Rose Cat Coffee Company LLC | Application Preview
Rose Cat Coffee Company LLC is seeking government grant funding to support the initial setup of its coffee shop, which will include purchasing furniture, equipment, hiring and training staff, and covering rental costs. A portion of the funds will also go towards payroll for employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the cost of goods sold.
The business aims to establish itself in Lincoln and eventually expand into other Nebraska cities, with aspirations of franchising to create more job opportunities for the IDD community in the Midwest. To achieve this growth, Rose Cat Coffee Company plans to network with like-minded businesses, create a multimedia website, engage with customers on social media, and invest in advertising as the business develops.
The owner, Brenda, has a strong background in psychology, social work, and special education, giving her unique insights into the needs of the IDD community. Brenda's professional connections with local organizations, such as the Down Syndrome Association for Families, underline her commitment to providing meaningful employment and supportive training for her employees. The coffee shop will feature specialty coffee, baked goods made by employees, and a welcoming community space aimed at fostering connections and spreading kindness.
Unlike existing coffee shops in Lincoln, which largely focus on traditional coffee service, Rose Cat Coffee Company will prioritize inclusivity, employing primarily those with IDD. The shop will also include a library, providing additional job opportunities and promoting literacy among customers. The goal is to not only serve excellent coffee but to create a community hub where everyone feels valued, fostering a culture of kindness and inclusion. Funding this venture is seen as a way to support a business model that addresses a significant need in the local community while empowering individuals with disabilities.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 93-2279479
Location: Lincoln, NE, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $100k to $250k
Annual Gross Expense: $500k to $1M
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
The funding requested will be utilized for the initial build-out process of the coffee shop including furniture and fixtures, equipment, hiring and training employees, and rent for commercial property. Funds will also be used to cover payroll for intellectually and developmentally delayed adults and the cost of goods sold.
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Business Plan
As Rose Cat Coffee Company gains recognition and a solid customer base, we plan to open additional locations in other parts of Lincoln, then branch out to other Nebraska cities, and ultimately into a franchise opportunity that will allow for an increased number of jobs for the IDD community throughout the greater midwest. To grow the company, Rose Cat Coffee Company will do the following: · Network and collaborate at/with: other like-minded businesses at conferences and other events that promote IDD inclusion and/or are related to the coffee industry. · Establish a company website that contains engaging multimedia content about our services, local partners, and community testimonials. · Market on social media platforms with engaging content for a variety of target demographics and promote via monthly newsletter. · As the business grows, advertise with commercials and paid advertising on popular media platforms. The owner of Rose Cat Coffee Company has an extensive educational and professional background in psychology, social work, and special education. Brenda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked directly with the IDD population in a high school setting and through a number of volunteer opportunities in the Lincoln area. Brenda is already well connected within the Local IDD community and has the excitement and support of organizations including the Down Syndrome Association for Families, and the Adaptive Athlete program at Lincoln Nutrition and Fitness (formally CrossFit Lincoln). Brenda’s educational and professional background will bring a wealth of experience and offer a unique opportunity to Provide unique and individually tailored training modalities to ensure the success of her employees, Passion and commitment to offering meaningful employment for employees. Creating a space for the Lincoln community at large a space to interact with these incredible individuals, that otherwise would not exist. In addition, Rose Cat Coffee Co. will offer the following Carefree Coffee: Enjoy a hot or cold coffee creation carefully crafted by some of the coolest baristas you’ll ever meet. Empowered Eats: Grab a bite from our rotating selection of treats baked exclusively by our team of empowered employees. Connected Community: In a society that always seems to be in a hurry, we hope that you can walk in our doors, see a friendly face, relax a little, and connect more deeply with those around you both in and outside the shop. Kindness Culture: Join us in creating a culture of kindness that has the power to transform lives and inspire a ripple effect throughout our community that will make the world just a little bit brighter. Funding Administrators should consider funding Rose Cat Coffee Company not just to start another coffee shop but to be a part of creating a more inclusive community. There is a huge need for this business in our local community, and I have the support of numerous community organizations including the Down Syndrome Association for Families who are hopeful that this business will come to fruition and provide needed jobs for the IDD individuals in our community and beyond.
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Self Identified Competition
In the Lincoln area, there seems to be a drive-thru Scooters or Starbucks on every corner. Lincoln also has a handful of locally owned and operated coffee shops however there are currently no shops in the area that have the mission of employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rose Cat Coffee Company & Reading Society, will be a unique blend of café and community hub, committed to promoting inclusivity and empowerment. Once we open our doors, we will offer expertly crafted coffee and tea beverages, complemented by a selection of baked treats exclusively made by our team, primarily comprised of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). In addition to our coffee services, we will house a vast in-house library that will provide additional jobs for individuals who cannot manage food preparation and service. Our primary mission is to reduce the stark 80% unemployment rate among the IDD population by crafting a community that champions inclusivity, fosters connections and empowers individuals with IDD. With every cup served, we aim to illuminate the extraordinary potential of all individuals. Rose Cat Coffee Company will vary from other local coffee shop competitors as it will be the only place in Lincoln NE where... Relationships are built Employees feel seen, valued, included, and loved by their community. Employees can take pride and ownership in what they do and fully realize their own potential. Joy can seep into every cup of coffee served and out the doors into daily interactions with others. Kindness is spread and inclusion is not only talked about but felt and fully embraced. In addition, there are no coffee shops here in Lincoln that have the addition of a large-scale take-and-leave library or a Reading Society that will provide opportunities for kids and adults alike to become more submersed in the world of literature.
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Contact Applicant
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