EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Reimagining modern agriculture through the lens of global stewardship and sustainability is one tangible avenue to help solve the climate crisis. One of the most economical examples for this transformation is through ‘regenerative agriculture’. When implemented together, this loose set of traditional and sustainable land stewardship practices helps offset erosion, restore fertility and remediate toxic soils.
Empower AG is bridging the chasm between cutting edge science and mass consumer appeal with its own novel plant nutrient and soil conditioner products.
“A Smart Drug for Plants'', is a catch phrase used by the Company to describe the valuable systemic benefits when using its product. Creating product distinctions is key to the Company’s success in the marketplace. Empower AG is basing its long-term prospects on these distinctions.
With a proven business model grounded in scientific research, marketplace experience and customer testimonials, Empower AG is at the forefront of this seismic revolution.
Empower AG LLC is seeking $150,000 to expand its current product offerings with investment allocated towards inventory and continued research into novel applications of silica minerals for use in agriculture. The Company is positioned to become a leader in the emerging fertilizer sub-sector, known as micronutrients. Additional funding is sought for round two, where the Company plans to develop novel IP through rigorous in-house plant studies with accredited University's and plant science PhD's.
BUSINESS OBJECTIVES
Topsoil is the new gold. Using agricultural minerals to build soil health is not a new industry practice, but has become increasingly important to restore damaged soils and to increase nutrient density in commercial crops.
Not all minerals are created equal. Empower AG has identified a class of minerals that are soon to become a mainstay in the agricultural fertilizer markets. Commonly known as silicon, this underutilized element has renewed appreciation for its benefits in crop health, drought tolerance and the reduction of pesticide use.
In February of 2018 a leading scientific journal ‘Annals of Botany’ published a report titled ‘The role of silicon in plant biology: a paradigm shift in research approach’. This paper confirmed the Company's mission by validating early anecdotal findings of this amazing plant nutrient.
By appealing to home gardeners and commercial growers alike with an exclusive line of mineral based organic fertilizers, the Company is well positioned for national distribution within twelve months.
Estimated revenues for year five are 3.78M. This conservative projection combines revenues from three target market channels; retail, commercial, and Direct To Customer (DTC).
MARKET & INDUSTRY ANALYSIS SUMMARY
A timely confluence of market opportunities and consumer demand has created the ideal environment to launch the Company's new products. According to
www.businesswire.com, “the increasing awareness among growers about the advantages of micronutrient fertilizers in enhancing crop productivity is expected to result in a robust growth rate of the fertigation, irrigation, and foliar micronutrient fertilizer market.”
In the US, a number of high level mergers and acquisitions are making headlines within the Nutrient, Fertilizer, and Feed Industry. The leading industry distributor, Hawthorne Group was purchased by Scotts (a.k.a.) Miracle Grow in 2017 for $450M.
STARTUP SUMMARY
The Company is prepared to execute the next set of goals which include the following:
- Finalize product formulas for retail and commercial markets
- Register products with State agricultural agencies
- Purchase manufacturing equipment
- Purchase bulk nutrients
- Finalize packaging
- Revamp website(s)
COMPANY SUMMARY
Empower AG LLC was founded in 2018 by Chris Kehoe. At his twenty-acre farm in Southern Oregon, Chris oversaw the production of organic vegetables, herbs and medical cannabis. At the time Chris began exploring solutions to pest and pathogen problems that were negatively affecting his farms bottom line.
Chris soon found a source of silica minerals from local volcanic deposits. After trial testing and registering with State agricultural agencies he formed his Company and began selling in bulk to local farmers.
To date, more than one hundred tons (200,000 lbs) have been sold to farmers, growers, and gardeners throughout the region. Testimonials from repeat customers have helped the Company identify many new and exciting opportunities where the minerals are proven to help growers to be successful.
TARGET MARKET SEGMENT STRATEGY
Empower AG has relationships with industry leaders and key decision makers that include retail account managers, regional distributors and commercial greenhouse operators.
- Establishing brand recognition in the target market will be through sales to customers in retail stores, commercial cannabis operators and home gardeners. Each segment has its own marketing strategy and sales plan.
- Retail stores are estimated to account for on average 70% of total sales volume. Beginning in 2022 the Company estimates adding 40 new qualifying stores annually starting in Oregon, Washington, and California. The Company will provide support to sales associates with promotional materials, in-person product presentations and informational videos explaining applications and benefits using its products.
- Targeted accounts are vetted based on reputation within the industry along with their reliability for paying PO’s on time. Accounts which meet the Company’s stated terms will be approved. For all other accounts, payment must be made in advance of orders being shipped.
- Commercial farms are estimated to account for on average 20% of the total sales volume. The Company offers free consultation with commercial growers. On-site farm visits to licensed cannabis facilities and hemp farms help establish long term relationships which often lead to large PO’s.
- Direct to customers through the Company’s website account for on average 10% total sales volume. A STARTER KIT, combining each of the Company’s product offerings is a smart, and economical way for growers to get started. Healthy margins within this category allows the Company to offer seasonal discounts, BOGO (Buy One Get One) sales and free ‘swag’ to further promote the brand.
MISSION STATEMENT
Empower AG is leading the regenerative agriculture revolution by helping growers and farmers overcome current and future environmental challenges. Imbued in this mission is a high-level focus on soil fertility and plant health with the broader vision for sustainable farming practices and organic fertilizers.
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