The health and nutritional industry is growing quickly. Customers want natural and plant-based alternatives to pharmaceuticals. They have come to see the body as a temple. They don’t want to pollute with chemicals. This industry requires botanical plants that can be processed and given to nurseries by “do-it yourselfers”.
Solution
Botanical Bounty is striving to be a major producer of botanical plant for the natural supplements industry and nurseries.
Market
Botanical Bounty works with three distinct clients: supplement companies; processors of botanicals to supplement companies; and nurseries that resell these plants.
The plants are then sold to the customers who purchased them for their products.
Natural supplements are a very exciting market. Surveys have shown that over 158million Americans use dietary supplements, which is more than 55%. An estimated 115.3 Million Americans purchase vitamins and minerals to supplement their diets. 55.8 Million buy them for family members, including their children. A majority of Americans use herbs, according to consumer surveys. This is especially remarkable considering that the herbal products industry has been around for less than a quarter century.
Competiton
Competition takes two forms, farms similar in size and production capacity to Botanical Bounty and megafarms. From 5 to 30 acres, the farms of similar size range in their size. You can grow as few as one herb or as many as 50. The choice in plants that are grown depends on the preference of the owner as well the ability of the local climate to support them.
Why Us?
Botanical Bounty strives to be the best provider of botanical perennials in the health/vitamins sector. By providing quality plants at fair rates and exceeding customers’ expectations, Botanical Bounty will accomplish this.
Expectations
Forecast
We will need to invest $35,000 in new equipment to finance our growth. We are seeking a $100,000 10-year mortgage to help us achieve this goal. The sales forecasts predict that $190,000.00 will be generated in year 2 and more than 400,000 in year 4.
Financial Highlights by Year
Financing Needed
We need to have a $100,000 10 year loan. Our $35,000 cash reserves from current operations will be used.
Inspirational Grounds will provide a relaxing, Christian-focused, neighborhood-centered place with freshly roasted coffee, specialty drinks, good books, and music. This is why Inspirational Gardens is the solution to an ever-growing demand. Our target market needs:
South Central Minneapolis neighborhood business
Coffee at an affordable price
A social space where you can meet people with like interests
Inspirational Grounds’#8217’s goal is for the community to have a social, entertainment atmosphere in which Christian neighbors can meet one another in a neutral, nondenominational setting.
Inspirational Grounds has been incorporated as a S corporation. This will shield the owner from issues of personal liability and double taxation.
This proposal is prepared to obtain financing in the amount of $80,000. Additional financing is needed to purchase equipment and prepare the site. The business owner will invest $15,000 from her own pocket.
Inspirational Grounds is able to successfully open its doors and continue operations thanks to this financing. Inspirational Grounds’ large initial capital investment will enable them to provide quality products and an inviting environment for their customers. It is essential to create an environment that encourages socialization and provides customers with a comfortable, unique, innovative environment. Inspirational Grounds’ first year will prove to be successful and will give it a customer base that will make it self-sufficient by year two.
Even with our conservative sales forecasts we can maintain a positive cashflow in all months, repay the loans in 12 years and have a positive net worth of more than $27,000 by year three. Over the next three year, we expect our net profit to rise from $12,000 and above $14,000.
1.1 Objectives
For the first three year of operation, Inspirational Grounds’#8217′ objectives include:
Inspirational Grounds creates a unique, innovative and sophisticated spiritual environment that sets it apart from other local coffee shops.
Inspirational Grounds is committed to providing high-quality coffee in a warm environment for those who are serious about coffee and seeking spiritual growth.
The formation of an environment that will bring people with diverse backgrounds and interests together in a common forum.
These are the keys to success at Inspirational Grounds
Inspirational Grounds strives to be a coffee shop that is innovative and comfortable.
Customers will enjoy a unique experience and a high-quality product when fresh coffee is roasted daily on-site.
High quality beverages and products are sold.
The creation of an environment that won’t intimidate the spiritual seeker. Inspirational Grounds is an educational resource that will help individuals learn more about the spiritual benefits of spiritual growth.
Inspirational Grounds is a community hub that promotes socialization and entertainment.
Encourage the two most important values in Christianity: love and service.
1.3 Mission
The local coffee shop can be a great addition to your church, offering excellent fresh roasted coffee and non denominational Christian books and tapes. Inspirational grounds is a specialty beverage company that provides freshly roasted coffee beans, coffee/espresso drink and information to enhance our customers’ spiritual experience. We know that people who are interested in spiritual growth need a destination and not just a place to go. Therefore, we offer them both.
Our vision is to be the destination of choice for Christian coffee drinkers in search of a non-secular atmosphere in the Twin Cities. Inspirational Grounds welcomes all ages to its unique, innovative, educational, motivational, and elegant environment.
We believe it’s important to be involved in the community and make an impact on our customers’ lives beyond the sale of specialty drinks.
Portland Oregon has many people who need investment advice and estate planning assistance.
Solution
Grizzly Bear Financial Managers offers comprehensive financial planning and estate planning services. Grizzly’’s services are extensive in terms of available products (mutual fund, equities and estate planning) as well as depth of research. Although it can be expensive for Grizzly for in-depth research to determine potential investments and options for clients, this will likely be offset by a long-lasting relationship built from earned respect.
Market
Grizzly Bear Financial Advisors will market their services in two ways. One, to those who require investment advice. Two, to those who need assistance with estate planning. These two groups will both be targeted by public seminars and networking activities. Prospective customers will be converted by Grizzly’s competitive edge of deep-rooted research and thoroughness when they use its services.
Competition
Most consumers base their buying habits on the people they know. It is difficult to decide on a financial planner because there is so much information. It is easy to obtain a referral for a financial planner, as most people over the age of 65 have visited one.
Why Us?
Grizzly Bear Financial Managers’#8217′ mission is to provide financial planning services that are comprehensive for all our customers. Our mission is to retain and attract customers. When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place. We will exceed your expectations with our services.
Expectations
Forecast
Grizzly will be profitable by month eight, and modest profits by year three.
Financial Highlights for the Year
You will need financing
Meghan will put in $23,000 to help start this business.
On the Water is a Mediterranean restaurant that opened on the Sunset Strip. On the Water will target both fun-seeking as well as sophisticated diners looking for good food in a fascinating atmosphere. On the Water will try to make 85% gross margins with an innovative setting, an excellent menu and an experienced restaurateur.
Market
On the Water will target tourists and locals who are avid restaurant-seekers. The program will focus on young adults earning $15K-60K who are looking for great food and fun. On the Water will not only target young adults who have money to spend but also adults and tourists who frequent Sunset Blvd. The demographics include males and females between the ages 21 and 50, with or without a college degree. On the Water can serve not only local Hollywood area residents, but also tourists and party animals.
It has been proven that restaurants are more affected by economic declines than the general economy. This may be due to people’s belief that food, no matter how it comes from a grocery or a restaurant, is a fundamental necessity in life. They spend accordingly.
Service and Products
One thing that is always consistent with On the Water is their impeccable service. Server staff are all highly trained and have extensive experience. Services at the Water include a variety of cultural and art collections from Mediterranean Europe. It creates a real atmosphere that can distract from their analysis of the many artifacts.
Lily Valdivia’s pride and joy is the menu. It is a culmination of over 20 years of cooking. Traditional favorites like hummus and baba Ghannoj are included in the menu. These favourites are differentiated by using the freshest organic ingredient. People don’t realize how much better these items taste when they are made with fresh ingredients and love. Also available are kebobs and chutneys. Everything is fresh, homemade, and prepared daily.
Management
The restaurant is led by Lily Valdivia, an industry veteran. Her restaurant experience began 12 year ago as a server. She moved quickly to fine dining, where she perfected the formal, customer-centric approach to serving. Lily was the manager for a European restaurant that had over $2.5 million in annual revenue for the past five years. Lily began cooking as a child in Greece 20 years ago. Lily was born into a large family. She quickly assumed the responsibility of cooking for the whole family. Her mother, who was three generations old, taught her how to cook. Lily quickly learned these recipes and started to experiment with her own cooking. The feedback from her family was always very positive. She knew this would be the opportunity to make her business a success.
On the Water should reach profitability in the second month. Sales are expected to grow to $1,785,000 over the next two years and to $2,345,000 by three. These sales are projected to generate high net profits.
1.1 Objectives
Increased sales to more than $2.345,000 in the third year.
Maintain a gross margin of around 80%
To increase inventory turnover by two-hundred turn next year, and to at least 240 in the third year.
1.2 Mission
On The Water provides fine dining with unique mediterranean flavours and an exceptional bar and grill experience. Our mission is to provide excellent food and friendly service. Our dining room is inviting and sophisticated. We also have walls that are constantly sprayed with running water. Our focus is on customer satisfaction, high-quality food, and fresh, carefully selected ingredients. We do not judge people based on their dress or class. On The Water Grill should be a place where people can enjoy good food and make new friends at the tropical Mediterranean Honey bar inside.
Garden Crafts Inc. has developed a new product, the Sit N’ Caddy, which it intends to produce and market. Garden Crafts has formulated a mission statement and strategy that will use value, quality, and a conscience in the development mix.
Garden Crafts will be incorporated in Georgia as a Chapter S Corporation. The stockholders for Garden Crafts are Rob Kane and Keith Jones. The administration offices and the operational facilities will be separated. It has been estimated that the start-up cost will be approximately $15,000, with the bulk of this amount being paid by John Houseman (ex-owner of Kustom Kabinets). He has agreed to hold the equipment cost as a private note.
The product, the Sit N’ Caddy, is a combination stool/tool caddy, constructed out of premium grade hardwood. Market research found several similar products in nature but none were wood-based and customizable as much as the Sit N’’ Caddy.
Analysing several markets shows that Home Depot is the biggest national retailer of home and garden supplies. This market has seen steady growth over the past three year, with double-digit increases. Garden Crafts can expect a profitable future as the average homeowner spends $532 per annum on gardening products.
Since Home Depot was selected as our initial target for sales, our strategy will revolve around the Merchant that Home Depot uses as their regional buyer. Home Depot being our only customer, our sales price will be determined based on their merchant pricing system. We have determined that $20 is the lowest price we are willing to accept from Home Depot based on our costs. With one product and a standard pricing, the three-year projection shows a direct result from the projected 11% rate of growth.
It was calculated that labor would cost $5 per unit out of the $10 price per unit. It was decided that future employees would prefer a piece-rate rate rather than an hourly wage. As a dividend, the corporation will pay a portion to its founders. As retained earnings, the rest of the profits are placed in an aggressive-growth mutual account.
Our projection of a 11% annual growth rate has resulted in a rise in gross sales over the three-year period. The trend in operating expenses is also increasing, but not in line with it. This is due to the slight deviation in expenses that were paid in advance during the first year and additional expenses that did not occur after the fifteenth month. Given that Home Depot will sell the entire first-year production run, profits are healthy. The second and third years see modest growth. This business plan has a section called Highlights.
Garden Crafts will reap the benefits of a low investment while still delivering healthy returns. These factors include the experience and skills of the founders as well as a commitment from Home Depot. Unique design is also a key factor in Garden Crafts’ success.
1.1 Objectives
Objectives for Garden Crafts:
Create and construct a workshop capable to handle 10,000 units of the SitN’ Caddy each year.
Prepare a brochure or specification sheet for Sit N’ Caddy.
Increase design efficiency to reduce production costs.
1.2 Mission
Garden Crafts will be committed to quality in both its production and shipping. We are focusing on one product: the Sit NՉ۪ Caddy, which is a combination gardening stool/garden caddy. We will ensure that our employees are safe and productive, making this a top priority over our profits.
We plan to use different marketing methods to reach a wide range of gardeners to provide what we consider a valuable tool for their shed. Garden Crafts will be open to considering new production methods and changes to our product lines, as well as custom orders from interested customers.
We will always keep our profits in mind, but never at the expense of our customers.
Success Keys 1.3
Our keys to success will be:
Effective promotions; we can’t sell if we aren’t visible to the gardening enthusiasts.
Efficiency in production will play a major role in our success.
Flexibility. This product has been designed for gardeners.
We are open to new ideas and will not be constrained by one idea.
We must be open to new opportunities that present themselves.
Our Mission : We aim to tap into today’s brightest minds by giving them the tools to study the trends, themes and technological advancements that are common among college students, and to decipher how they translate into investing dynamics in the stock market.
Description of the Business Concept . We provide a platform for bright, passionate college students who love investing and business to get real business experience. The original thoughts and ideas of these business-minded wunderkinds will be available on the Internet at our website: www.thewonderkind.com and in a hard copy newsletter printed quarterly and mailed to subscribers. We are an informational publishing company which provides analysis citing key trends in various industries to our subscribers. The Wonderkind’s focus allows students to discuss business matters most relevant to them and their Wall Street analyst counterparts–current market and product trends, social issues, and general stock market dynamics–and decipher how these phenomena translate into current investment opportunities. Our analysts do not have to be influenced by the financial relationships that exist between Wall Street investment banks and their clients. Subscribe to The Wonderkind via the website and pay $12.95 per month or $129.95 annually if you are interested in the collaboration findings of The Wonderkind. This flat fee includes unlimited access to our online database, including email interaction with our analysts, as well as our quarterly newsletter, which provides the top articles and analyses in a printed form.
Strategy and Opportunity . The founding partners will be relying on their own investment wisdom and perspicacity along with the help of their network from other schools across the nation to create the initial knowledge. This foundational base will be used as a marketing tool to encourage motivated students from any university to submit their own original investment ideas to be considered for publication on the website and newsletter of The Wonderkind. Motivated students will be attracted to this opportunity to get recognition and honor via publication on The Wonderkind’s website and in the quality periodical, without any monetary compensation. Based on the high quality of investment analysis submitted, we will look to hire additional full-time writers. We will also compensate them accordingly. Students will continue to submit quality articles as our subscriber base grows.
The Wonderkind can be recruited and implemented using a variety of methods, including via the Internet, official college newsletters and magazines, with other schools’ business and entrepreneurial departments and through support from friends and family.
Target Market – Subscribers to The Wonderkind are motivated to be exposed to the pulse of college America. The Wonderkind’s target market is:
The vast majority of information available to business professionals is from a variety sources.
Students studying business, finance, and marketing are encouraged to apply.
Our Competitive Advantage: We have twofold competitive advantage:
There is no other publication currently that taps into the collective intellect of college students.
We are looking for motivated college students who are tired of the inability to arrange internship programs at large corporations.
The internship could be done during the school year or during the summer.
Because our internship would be performed electronically, students will not need to relocate nor arrange for lodging.
The Wonderkind’s uniqueness is due to its plan to create an elite group of college students that embody America’s most technologically-savvy and dynamic generation. The college student of today is more highly respected than ever by society and business professionals. Everybody seems to be curious about the pulse of collegiate America because of the incredible success stories shared by college entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Michael Dell, or Sean Fanning.
Economic Potential: We project over one million dollars in annual revenue every year using our five-year projections.
Two years from now, additional value-added services or cross marketing initiatives may be accretive for our bottom line.
Management. Frank Peanut and Jacob Sweller are both founders with unique backgrounds and resumes. Each brings to the table unique personal qualities that will compliment each other as they grow and manage their businesses.
Frank Peanut studies finance and is ranked within the top five percent of his class. His past experience includes being mentored under the guidance of two hedge fund managers in Minneapolis. Frank is the current Co-fund Manager at the Investment Club responsible for $400,000 in assets. Frank has been actively managing his personal equity funds since he was 14 years old. After graduating, Frank intends to continue his education by working in the Investment Banking sector for a while before moving on to graduate school.
Jacob Sweller is on the right track to get a dual diploma in finance and politics. Jacob, enrolled at the Honors Program, scored a 1500 SAT test score and is currently ranked within the top 10%. Jacob was active in the business world while at school. He has given business-consulting presentations to McKinsey & Co. as well as Credit Suisse First Boston’s investment banking firm. Jacob has received over 30 prestigious awards in academics and athletics over the past few years. Jacob is the current Co-fund Manager for the Investment Club, which oversees approximately $400,000 worth of assets.
The offering: We offer to purchase a significant minority stake in The Wonderkind for the financing we need to start our business and promote our services. We are open to negotiations.
Risks: While any start-up company investment necessitates a high degree of risk, we are committed to using any funds received conservatively and wisely. The Wonderkind isn’t an Internet company. Our company is an informational publishing house that provides services to customers citing key trends in different industries. Because it is cost-effective, we have chosen to use the Internet for distribution.
1.1 100 Word Summary of Business Venture
The Wonderkind, an informational publishing company, allows exceptional students with business/investing interest to discuss business matters most pertinent to them and their Wall Street analyst counterparts–’s current market and product developments, social issues, stock market dynamics, and how these phenomena translate into potential investment opportunities. Our analysts do not have to be influenced by the financial relationships that exist between Wall Street investment banks and their clients.
Contact persons and team leaders
Frank Peanut: peanut@wonderkind.com. Office: (555) 589-3432
Jacob Sweller: sweller@wonderkind.com. Office: (555) 589-3453
1.2 Objectives
We will offer bright, motivated students who are passionate about the stock market a forum to gain real business experience by allowing them to analyze companies and write about them outside of the classroom.
Here are our goals to increase subscriber numbers:
Year:
1
2
3
4
5
Subscribe to Service
500
1,500
4,500
6,000
7,500
1.3 Mission
Our goal is to reach the brightest minds of tomorrow and today by giving them the tools to study the trends, themes and technological advancements that are common among college students, and to decipher how these phenomena relate to the investing dynamics in the stock market.
1.4 Keys for Success
Below are some key steps that we will follow.
Recruit qualified
Students from all over the country can use our services to properly integrate their research.
You must ensure that every piece of content you publish is unique and original in all aspects.
Persuade investors and interested readers about the quality and unique content of our service.
We recommend that you market our idea to both business and college institutions to gain more support.
Keep existing subscribers happy and encourage them to recommend us to others.
We must reduce our costs to ensure that we are self-sufficient and long-lasting in all of our operations.
Concrete Fabricators offers services in concrete fabrication. They use formwork, lay foundations, concrete placement, excavation, and other related services. Concrete Fabricators has performed work in the Norman and Southwestern Oklahoma regions and plans to bid for contracts on commercial concrete projects at every level of the state.
The company aims to be the best formwork-services provider in reinforced concrete in the country. This requires the company to have the most efficient processes and facilities as well as people. Concrete Fabricators will spend in ways that will provide competitive advantages to its customers. This includes structural plan review (including pre-job conferencing upon demand), equipment, and a full range of forming, reinforcing and aftermarket products. The company has developed a client evaluation form to gather feedback from our clients. Our ultimate goal is to address these needs and improve the company.
The safety of employees and their health is the greatest concern in the concrete industry. Concrete Fabricators has made safety its number one concern; our employees and our customers expect to be safe on the job. Concrete Fabricators has taken steps to ensure that we are not only a safe company, but also a company with an infrastructure.
Concrete fabricators work in the concrete-work industry. This includes specialty trade contractors that are primarily involved in concrete work like portland cement, asphalt, and other types of concrete. This industry saw an average of $.7million in sales per establishment and a total annual sales volume of $21 million. Portland cement concrete manufacturers generated about $19million in sales with an average sale per establishment of $6.5million.
1.1 Mission
The mission of Concrete Fabricators is to become the leading contractor by providing the best quality cement and concrete masonry work.
ArtSphere Gallery School of Art (ArtSphere), opened its doors in September after moving from its old back room to a 787 square foot facility at the corner of Main Street in Birmingham, AL. Since September the business has grown substantially, but in an unordered way. This business plan will provide a framework for growth that maximizes profit potential. Successful realization of this plan will produce increasing profits annually by the end of the third year.
In order of importance, the following are key factors and keys to success:
For art lessons, penetration into the market during the day.
Some alterations are made to the premises.
Making changes to pricing or operational practices.
Art supplies can be sold as an additional source of income.
1.1 Objectives
ArtSphere has the most potential for growth by teaching art to paying clients. It is possible to teach art to eight people simultaneously, but the capacity for this task is very limited. The main objective is to reach the 9 A.M. to 3. P.M. daily market. This is the largest portion of ArtSphere’s teaching capacity (61%). This is the most crucial element for future profits development. The primary objective is to increase the penetration of this market sector gradually from its current near zero level to 90% at the end of the second year.
Since the afternoon market sector (22% capacity) is nearly full, it is important to fill the evening hours. These are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. These eight hours are much easier to fill. This goal should be reached by the end of Month 5.
Another objective is to seperate art supplies and art lessons in order to make art supplies a separate profit centre.
Final objective: To maintain the level currently achieved in portrait work by clients under contract as well as to maintain the historical level sales of ArtSphere’s art work prior to the mushrooming of art instruction.
1.2 Mission
The ArtSphere is dedicated to providing competent, professional instruction in art in friendly, pleasant surroundings while catering to the varying needs of different target market groups. The ArtSphere strives to establish a deeper and more lasting relationship with customers than the six-session generic course offered by Bessemer State College. ArtSphere knows that the product it actually sells is not the one it teaches. Helena Rubenstein was quoted as saying that although cosmetics are manufactured in a factory, the product sold is called hope. ‘”
This thinking holds true at the ArtSphere. Different buyers will see the product differently. An artist school may require special assistance to compile a portfolio for a serious student. A 70-year old woman might want to fill her day with fun activities. Stressed executives may be looking for solace or relaxation. Encouragement, technical advice, stress-relief, escape from loneliness, self-expression, etc. ArtSphere is a distributor of many products. Art lessons are affordable at as little as $5.00 per lesson in evening classes at some state colleges. These prices are too high for the ArtSphere. Only by tailoring the product to customers’ needs can we create and sustain high levels of sales.
1.3 Keys for Success
The most important factor in ensuring success is the ability of owners to tailor the product to their customers’ specific needs (emotional. psychological. etc.). The customers.
The limited spaces (maximum of eight) have no shelf life. They can be compared to plane seats. If a 10 o’clock spot is not sold today, it will be gone forever. To avoid the issue of “no-shows”, it is imperative that customers sign up monthly and pay in advance. The possibility of changing time slots is still possible. Walk-ins are possible, provided that there is enough inventory. However, these products must be priced at a premium so customers will sign up.
Like all businesses, it’s important to recognize the “heavy user and encourage them.
If an hour-long lesson in art does not conclude with the lights being turned off or the lights being turned off, customers may continue to work for hours. To ensure that the lesson ends in a timely manner, students should be able to collect their canvases and store them for the next session. Only those who wish to take part in a longer session can enroll for a shorter period. Owners can only make a profit when the heavy user is enrolled.
Both owners are artistic and at times reluctant to insist on certain policies designed to encourage profitability. A willingness to be flexible in this department is key to the success of this plan.
The special nature of the product does not allow for it to be purchased on a “take-out” basis. It must be consumed at the location. It is crucial to ensure that customers have a pleasant environment. A lack of lighting, clutter, cleanliness, policies regarding smoking and seating arrangements, etc. are all issues that must be addressed. All must be addressed. The ArtSphere is located within easy reach of the harbor landing and has the potential to create a more relaxed atmosphere than a traditional rectangular classroom at state colleges.
Owners and beloved pets are what make the world go around. We know that there are many photography studios that will photograph your pet. However, they do not openly welcome your furry family members. Adorable Pet Photography is a sole proprietorship dedicated to pets. We want to capture special moments that you can cherish forever. We will preserve your memories with beautiful photographic art. Our years of experience and gentle approach will ensure that you have a lasting memory. Our strong commitment to client satisfaction is showcased by the perfect photograph that captures the personality of the pet and the loving relationship between the pet and owner.
Adorable Pet Photography, a small business, aims to bring smiles to pet owners whenever their beloved pets are captured in stunning portraits. Staff and vendors will have to work hard for our superior customer service. This vision is manifested in three ways.
Produce the same outstanding quality results time after time.
Named Southeast’s best pet photographer
Remain steadfast in your support of customer service.
We are committed to providing high quality portraits at a competitive price and outstanding customer service.
Adorable Pet Photography is located in Atlanta, Georgia. We will have a staff of two, with plans to expand to a full-time operation within the next five years. The company is currently a home-based sole proprietorship. The company’s goal is to grow sales and expand the client base in order to eventually become a full-time operation. The company will offer a full range of custom portrait packages. Portrait sittings can take place in the studio, in the comfort of the client’s house, or outside. One assistant is required for the head photographer. Adorable Pet Photography is committed to the community. It will also provide pro bono assistance to the local humane societies and help fund local shows of dog and cat specialties.
Adorable Pet Photography is the result of a long career as a successful professional photographer. A graduate of the Showcase School in Atlanta, his architectural photographs have been published in magazines such as Atlanta and Southern Living. All equipment is owned by the founder. Therefore, there is no need to spend money on photographic equipment. Adorable Pet Photography works from home so overhead is minimal. Once the business becomes profitable and established, the owner’s salary will be deducted from the year-end cash. The owner is investing $10,000 of his personal savings as well as $10,000 from a good friend. This puts the owner’s short-term borrowing at $12,350, which is less than the credit union for which the company has been approved.
Adorable Pet Photography will provide a copyright notice for all photographs. This notice of the copyright will give protection against any claim of #8220innocent infringement by a client. Some clients of Adorable Pet Photography will require copyright release forms; this will primarily involve breeders and pet specialty show organizers who will need to use the photographs for publication.
The company will offer a variety of products including: portrait finishing, framing, location portraits and holiday candid shots.
Adorable Pet Photography seeks out local vendors to forge strategic alliances that will allow them to offer more services and lower costs to their clients.
Today’s white-collar professionals are likely to have at least one pet. The pet is considered a family member and the owners spend $26 billion annually on food, cosmetics, health care and other specialty items. Adorable Pet Photography targets these markets to reach this audience. Our specialty is pet photography and we will satisfy the existing needs of our client. Our quality products and services will be highlighted through advertising in the media, brochures and working relationships with pet specialty businesses and organizations frequented by potential clients.
What makes this industry so attractive is that, although the number of U.S. households with pets has held steady at approximately 58 million over the past ten years, the amount of money Americans spend on their pets has exploded.
The total retail sales of pet-related products was $16 billion in 1993. This number had increased to $22.6 billion by 1997, and is projected to rise to $28.5 billion in 2001. According to industry experts sales are expected to rise steadily over the next five-years, rising from 3 to 15 percent to 15%. This increase in love and concern for pets has seen existing services flourish and opened up entirely new markets for pet care. Many entrepreneurs, including the Petco superstores are creating businesses for pet owners.
Adorable Pet Photography has a unique competition. We compete against the traditional portrait studio that can photograph pets. This is an adjunct to photographing humans. We compete against two other exclusive pet photographers in the Atlanta Metropolitan area, and a host of amateur photographers. We are not able to match the quality or price of any of our competitors.
The most significant threats to this business venture include:
Sudden negative change in the local or national economy, since this is a luxury item.
There is more competition in the Atlanta metro market.
Partnerships that fail with breeder associations, pet specialty shows organizers and pet specialty stores.
The advent of digital imaging technology is a new threat to photography studios. According to many sources, digital images will eventually replace traditional film over the next few years. Although this is true for amateur photographers and technical photographers, Adorable Pet Photography believes the traditional art of photography will not be replaced by digital images. We believe the same time-honored craftsmanship that Annie Leibowitz and Yuseff Karash displayed, Adorable Pet Photography, will be preserved on film. While digital imagery can certainly be an advantage for portrait photographers, and it’s application in portrait photos will increase, we don’t believe it can replace artistic talent.
Adorable Animal Photography’s competitive edge is their commitment to customer care and satisfaction. We offer a wide range of services, flexible scheduling, the most recent technology, and beautiful photographic portraits. Adorable Pet Photography believes that pets are our primary business. It is not a sideline. We have the knowledge and experience to help you create a portrait session that is successful. We are patient and have a passion for quality results.
Data suggests that the best way to reach Adorable Pet Photography’s target audience for portrait photography is through the pet-related services they use. Adorable Pet Photography will develop relationships with businesses such a grooming salon, specialty pet store, and vet clinics. These businesses will be able to place our brochures and framed pet portraits. A strong marketing opportunity lies in the local pet shows and local breeder groups. Finally, Adorable Pet Photography will establish relationships with pet specialty stores to offer candid photographs of pets and owners in seasonal vignettes. While this will generate revenue, it can also be used as marketing tools to increase exposure to our target audience.
By beginning on a smaller scale, Adorable Pet Photography has the foresight to grow at a rapid pace to keep up with demand. Although we aim to maintain a steady pace of sales growth, we know that sales will fluctuate between months. We anticipate sales growth to be rapid during holidays seasons, and then it will slow down.
Adorable Pet Photography will reach break-even faster than other home-based businesses because start-up costs and staff are minimal. Because January is the post holiday slump, it will be the slowest month.
Our cash position is optimal. Adorable Pet Photography began with minimal cash but our rapid growth allowed us to grow the business quickly. The cash flow is negative in the first two months, when there are expected off-season periods. The business will be prepared and have cash reserves.
1.1 Mission
The environment of today offers a wide range of options for the consumer. Adorable Pet Photography strives for being the best option for clients. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality portraits at a competitive price and exceptional customer service. Pet photography, even in a strong economy, is a luxury; therefore, our customers will receive a portrait that captures not only the beauty of their pet, but also the personality.
Interviews with clients and time spent with pets will help to achieve this. At Adorable Pet Photography, we view pets as members of the family. We provide clients with high-quality and consistent results that will satisfy them.
1.2 Keys to Success
The key to success at Adorable Pet Photography includes our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We are responsible for ensuring professionalism in the following areas:
Consistent fulfillment by the clients’#8217s expectations.
Competitive pricing for the quality and array of services offered.
Each portrait will earn a fair and reasonable amount of profit.
1.3 Objectives
Adorable Pet Photography, a small business, aims to bring smiles to pet owners whenever their beloved pets are captured in beautiful portraits. We expect all vendors and staff to be dedicated to delivering superior customer service. This vision manifests itself in the following ways:
Every time you produce the same amazing quality results, it will be repeated over and again.
Be the Southeast’s top pet-photographer.
Keep our promise to provide customer service excellence and customer satisfaction.
Classique Gifts Etc. is a start-up retail store offering fine gifts, collectible dolls and doll accessories. The store will be located in Lexington, Kentucky, catering to the middle- and upper-class consumers who look beyond the congested retail malls for the special shopping experience. A wide selection of high-quality products will be available. The customer will also enjoy knowledgeable and friendly service in an uncongested area.
This business plan is prepared to obtain financing in the amount of $50,000 to purchase inventory and to help cover expenses in the first year of operations. We are also asking for a credit line of $10,000 to be used as necessary in low cash flow periods. Brenda and Charles Gajdik will jointly own and manage the store. They will contribute $40,000 to equity as an investment. This money can be used to finance start-up and equipment purchases as well operating capital.
The Lexington business is similar to the one in this plan, so the sales forecasts were very conservative. Brenda has evaluated the strengths of this store and believes it could be improved.
1.1 Objectives
To develop Classique Gifts Etc. Central Kentucky’s leading gift retail store.
For the first year, to maintain and increase your gross profit margin of at least 40%.
Personal customer service and marketing will help you to reach 4,000 customers within the second calendar year.
To earn a substantial profit by Year 3.
1.2 Mission
Classique Gifts Etc. will operate a gift store that sells high-end gifts, collectible dolls and accessories. We will provide quality products from trusted suppliers, and offer friendly customer service.
1.3 Keys for Success
To succeed in this business we must:
Get the best products for the customer and sell them at the highest quality.
Offer friendly customer service
Good vendor/supplier relationships will allow for quick shipment.
Advertising and promotion of our store are essential to capitalize on the current Christmas shopping season.
Continuously review our inventory and sales and adjust our inventory levels based on detailed records.
