Hi and thank you for taking the time to stop by and read about my situation. I find I really don’t have anywhere else to go, I’ve run out of options. I am looking at securing funding for a small business venture that would provide me the ways and means to look after my myself and partner.
My name’s Russ and I will soon be 66. Just a short 8 months ago I was planning the final stages of my post retirement woodworking shop and retail store. I was renting a small commercial building close to where I was living and working. I was planning on retiring with my shop set up and ready to begin providing me with the additional income necessary to continue to live reasonably in retirement, by last Christmas. Instead, arterial blockage in my right leg forced me into a somewhat disabled early retirement completely unprepared. I was working on a horse farm full time and living in subsidized farm accommodations. When I lost my job, I was also forced to move. I stored all my belongings in my shop and began living there on what I thought was going to be a temporary arrangement. The shop has neither a shower or a stove for cooking. I lined up some work and carried on into November. By then it was evident I could no longer do what I did, which was mainly labor or trades’ work. Financially is was now impossible to get out of the shop and into a proper place to live. December was the first month of only living on my monthly old age pension. Needless to say, I go further in the hole and get farther behind every month. I’ve had to sell woodworking tools to cover the shortfalls.
I recently discovered a product that I could produce and distribute locally. I have already begun putting the necessary materials and equipment together to begin production, although very small scale. I see long term potential in the product as a repeat purchase or possibly as a subscription and weekly delivery model. When growth warrants it, I can eventually convert my whole workshop into production area. The business does not need to be huge to be profitable. The other factor is I only need to generate $2000 – 2500 a month in profits. Those numbers can be achieved within the first 3 months with the proper exposure. I have done my due diligence into the inner workings of the business. Start-up, regulatory, equipment, packaging and labeling. I have estimates for display and marketing, rental space and promotion. I have been reading market trends and analysis of the sector. I have 17 years of experience producing a similar product. I believe I have thoroughly covered all the information and requirements necessary to build this into a successful small business and never find myself in this situation again. It will also provide for my partner when I can no longer work to support us. I have already approached banks and development funding institutions for funding. Due to my age, income and a limited credit history, I have been turned down repeatedly. Time is against me, as most of the capital is needed in up front costs, the costs to do business. I have till the middle of next month to have a product on the shelf per se.
I am humbly asking for an amount of $20,000.00. A hand up to be self respecting again and have a purpose for getting up in the morning. The funds will be used to have everything in place to put the product on display and for sale the middle of next month. Some funds will be set aside to cover short falls in cash flow for the first 3 months. I am anticipating corrective surgery on my leg before years’ end. By then, I will have the plans for expansion complete, and the numbers necessary for further financing if it is required. I would prefer to grow as we can afford and plan for it.
I really wish I wasn’t here asking for help from strangers, I wish I had family to ask, I don’t. I’m asking for you to help me restore my pride and to give me that chance to walk on the sidewalk, not sleep in the gutter. I’ve never wanted to be a burden to anyone, yet here I am, asking for that second and maybe last chance. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my plight.
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