E. Jane Prenuer is the owner of J-J Enterprises with her husband John A. Prenuer. While primarily operating the Web store, Country Crockery at www.countrycrockery.com, the owners are also vendors at consumer gift shows, home and garden expositions, summer fairs and festivals; these events help us to promote the Web store. Despite the slow recovery of the nation’s economy, online visits and purchases had significantly increased by the end of the third year.
J-J Enterprises’ owners believe that it is possible to continue growing the business with:
- The Web store is being redesigned and promotions are intensified.
- Sponsoring special community events, and fund-raising for local organizations
- Renovation of an existing structure to store inventory and provide a more efficient packing/shipping area.
- Increasing the amount of shows/events for upscale consumers.
- For better price breaks, purchase seasonal and regular inventory in greater quantities.
Although sales growth was anticipated and appreciated, financial recovery of debts has not been possible. We need financing to fix our existing storage space (our barn), pay off outstanding debts, release credit lines for product purchases, and make advance payments required for space rentals at markets, festivals, and other events. Financing will also prevent us from missing out on opportunities to obtain and sell ‘#8220’ ground floor products before other merchants on this circuit.
There are very few opportunities for young people to be employed in non-skilled positions within the community. We plan to hire high school students to help with stocking, packing and shipping as well as training in other business operations. These students will benefit from our education and experience. We also hope to be role model for them, inspiring them to pursue their dreams of entrepreneurship or further their education. In addition, we will be sponsoring special events (i.e., “SummerFest,” 4th of July activities) and fund raisers for local organizations (schools, churches, other groups).
Our two main suppliers are located in America. This means that our sales support American jobs. We will continue to search for American-made products and direct-buy them. With sufficient funding, we have the potential to purchase high-quality, highly-sold merchandise suitable for fundraising.
We are seeking $40,000 to finance renovations and restorations of the barn. This will allow us to continue to have positive cash balances for the duration of our renovation.
1.1 Mission
Company Mission
Country Crockery is about celebrating the home. Our mission is to bring unique home accents and gifts at a reasonable price to the style-conscious and quality-conscious consumers. Our products will become easily accessible through a presence online, as well as at various events and festivals.
Customer Creed
Country Crockery takes pride and joy in its customer service.
Employee Pledge
Our employees will be treated with respect and rewarded for their hard work. We offer training opportunities in many business areas.
1.2 Objectives
- Continue to offer unique quality home- and gift products at affordable prices online and at consumer/gift shows.
- By the end year one, generate minimum total revenues of $125,000
- Expand and maintain a Web store to increase revenue to generate attractive purchases by year five.
- You can achieve an annual growth rate of approximately 45% by year two
- You can expect an increase of approximately 20% per year in the first three years and an additional 20% each year thereafter.
- Establish a customer base in a particular road show circuit that includes 24-36 shows per annum: Home & Garden Shows and Shipshewana on The Road. Summer Festivals/Arts & Crafts Shows.
- Seek out additional quality products to include in our product mix.
1.3 Keys to Success
The primary keys to success for the company will be based on the following factors: