1.0 Executive Summary
The purpose of this business plan is to raise $50,000 for the development of a taxidermy service while showcasing the expected financials and operations over the next three years. Taxidermy Service, Inc. (“the Company”) is a New York based corporation that will provide taxidermy services and sales of mounts for stuffed animals. The Company was founded by John Doe.
1.1 Operations
Taxidermy Service will generate a substantial portion of its revenues from stuffing animals and creating mounts for hunters throughout the target market. The Company will also generate income from the sale of mounts for stuffed animals. This is an important secondary stream of revenue for the business. The third section of the business plan will further describe the services offered by the Taxidermy Service.
1.2 The Financing
Mr. Doe is seeking to raise $50,000 from as a bank loan. The interest rate and loan agreement are to be further discussed during negotiation. This business plan assumes that the business will receive a 10 year loan with a 9% fixed interest rate. The financing will be used for the following:
• Development of the Company’s Taxidermy Service location.
• Financing for the first six months of operation.
• Capital to purchase inventories of mounts and equipment for taxidermy.
Mr. Doe will contribute $10,000 to the venture.
1.3 Mission Statement
Management’s mission is to develop Taxidermy Service, Inc. as a leading provider of taxidermy services to the general public.
1.4 Management Team
The Company was founded by John Doe. Mr. Doe has more than 10 years of experience in the taxidermy industry. Through his expertise, he will be able to bring the operations of the business to profitability within its first year of operations.
1.5 Sales Forecasts
Mr. Doe expects a strong rate of growth at the start of operations. Below are the expected financials over the next three years.
1.6 Expansion Plan
The Founder expects that the business will aggressively expand during the first three years of operation. Mr. Doe intends to implement marketing campaigns that will effectively target individuals (and hunting stores) within the target market.
2.0 Company and Financing Summary
2.1 Registered Name and Corporate Structure
Taxidermy Service, Inc. The Company is registered as a corporation in the State of New York.
2.2 Required Funds
At this time, the Taxidermy Service requires $50,000 of debt funds. Below is a breakdown of how these funds will be used:
2.3 Investor Equity
Mr. Doe is not seeking an investment from a third party at this time.
2.4 Management Equity
John Doe owns 100% of Taxidermy Service, Inc.
2.5 Exit Strategy
If the business is very successful, Mr. Doe may seek to sell the business to a third party for a significant earnings multiple. Most likely, the Company will hire a qualified business broker to sell the business on behalf of the Taxidermy Service. Based on historical numbers, the business could fetch a sales premium of up to 4 times earnings.
3.0 Operations
Below is a description of the service and products offered by Taxidermy Service, Inc.
3.1 Taxidermy Services
The Company will specialize in providing high quality taxidermy services to hunters that wish to have their game stuffed for display. At all times, the Company will employ licensed taxidermists that have completed a two year educational program. This will ensure the highest level of service for Taxidermy Service, Inc.’s customers. The business will be able to provide taxidermy services for both hunters and fishermen.
3.2 Sales of Animal Mounts
As stated in the executive summary, the Company will generate additional revenues from the ongoing sale of mounts for animals that have undergone taxidermy. Taxidermy Service, Inc. will generate gross revenues of approximately 70% on each sale of a mount used in conjunction with taxidermy services.
4.0 Strategic and Market Analysis
4.1 Economic Outlook
This section of the analysis will detail the economic climate, the taxidermy industry, the customer profile, and the competition that the business will face as it progresses through its business operations.
Currently, the economic climate is moderate. The economy is undergoing a transition period due to changes in global trade policy. At this time, interest rates have remained steady due to appropriate and measured policies by central banks. While there has been volatility, this is expected to subside as the economy adapts to these changes.
However, trophy hunters and trophy fisherman will continue to have their animals mounted despite the deleterious economic climate.
4.2 Industry Analysis
Within the United States, there are approximately 6,000 businesses that specialize in providing professional taxidermist services to the general public. In each of the last five years, aggregate revenues have exceeded $900 million. The industry provides annual payrolls exceeding $200 million. This is a mature industry, and the future expected growth rate of the industry is expected to equal that of the general economy.
4.3 Customer Profile
Taxidermy Service’s average client will be a middle to upper middle class man living in the Company’s target market. Common traits among clients will include: • Annual household income exceeding $50,000 • Lives or works no more than 25 miles from the Company’s location. • Is an trophy hunting enthusiast, general hunter, or fisherman. • Will spend $375 to $2,000 per animal to undergo taxidermy.
4.4 Competitive Analysis
This is one of the sections of the business plan that you must write completely on your own. The key to writing a strong competitive analysis is that you do your research on the local competition. Find out who your competitors are by searching online directories and searching in your local Yellow Pages. If there are a number of competitors in the same industry (meaning that it is not feasible to describe each one) then showcase the number of businesses that compete with you, and why your business will provide customers with service/products that are of better quality or less expensive than your competition.
5.0 Marketing Plan
Taxidermy Service, Inc. intends to maintain an extensive marketing campaign that will ensure maximum visibility for the business in its targeted market. Below is an overview of the marketing strategies and objectives of the Company.
5.1 Marketing Objectives
- Implement a local campaign with the Company’s targeted market via the use of flyers, local newspaper advertisements, and word of mouth advertising among hunters, fisherman, and local hunting and fishing stores.
- Develop an online presence by developing a website and placing the Company’s name and contact information with online directories.
5.2 Marketing Strategies
Mr. Doe intends on using a number of marketing strategies that will allow the Taxidermy Service to target trophy hunters, fishermen, and other animal collector enthusiasts within the target market. These strategies include traditional print advertisements and ads placed on search engines on the Internet. Taxidermy Service, Inc. will also use an internet based strategy. This is very important as many people seeking local businesses, such as taxidermists, now the Internet to conduct their preliminary searches.
Mr. Doe will register the Taxidermy Service with online portals so that potential customers can reach the business. The Company will also develop its own online website, which will include information about the Taxidermy Service location, its pricing, and information regarding its services. Finally, the Taxidermy Service will work closely with local fish/tackle shops and hunting stores. Mr. Doe intends to develop referral relationships with these businesses in order to have an immediate stream of revenue coming into the business.
6.0 Organizational Plan and Personnel Summary
6.1 Corporate Organization
6.2 Organizational Budget
7.0 Financial Plan
7.1 Underlying Assumptions
- Taxidermy Service, Inc. will have an annual revenue growth rate of 10% per year.
- The Owner will acquire $50,000 of debt funds to develop the business.
- The loan will have a 10 year term with a 9% interest rate.
7.2 Sensitivity Analysis
In the event of an economic downturn, the business may have a decline in its revenues. Taxidermy services are not a necessity, and as the economy is currently in a recession, the business may have moderate issues regarding top line income. However, many of the Company’s clients are expected to be wealthy trophy hunters/fishermen that are less swayed by the current deleterious economic climate.
7.3 Source of Funds
7.4 General Assumptions
7.5 Profit and Loss Statement
7.6 Cash Flow Analysis
7.7 Balance Sheet
7.8 Breakeven Analysis
7.9 Business Ratios
