Rae | Application Preview
Rae's government grant application outlines a plan to secure funding for a new business that focuses on establishing a welcoming café and catering operation. The funds will primarily cover expenses related to finding a suitable location, acquiring necessary equipment, and purchasing supplies to launch the business.
The business strategy emphasizes building a strong online presence through a website and social media, alongside relying on word of mouth and catering events to attract customers. The choice of location next to a school is intended to draw initial interest, with expectations of additional traffic from local residents and construction workers in the area.
Rae highlights personal qualifications as a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, possessing a lively personality and a strong determination to succeed. With prior experience running a café and a network of local contacts expressing interest in the proposed concept, Rae believes there is a clear demand for this type of business. The involvement of family members, who bring expertise in marketing and product knowledge, is also a pivotal aspect of the plan, aiming to create a sustainable, family-run establishment that Rae hopes will eventually be passed down to her daughter.
In terms of competition, Rae identifies the primary rival as a local 7-11 convenience store, along with a hot dog stand and a limited-service restaurant across the state line. The business’s competitive edge lies in its dedicated focus on coffee and tea offerings, creating a social atmosphere that encourages customers to gather, a departure from the basic coffee selections available at the 7-11. This unique positioning is expected to attract a loyal customer base seeking a community-centric gathering place.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 2446-0068
Location: Morgantown, WV, 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
Expenses will be mostly in securing a proper location with all necessary equipment and supplies to start the business
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Business Plan
Business will grow via online presence with websites and social media. Along with sales, word of mouth, and catering events. It is anticipated that having the business located next to a school will generate initial interest, with local traffic as well as an increase presence of pipeline/fracking construction workers will generate growth. I am a veteran of the United States Army Reserves, I have a fun personality, and I am determined to get things done. I have previous experience in owning a cafe, and I have established a network of acquaintances that have already expressed a need for a business of this type in the area. My family is also a part of the plan where they will help the business grow where they individually have strengths in marketing/branding, and knowledge of the products that i want to sell. My plan is to have this business be a long-term family-known business that my daughter (whom the business is named) will one day take over the business.
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Self Identified Competition
Blacksville is a small town in the western end of Monongalia County, WV. The main competition is the local 7-11 convenience mart. The other two businesses in town are: a. A locally-owned hot dog stand (Weezers Hot Dog Stand) , and b. A small restaurant that is only open for lunch and dinner on select days that is technically located across the Mason-Dixon line in Spraggs, PA (The Creek-N-Rail Restaurant). The next closest coffee shops are located in Morgantown, WV which are nationally-known chains. The hot dog restaurant does not sell coffee or in-house brewed tea. The small restaurant is not focused on coffee or tea offerings, but in serving food. The 7-11 has basic coffee offerings (cream, sugar, and hot, not iced coffee), and will not be a place where customers can come and spend time and visit with one another.
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Contact Applicant
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