Business Description
Brainy Belly makes scrupulously sourced foods that support both the gourmet cook and the strict requirements of healing diet protocols. I found Union Kitchen hoping to find a location for cooking classes after adopting a diet protocol that was the single successful strategy that helped to heal my broken stomach. Healing autoimmune issues with diet is finding support both through anecdotal account and scientific study of the human microbiome, or our personal ecology of beneficial bacteria. This work has potential for many medical issues such as Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, IBS, Arthritis and Diabetes. Our Bone Broth, and Broth-Based Soups and Sauces are made using only bones from grass fed beef and pasture raised chickens. It offers the highest levels of the proven beneficial: gelatin, scientifically proven to soothe inflammation in the gut and promote healing of the vital mucosal layer.
Brainy Belly is now finalizing approval by USDA for production. Once complete, we’ll be the only USDA Inspected production facility in the District of Columbia. We have partnered with Union Kitchen; a membership based shared kitchen facility. Union Kitchen is also our wholesale distributor and an investor through their Accelerator Program which provides extensive business mentoring and support to promising start up food companies. As a USDA Inspected product we will be able to wholesale to all 50 states and increase our market share exponentially.
Customers rave about the great flavor of our products, but it is those who find our products when they are struggling with their health that are the most gratifying. I know the struggle of coping with chronic illness, and the struggle to change your diet with hope of feeling better. We take pride in the quality of our products, and knowing that we are providing healing support gives my heart wings.
What is the purpose of this loan?
After two years in business and a growing demand for our products, Brainy Belly has taken the enormous step of moving into USDA Inspected production, a move with enormous promise for our capability to produce and sell. This Kiva loan will fund new equipment required for the production in this dedicated facility, allow us to update our packaging with the USDA shield and add a much needed employee. Budget: $2,000.00 for Two Double Burner Stock Pot Stoves plus Installation; $4,500.00 for Upgrade to Printed Bags with USDA Shield; $3,500.00 for Addition of Employee (3 month’s salary plus taxes). We’ve found wonderful staff through DC programs that return ex-offenders to the workplace and will continue to do so.
Meat products can be retailed directly to customers without regard for location. However, it is sales to wholesale customers that currently accounts for ¾ of my annual revenue and promises significant growth. Because meat products cannot be sold outside of the state of origin without USDA Inspection, this is the logical next step. We have shown that there is a market for nutrient-dense, yet convenient foods and customers are eager to buy them, with a steady increase in sales for the past two years. The USDA Inspection shield on our label will allow immediate distribution of our products throughout the Mid-Atlantic where we have wholesale customers waiting, and then allow us to continue our growth and seek national distribution. We have grown cautiously, growing our revenue and creating relationships with customers and suitable retailers. This infusion of $10,000 will allow our small company of three to manage this big step, pay some daunting expenses, employ additional people and make our excellent products available to many more customers.