Sign Sharks, LLC | Application Preview
Sign Sharks, LLC is seeking government grant funding to enhance their workshop's functionality. The funds will be used for necessary repairs and upgrades, including improved lighting, a new heating and ventilation system, a paint booth, and designated areas for metal grinding and sandblasting. Currently run by a husband and wife team, the couple aims to optimize their workspace to increase efficiency and productivity.
Their business plan focuses on expanding their market presence by participating in more vendor fairs in Ravalli County, where they can establish valuable connections. They have started stocking merchandise in two stores but face challenges in scaling due to limited inventory. With a properly equipped shop, they believe they can produce more and take advantage of offers to supply additional stores. They are also promoting their brand through social media and have joined the Bitterroot Art Guild to network within the community.
The couple emphasizes their dedication and teamwork, managing all aspects of the business themselves. They find joy in working together to create personalized items for customers. By securing additional funding, they aim to enhance their operational efficiency and support business growth.
In terms of competition, they note three primary e-commerce platforms—Etsy, Amazon, and Signs.com—that pose price challenges. However, their competitive edge lies in their ability to engage in personal customer interactions and create custom pieces, along with their community connections that they plan to leverage for future growth.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 881106847
Location: Sula, MT, 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
Would love funding to get our shop set up to be fully functional. We need lighting repairs and the shop to be set up with a an upgraded heater, ventilation system, paint booth, metal grinding and sandblasting area. It is just my husband and I as owners. With the proper shop set up, this will help us be more efficient and productive. Our capabilities are limited the way the shop is set up right now.
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Business Plan
We will attend more vendor fairs in Ravalli county, where we make more connections with people. We just started and have merchandise in 2 stores. We have offers to stock more stores but cannot get enough inventory built to do that at this time. We believe once the shop is set up to be more efficient, we will be able to produce more inventory. We created a facebook page and we have a "want list" that includes a website. We are looking to expand through social media. We joined the Bitterroot Art Guild and have made many connections in a short time. We are hard workers. We are not afraid to pour our hearts into this business. It's just my husband and I and enjoy the time working together. We share tasks. He generally creates designs and runs the cutter and I help by grinding and sandblasting then he finishes with painting the items. I take care of all office related items, advertising and accounting. We'd love to grow this business because it lets us be creative, and make really cool, personalized items for people to enjoy. Additional funding will help with grow through efficiencies.
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Self Identified Competition
3 that come to mind are: All are e-commerce and have a competitive price advantage. Etsy.com Amazon.com Signs.com We are a small business, who can work with the customer 1:1 to create their personal piece. We can get in front of people at vendor events and talk with them. We have no brick and martyr location, but want to use our community connections and in future, e-commerce to grow.
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Contact Applicant
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