Simply Sweet Desserts LLC

Our journey with Simply Sweet Desserts, a proud minority and women-owned business located in Kalamazoo, took off when my sister and I decided to transform our shared love for baking into a thriving enterprise in a neighborhood yearning for local bakeries. Determined to add a touch of sweetness to our community, we started crafting our confections in our home kitchen. Our first big step was partnering with a nearby store to supply our desserts, and we were thrilled to see our creations quickly capture the hearts of the locals. Fueled by enthusiasm and heartfelt referrals from satisfied customers, the word spread rapidly, helping us expand far beyond our local area to several cities across Michigan.

Business Description

The Company was formed on 05/03/2023 as Limited Liability Company under Michigan state laws and headed by Catharine Zachariah, Rose Mary Zachariah. 

Growing up, our global travels exposed us to a rich tapestry of flavors from every corner of the world, an experience that profoundly shaped our approach to dessert-making. From the fragrant spices of the Middle East to the delicate sweetness of Asian pastries, each journey enriched our palate and inspired us to blend diverse ingredients into our creations. This unique exposure to international flavors has allowed us to craft dessert recipes that are not only delicious but also distinctively our own. 

In just a year, our dessert business has experienced remarkable growth, establishing partnerships with 30 retailers and restaurants, including prestigious venues like Van Andel Arena and Grand Rapids Airport. Our journey kicked off with an incredible milestone—within the first month, we proudly became a vendor for Spartan Nash. Our impressive sales performance soon allowed us to swiftly expand to five additional Spartan Nash stores within a few months. This success is deeply rooted in our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality products and forming strategic partnerships, which have been pivotal in overcoming challenges such as market competition and logistics. These efforts have substantially boosted our brand's visibility and reputation, paving the way for exciting future opportunities and potential collaborations with major retail chains. 

Business Mission

Our mission is to bring the delightful and diverse flavors of global desserts to a wider audience, upholding our promise of quality and authenticity at every step. As we expand, we're committed to making our unique offerings more accessible by distributing to neighboring states and becoming a trusted supplier for Costco. To meet this goal, we're scaling our operations by welcoming new team members, enhancing our delivery fleet, and investing in cutting-edge bakery equipment. This growth ensures we meet rising demand while preserving the high standards our customers cherish.

Product

Simply Sweet Desserts specializes in a variety of delicious cookies, brownies, pies, cakes, and cheesecakes.

Funding Request

The Company requests a total loan of $100,000.00 over the course of 5 years, to be used for the following purposes:

In our pursuit to propel Simply Sweet Desserts to the forefront of the dessert industry, we are seeking a loan of $100,000 over the next five years to fund several strategic initiatives aimed at driving growth and expanding our market reach.

 

First, we plan to hire additional employees to support our increasing production demands, ensuring we maintain our unwavering commitment to quality as we scale. This will allow us to meet the rising demand for our products without compromising on the excellence our customers expect.

 

Secondly, investing in a delivery van is crucial for extending our distribution capabilities. This will enable us to efficiently deliver our delectable desserts to neighboring states, broadening our customer base and enhancing our service capacity.

Additionally, the acquisition of high-tech bakery machines will significantly boost our production efficiency, speeding up baking and packaging processes. This technological upgrade is vital for meeting the growing demand swiftly and efficiently, allowing us to keep pace with industry advancements and consumer expectations.

 

Moreover, we are in active discussions with major venues such as arenas, airports, and casinos to become their official dessert suppliers. This presents an exciting opportunity to supply large quantities of our products, necessitating a substantial scale-up in operations. Engaging with these prestigious venues not only expands our market presence but also strengthens our brand's reputation as a trusted name in the dessert world.

 

These strategic investments are not merely about addressing current demands but are essential for positioning Simply Sweet Desserts as a prominent player in the competitive dessert industry. By enhancing our operational capabilities and market reach, we aim to solidify our standing and create a pathway for sustained growth and success.

Business Goals and Objectives

Short Term:
Our short-term business goals will focus on expanding our dessert company by becoming vendors at large arenas and airports, ensuring our presence in key locations. We will aim to have our products available in grocery stores nationwide, broadening our customer base. Launching a food truck will allow us to offer our desserts at major events, with particular emphasis on summer destinations and holiday seasons. Additionally, we will initiate online sales to reach a wider audience and provide convenience to our customers. Through these efforts, we will enhance our brand visibility and accessibility.


Long Term:
In our long-term business goals, we will aim to become vendors for large retail chains like Costco, which will significantly enhance our distribution capabilities and brand presence. By securing partnerships with such retail giants, we will be able to reach a diverse clientele, ranging from individual consumers to catering services and hospitality businesses. This strategy will position us as a prominent dessert distributor, enabling us to cater to various customer needs across different markets. Our long-term vision includes leveraging these partnerships to expand our product offerings and solidify our reputation as a leader in the dessert industry.

III. MARKETING SUMMARY

Target Markets
The Company's major target markets are as follows:

Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists and Local Business Investors.

Promotional Strategy
The Company will promote sales using the following methods:

As we plan to expand our dessert company into neighboring states, we will focus on conducting market research to understand local preferences and competitors. Our unique selling proposition will highlight what makes our desserts special. We will utilize digital marketing, including social media and SEO, to extend our reach. By partnering with local cafes and engaging in community events, we will build brand recognition. Promotions and loyalty programs will help us attract and retain customers, enabling us to adapt and grow successfully in new markets.

This venture is incredibly personal for us, driven by our commitment to creating an inclusive environment that provides opportunities for individuals who are unemployed or have disabilities. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to share their talents and skills, and our dedication to equal opportunity is a cornerstone of our business values. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, we not only enrich our team but also strengthen our community. This approach has a profound positive impact, enabling us to support and uplift those who might otherwise be overlooked, reinforcing the importance of compassion and equality in our operations. "