Introduction

Curriculum Companion Suites is a small software development and consulting company that focuses on improving the education process for K-12 schools. CCS software serves as a virtual teaching assistant for the educational process. Students can electronically follow the curriculum through the central computer terminal located at the front.

The Company

CCS’ keys to success include CCS’ commitment to market knowledge and future potential direction for the educational process. CCS’ relationships also with many educational institutions.

Curriculum Companion Suites is a start-up company comprised of six executives and seventy-six employees. They have combined 70 years of experience in the software industry. Andrew Christiansen and David Fields hold 80% of the company. Other investors own a minority stake. At the moment, the company does not have plans for going public, as most of the financing is raised internally. CSS was created in Oregon by two of its majority shareholders.

Products

CCS offers educational software to support every grade level, starting in kindergarten and ending in 12th grade. These suites have been developed in collaboration to major curriculum publishers with which CCS has established strategic relationships.

CCS provides support for all aspects of software installation and maintenance. These services are included in every software package purchased.

The Market

There are only a few competitors in the learning information system vendors segment. These companies provide software products, installation and systems integration services for schools from kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) in the United States. CCS competes against other traditional methods of learning, training, and testing, such as pencil-and-paper testing. In addition, CCS competes with other companies offering educational software products to schools, such as International Business Machines Corporation, Apple Computer, Inc., and Mattel, Inc.

Educational institutions and school districts have not been active in searching out technical enhancements to the educational process. CCS and other companies have opted for a more pushy marketing strategy. Education has to be educated about how technical infrastructures can enhance learning.

CCS is the only competitor in this market. CCS plans to build a healthy market share with a goal for 10% by the end of the three-year period.

CCS targets urban/metropolitan schools as the best market to target, since this market has the highest revenue potential. These markets are also easier for customizations and software installations. Profitability is thus much more probable in this market.

Numerous educational institutions and school districts throughout the U.S. have established relationships. Significant investments have been made by CCS to research and understand the specific needs and potential enhancements to the current educational process.

Financial Considerations

CCS anticipates raising substantial owner capital and borrowing a similar amount from a 10-year guaranteed SBA loan. This provides the bulk of the current financing required.

CCS plans to achieve a large number of sales in its first year and steady growth in the second, third, and fourth years.

1.1 Mission

Curriculum Companion Suites aims to offer software curriculum suites to K-12 schools within the U.S. market. CCS will concentrate on providing solutions that improve schools’ educational capabilities.

1.2 Keys To Success

The keys to success in CCS include:

1. It is the company’s intention to remain vigilant in the current and future educational environment.
2. CCS’#8217’s relationships with many educational institutions, districts, and other organizations.