E. Jane Prenuer and John A. Prenuer own J-J Enterprises. 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. By the end of the third season, both online visitors and purchases have increased significantly over the previous year, despite the difficulties of a slow recovery of the national economy.

J-J Enterprises’ owners believe that it is possible to continue growing the business with:

1. Serious revamping of the Web store (already in progress) and increased promotions;
2. Sponsoring special community events and fund raisers for local organizations;
3. Renovation of an existing building for safe storage and efficient packing and shipping.
4. Increasing the number and quality of events and shows aimed at upscale customers;
5. Purchase seasonal and regular inventory at higher quantities to get better prices.

While the sales growth was expected and well-welcomed, it’s too late to make financial recovery of any debts. 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. We will not miss opportunities to sell products on the ‘ground floor’ before they are available to other traders at travel shows.

There are few opportunities for youth to work in unskilled jobs in the local area. High school students are expected to be employed for packing, shipping, stocking, and other business-related activities. Our experience and education can be beneficial to these students. We hope to be role models to them, encouraging them towards further education and pursuing their entrepreneurial ambitions. In addition to sponsoring special events (e.g., SummerFest,&#8221 4 ^thof July activities) and raising funds for local organisations (schools churches other groups).

The main suppliers we use are based in America, so their sales help to keep American workers employed. We will continue to search for American-made products and direct-buy them. With adequate funding, we can also obtain high quality, easily-sold merchandise that is suitable for fundraisers.

We need $40,000 in long-term loans for renovation and restoration of the barn to be used as a warehouse. In addition, we want to keep positive cash balances during the time that we are busy with the renovation.

1.1 Mission

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 be available online as well at many festivals and shows.

Customer Creed

Country Crockery prides itself on its customer service, great communication and the guaranteed satisfaction of customers’ purchases.

Employee Promise

Our employees will enjoy a friendly and fair work environment, which rewards hard work and offers opportunities for training in a variety of business activities.

1.2 Objectives

1. Continue to provide unique quality home and gift products at reasonable prices on the Internet and at consumer home/gift shows;
2. Generate minimum total revenues of $125,000 by the end of year one;
3. Expand and maintain Web store to increase revenues to create attractive purchase by year five;
4. In the second year, you can expect an increase of around 45%
5. Realize an annual growth of around 20% in year three, and each subsequent year; REDUCE direct costs sales of 45% or lower and maximize gross margins to at least 50%

7. Establish a following of customers in a specific road show circuit of 24-36 shows per year: Home & Garden Shows, Shipshewana On The Road, Summer Festivals/Arts & Crafts Shows;
8. Find additional quality products to add to our product range.

1.3 Keys for Success

These are the key factors that will ensure the company’s success: