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Fern & Fable Play Café is seeking government grant funding to establish a family-friendly play café in Concord, NH. The funds will be used for securing and renovating a safe space, purchasing play equipment and café furnishings, ensuring health and safety compliance, hiring and training staff, marketing, and covering initial operating costs.
The five-year business plan outlines a structured growth strategy. Year one focuses on establishing the business and building community partnerships, while years two and three introduce structured classes, birthday party packages, an expanded café menu, and branded merchandise. By years four and five, the goal is to explore expansion opportunities, form business partnerships, and secure additional funding.
The application highlights the founder’s background as a registered nurse and mother, emphasizing her understanding of child development and caregiver needs. It argues that Fern & Fable fills a critical gap in Concord by providing both a play space for children and a welcoming café for parents. The business model incorporates multiple revenue streams, positioning it for long-term sustainability.
While competitors exist, they either offer play areas without café services or cafés without dedicated play spaces. Fern & Fable’s competitive edge lies in its curated, developmentally enriching play areas, locally sourced café offerings, and strong community-centered approach. By blending these elements, it aims to become a trusted hub for families, fostering social connections in a welcoming environment.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 87-1841026
Location: Concord, NH, 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
The grant funding for Fern & Fable Play Café will be allocated strategically to ensure a successful launch and sustainable operations. The key areas of investment include: 1. Lease & Renovation – Securing a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for families is our top priority. Funds will cover initial lease costs, deposits, and renovations, including child-safe flooring, play structures, and a cozy café seating area. 2. Play Equipment & Café Furnishings– High-quality, developmentally appropriate play structures, toys, and interactive learning stations will be installed. Additionally, we will purchase tables, chairs, and café equipment to create a comfortable and functional space for caregivers. 3. Health & Safety Compliance – Meeting local health and safety standards is essential. This includes childproofing measures, sanitation stations, kitchen setup for food preparation, and necessary inspections and permits. 4. Initial Staffing & Training – Hiring and training qualified staff to ensure a safe, enriching, and engaging environment for children while providing exceptional service to caregivers. 5. Marketing & Community Outreach – To build awareness and drive foot traffic, funds will be allocated toward branding, website development, social media marketing, and partnerships with local family-oriented organizations. 6. Operating Costs & Inventory – Covering initial inventory for the café, utilities, insurance, and other essential operational expenses during the first few months of business to ensure a smooth and stable launch.
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Business Plan
Business Growth Plan for Fern & Fable Play Café (5-Year Plan) Over the next five years, Fern & Fable Play Café will grow into a thriving community hub for families by expanding services, increasing revenue streams, and building a strong customer base. Our strategic growth plan includes: Year 1: Establishing a Strong Foundation • Successfully launch the storefront, ensuring a well-designed play area and café. • Develop partnerships with local parenting groups, schools, and businesses for cross-promotion. • Implement a membership program for recurring revenue and customer retention. • Gather customer feedback and refine operations for efficiency and improved experience. Years 2-3: Expanding Offerings & Revenue Streams • Introduce structured classes (e.g., sensory play, music, storytime) to attract more customers. • Launch birthday party packages and private event rentals for additional income. • Expand the café menu with organic, allergy-friendly options to appeal to a broader audience. • Develop an e-commerce section with branded merchandise and take-home activity kits. Years 4-5: Scaling & Potential Expansion • Consider opening a second location or franchising opportunities based on demand. • Establish partnerships with local businesses for sponsorships and advertising opportunities. • Explore grant opportunities or investor funding for further expansion. • Continue to evolve based on customer needs, offering new experiences to keep families engaged. By following this structured plan, Fern & Fable Play Café will grow into a beloved community space while achieving financial sustainability and long-term success. As a registered nurse and mother of two, I deeply understand the need for safe, enriching spaces where children can play while caregivers relax and connect. Fern & Fable Play Café isn’t just a business—it’s a passion-driven venture designed to support families and foster community. My background in healthcare has given me a strong foundation in safety, wellness, and customer care, ensuring that this space will prioritize both child development and caregiver experience. As a mother, I recognize the gaps in family-friendly spaces, and I am committed to creating an environment where parents can enjoy high-quality coffee and meaningful social interactions while their children engage in imaginative play. Investing in Fern & Fable means supporting a business with: • A Clear Market Need – Many parents seek welcoming, developmentally enriching spaces for their children, and few options provide both play and café experiences in one setting. • A Passionate & Dedicated Founder – I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and personal investment to this project, ensuring thoughtful execution and long-term commitment. • Sustainable Growth Potential – With a strong business model, multiple revenue streams (admission, memberships, classes, events, and café sales), and plans for expansion, Fern & Fable is positioned for long-term success. • A Community-Centered Approach – This café will become a cornerstone for local families, fostering relationships, supporting local businesses, and providing a much-needed space for socialization. With the right investment, Fern & Fable Play Café will flourish into a profitable, mission-driven business that enhances the lives of families for years to come.
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Self Identified Competition
While Concord, New Hampshire, has limited direct competitors to Fern & Fable Play Café, a few establishments offer overlapping services: 1. Sensory Seekers Located at 85 Manchester Street, Sensory Seekers is an inclusive sensory play gym designed for children to engage in active play. They offer a variety of play structures and activities aimed at keeping children’s minds and bodies active. However, they do not provide an integrated café experience for caregivers.  2. Krazy Kids Situated in nearby Pembroke, Krazy Kids is an indoor play and party center featuring climbing structures, inflatables, and a ropes course. Their focus is primarily on active play for children, and they do not offer café services for parents and caregivers.  3. Revelstoke Coffee Located at 100 North Main Street in Concord, Revelstoke Coffee is a popular café known for its high-quality coffee and pastries. While it provides a comfortable environment for adults, it lacks dedicated play areas or activities for children.  These establishments highlight the unique niche Fern & Fable Play Café aims to fill by combining a quality café experience with a safe, engaging play area for children, catering to both caregivers and their kids in a single venue. While other businesses in the Concord area offer play spaces or cafés, Fern & Fable Play Café is uniquely designed to provide a seamless blend of both, creating an inviting, stress-free environment for families. 1. A Playful & Relaxing Café Experience – Unlike traditional play centers that focus solely on children’s entertainment, Fern & Fable prioritizes both kids and their caregivers. Parents can enjoy high-quality coffee, snacks, and a comfortable atmosphere while their children engage in imaginative, developmentally enriching play. 2. Thoughtfully Designed Play Areas – Our space is curated with open-ended, sensory-rich play experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. Unlike high-energy indoor playgrounds, Fern & Fable fosters calm, purposeful play that benefits children of all ages. 3. Community-Centered Approach – We aim to be more than just a play café—we are a gathering space for families. By hosting storytimes, parent meetups, educational workshops, and birthday parties, Fern & Fable becomes a local hub for connection and support. 4. A Safe & Inclusive Space – As a nurse and mother, I understand the importance of safety and accessibility. Our facility is designed to be clean, safe, and inclusive for children of all abilities, ensuring that every family feels welcome. 5. Sustainable & Locally Sourced Café Offerings – While some cafés offer coffee, Fern & Fable will feature a curated menu of locally sourced, organic, and allergy-friendly options, making it a go-to spot for health-conscious families. By blending imaginative play, high-quality café offerings, and a strong community focus, Fern & Fable Play Café fills a much-needed gap in the Concord area, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for families.
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Contact Applicant
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