The Center for Technology and Investment (CTI) is a company devoted to bringing investment in technology within reach of rural small business owners. It was established on the basis of the evidence that many rural small business owners are in desperate need of technical consulting and experience. However they do not have the financial resources to hire large multinational corporations to do the work.

CTI will develop into a dynamic new force in rural Oregon by using innovative funding sources. This includes grants and charitable contributions made both by the company owner and by individuals who care about rural Oregon’s economic development.

CTI’s management team consists of one individual, Bill Franklin. For over 35 years Mr. Franklin has been developing technology in Silicon Valley. He was also the first Electrical Engineer to work at Stanford Research Institute (SRI). Franklin is a leading expert on technological advancement. He owns multiple businesses and sold two of them for a profit.

CTI&#8217’s services do not only serve rural Oregon. The business is likely to expand beyond Oregon if it expands. More than 45,000 small and medium-sized businesses operate in the Western United States. Most of these have no or little experience with high-tech and are not familiar with alternative funding sources.

This investment plan will help to define the business strategy as well as show that CTI is a viable investment for a $10,000 bank open line credit. This open line of credit will be funded with a $10,000 loan. It is also intended to help manage cash flow during the first month CTI is a viable business.

1.1 Objectives

By the end of Year 1, approximately 500 clients will be served by the Center for Technology and Investment. The Center for Technology Investment will serve the needs of approximately 500 clients by the fourth month. At least 50% will have bought one or more products, and 100% will purchase services.

These are the financial goals.

• Within the first year achieve a 25% contribution margin on books, software, academic materials, and other products.
• Keep the revenue cost for services below 20%
• 350% increase in net revenues from Month 1 to 12
• The net revenue margin is 30% for Year 1, and 35% for year 2.

1.2 Mission

The Center for Technology and Investment is a nonprofit organization that was created to help rural small business owners use technology more effectively. The company’s charter stems from the realization that many rural business owners lack the resources or connections necessary to use technology effectively. Our goal is to help small business owners bridge this gap by providing training and education on how to best use technology to make the most of their resources and maximize the potential for their businesses.

If all of its clients are able to grow at a rate greater than 20%, the organization will have fulfilled it’s mission.

1.3 Keys to Success

Here are some keys to success.

• Focus on your target market. Go deeper into the demographics.
• High-level planning and execution. Quarterly seminar content must be kept fresh and consistent.
• Retainer Consulting must remain low-cost to rural business owners. This must be a small percentage from any SBA program or technology grants that are available to them. CTI cannot be considered a broker for SBA funding or any other funding. It must only serve as a consultant who has the knowledge and experience to assist clients in obtaining high-level technology funding.
• Financials should be maintained above the highest standards because of nonprofit status in a largely-for-profit industry.