Business Description
My business is a ski/snowboard shop specifically for women. The shop itself sells outerwear, base layers, helmets, skis and snowboards, and accessories for women to participate in these snow sports. I decided to start this business last summer and even though I was starting very late in the game to receive products, I was able to convince vendors to provide me with what they had left. I decided to start this business because I am a woman who snowboards. I grew up at this local ski resort and have always felt intimidated walking into a shop that is mostly ran by all males. I was very apprehensive to ask for help for many different reasons, but overall just felt uncomfortable. I wanted to provide a place where women wouldn’t have to feel like that. A place just for them, where they could ask anything they want, confide in other women to help them make decisions about a purchase. So, not only do I want to provide women with clothes and accessories for these sports, but my goals are to provide clinics as well. I want to show women how to care for their equipment (tune, wax, etc.) I think this is a big step in gaining confidence in the sports by taking ownership. For example, you can set your own equipment up and don’t need to take it to a male dominated shop to do it for you. Another goal is to provide women to go out on the slopes with other women. This would not necessarily be a lesson, but more of providing an opportunity for women to get together with other women and ride together. Again, helping women feel comfortable and gaining confidence in the sports. Thinking of my business, I am most proud of the fact that I’m providing a place for women in a male dominated sport. I feel very passionate about this and can see an empowering movement going along with my shop. I am excited to see where it can go!
What is the purpose of this loan?
I will spend this loan on purchasing Elevate products for customers to buy. These items include personalized hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and stickers. This will promote my business tremendously by allowing me to sell these in my shop and then will be advertised whenever they are worn in public. I will also spend this loan on purchasing other products that my shop will sell that require me to pay upfront. These items include organic groceries, drinks, toiletries, etc.
I expect both of these purchases to increase revenue and profit by $6,000 a month. This loan will impact my life by allowing me to expand my business without stressing my personal income or my families income.