customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience. Any grant would significantly help bring my vision to life and elevate Cherry on Top into a destination for bridal and formalwear in our area.
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Business Plan
Over the next five years, I plan to grow Cherry on Top by expanding into a larger storefront, just across the road from my current location in Strasburg. This move will allow me to diversify my inventory to include prom, bridal, and pageant attire, fulfilling my original vision for the business. I’ll continue to enhance my online and mobile boutique presence, reaching new customers across the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. By investing in marketing, local partnerships, and offering specialized services like styling and hat bars, I aim to establish Cherry on Top as a destination for women’s fashion and formalwear in the region. Investors should invest in me because I have a proven track record of turning a dream into a thriving business. I started Cherry on Top with a vision and grew it from a mobile boutique to a successful storefront in just one year. I am deeply committed to my business and community, constantly seeking ways to innovate and expand while maintaining strong customer relationships. With plans to move into a larger space and offer prom, bridal, and pageant attire, I am poised for growth in a niche market with high demand. Your investment would help me bring this vision to life and create lasting opportunities for my business and the community.
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Self Identified Competition
I am the only dress store in an hour and a half radius What sets Cherry on Top apart from competitors is my personal approach to creating a shopping experience that’s more than transactional—it’s meaningful. I blend small-town charm with a modern boutique feel, offering a curated selection of stylish, size-inclusive women’s clothing and accessories that cater to all stages of life, from everyday wear to formal events. Additionally, my mobile boutique brings fashion directly to the community, something most competitors don’t offer. I also prioritize collaboration, working with local businesses, hosting unique events like hat bars and styled shoots, and running a brand ambassador program to foster connection and community. Cherry on Top is not just a store—it’s a destination for confidence, creativity, and empowerment.
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Contact Applicant
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