American Greens Capes

American Gardenscapes Written by:

Kimberly A. Kindred

Computer hardware: Computer software: Book used:

Macintosh Microsoft Word The Entrepreneur’s FastTrac I Handbook

Overview Kimberly A. Kindred is a 1996 FastTrac graduate of the Premier FastTrac I program from the First Step Fund in Kansas City, Mo., targeting low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs. Kimberly won the award for the best Feasibility Plan from her program. She has started American Gardenscapes, located in Johnson County, Kan., and sells a variety of rare antique and standard plants, seeds, herbs, fresh cut flowers, and gift items as a homebased business. Her marketing focus is to sell plant and seed items that are not readily available from local sources. Kimberly works full-time for Sprint and is using her free time during her lunch hours, in the evenings and on weekends to establish her business. An avid gardener, she is enrolled in the Horticultural Science program at Johnson County Community College and plans on obtaining a Master Gardener certification from the Johnson County Cooperative Extension. In addition, she is negotiating with the city of Kansas City, Mo., to establish a community-based children’s garden. She wrote her feasibility plan on American Gardenscapes and used the suggested format and subtitles found in The Entrepreneur’s FastTrac I Handbook. Her feasibility plan is an excellent ex-

Feasibility Plan Critique NAME A MERICAN GARDENSCAPES 1. Overall Appearance and Format The sample feasibility plan is most attractive and clean looking with adequate white space and margins. Graphics for the title page of each section were simple yet appealing. Her feasibility plan includes bullets effectively, which encourage reviewers to continue reading the plan. The length is appropriate for this type of venture.

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

ample of a home-based product and service venture that was started with little capital, which is typical of many ventures started by FastTrac graduates. Kimberly’s Plan for Further Action section in her feasibility plan indicated that she could be successful if she started this venture. This section of her plan could have been expanded to give the reader a clearer picture of the next steps she plans to take. American Gardenscapes was included in this book because it is clearly written, concise, and is easy to read and follow. Her format is clean and simple, but attractive and pleasing to the eye. Kimberly used bullets to summarize key points, but she could have used a chart displaying some information that appeared in text form. Because her venture required little investment and her feasibility plan proved it could be profitable, Kimberly launched this business after graduation and plans to write a business plan to help her better plan and manage her new venture. Review her feasibility plan and use it as a guide in preparing yours. The authors of The Entrepreneurs First Step FastTrac Handbook want to thank Kimberly for allowing us to include her plan in this book.

II. Cover Page The cover has simple line graphics and includes the writer’s name, address, and contact number. WEAKNESS : The attractiveness of the feasibility plan could have been improved by adding sample pictures of her products. STRENGTH:

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III. Table of Contents STRENGTH: The table of contents includes each section in the plan as well as the suggested section headings. Page numbers are also included, making it easy to locate various information contained in the plan. IV. Executive Summary It is written in letter format and addressed to the party who will be reviewing the plan. It describes her venture and its target market. It elaborates on the founder’s background and expertise to launch this type of venture. The plan also addresses capital needed and her plans to start it.

STRENGTH:

V. Product/Service The plan addresses all the key sections of the Product/Service section and explains each heading well. WEAKNESS : This section of the feasibility plan is titled Service when, in fact, it is also a productbased venture and should have been labeled Product/Service. It also contains the heading Government Approvals stating there are no government approvals necessary to operate this venture. If this heading did not apply to the venture, it should have been eliminated. Including headings that don’t apply could raise a red flag to the reader. Maybe the entrepreneur overlooked a factor that might have actually applied to the venture that could result in a negative aspect of the plan. This was not the case with this venture, but the heading should have been eliminated. STRENGTH:

VI. The Market All areas of the feasibility plan are included and clearly explained. Note: This feasibility plan did not contain a head-

STRENGTH:

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ing on the competition. However, the 1998 version of the FastTrac I Feasibility Plan does include a section with a few questions about the competition in the venture’s industry that should be addressed in any feasibility plan. WEAKNESS : The heading on Customer Profile should have contained more demographic information about primary customers, such as age, income level, sex, as well as lifestyle habits, so market-penetration strategies could be better formulated. The heading under Target Markets could have included the actual names of potential customers instead of listing categories of the types of buyers. The Market Penetration heading only listed one market tactic — direct mail. Other marketpenetration tactics should have been explored. If direct mail is not successful, then the venture could be doomed. Other guerrilla marketing tactics,such as speaking to social and business clubs, advertising in church bulletins, etc., could have been included. VII. Price and Profitability STRENGTH : All major headings in this section were listed and covered. It contained a good Price List and skillfully illustrated financial data. WEAKNESSES: The Assumptions for estimated expenses could have been expanded to give the reader a clearer understanding of how they were formulated. VIII. Plan for Further Action STRENGTH: The Plan for Further Action contained all the necessary headings and they were properly explained. WEAKNESS : Again, the heading License Potential was included but indicated that none was anticipated. Therefore, this heading should have been eliminated.

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

__________________________________________ __________________________________________ AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES __________________________________________ __________________________________________

KIMBERLY A. KINDRED 6937 Horton Street Overland Park, KS 66204-1420 (913)236-7676

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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T ABLE

OF

C ONTENTS

Summary Executive Executive Summary ......................................................................................... 5-6 Service Purpose of the Service ........................................................................................ 8 Stage of Development .......................................................................................... 8 Product Limitations ............................................................................................... 8 Proprietary Rights ................................................................................................. 8 Government Approvals ......................................................................................... 8 Product Liability .................................................................................................... 8 Related Services and Spin-Offs ........................................................................... 9 Production............................................................................................................. 9 The Market Current Market Size ........................................................................................... 11 Growth Potential of the Market .......................................................................... 11 Industry Trends ............................................................................................. 11-12 Customer Profile ................................................................................................. 12 Customer Benefits .............................................................................................. 12 Target Markets .................................................................................................... 13 Market Penetration ............................................................................................. 13 Price and Profitability Price List ............................................................................................................. 15 Sales Estimates ................................................................................................. 16 Cost of Product/Service ...................................................................................... 16 Projected Gross Margin ..................................................................................... 17 Three-Year Operating Expense and Assumptions .............................................. 18 Three-Year Operating Statement ............................................................ ........... 19 Start-Up Costs ................................................................................................... 19 Plan for Future Action Pitfalls ................................................................................................................ 21 Positive Points ................................................................................................... 21 Needed Capital .................................................................................................. 21 Entrepreneur’s Role ........................................................................................... 21 Business Plan .................................................................................................... 21 License Potential ............................................................................................... 22 Corporate Partners/Sponsors ........................................................................... 22 Infrastructure Members ...................................................................................... 22

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AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ S UMMARY

AND

E XECUTIVE O VERVIEW

____________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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E XECUTIVE S UMMARY A MERICAN G ARDENSCAPES October 7, 1996 Ms. MaryLou Bove 1st Step Fund Kansas City, MO Dear Ms. Bove: The enclosed feasibility plan is being provided for your review. American Gardenscapes, to be located in Johnson County, Kansas, will sell a variety of standard, as well as antique, rare and heirloom herbaceous perennial, annual decorative, houseplants, seeds, herbs, and fresh cut flowers. In addition, gifts, gardener’s gift baskets, tools and supplies will be offered. The marketing focus is to sell plants and seeds which are not readily available from or to local sources American Gardenscapes will open as a part-time, home-based business. Some stock will be grown from seed, however the majority of stock will be purchased from local and national wholesalers. Retail space will be leased on a temporary “as needed” basis to take advantage of the spring, summer and fall retail sales and planting seasons. American Gardenscapes will accommodate home gardeners and businesses who have a need or desire to purchase herbaceous perennials, annuals, houseplants, etc., as well as those persons seeking unique gifts for gardening enthusiasts. The target market consists of both novice and avid home gardeners, supermarkets, discounts centers, hardware stores, farmers markets, craft fairs and office business settings. Kimberly Kindred, sole proprietor, in addition to being an avid gardener, has successfully completed several college level courses in the areas of Botany and Horticultural Science. She is also currently seeking Master Gardener certification from The Johnson County Cooperative Extension. Her contribution to the business will be general manager, grower and sales representative. Additionally, she will contribute some capital to the business in the start-up phase. Start-up is planned for Spring, 1997. The business consisting of the general manager, grower/buyer, sales representative and one or two part-time assistants will be fully operational at that time. An injection of capital will be needed prior to that time to purchase a Macintosh computer, printer, indoor lighting, supplies and inventory. A small business loan from a banker or other lending source is being sought. Sincerely,

Kimberly A. Kindred 6

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ S E RV I C E

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PURPOSE OF THE SERVICE American Gardenscapes sells herbaceous perennials, annual decorative, seeds, and fresh cut flowers which are unique and of interest to gardeners who are seeking unusual plants for their home gardens and/or business settings. The focus is to sell plants that are considered antique and are not readily available at local nurseries in the local metropolitan Kansas City area

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S TAGE

OF

D EVELOPMENT

American Gardenscapes, while currently in the concept stage, will begin operation as a home-based business. Several clients have already expressed an interest in having the service/product available. The majority of the plant inventory, gift basket items and supplies will be purchased from local and national wholesalers. Retail space will be leased on a temporary, “as needed” basis to accommodate retail sales and growing seasons. Some of these sources are The Schultz Company, Fiskars, Inc., Antique Flowers, and Smithmark Publishing

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P RODUCT

LIMITATIONS

Plants are subject to fashion trends and are somewhat perishable. If American Gardenscapes finds itself limited by such fashion trends, specific plants can be purchased to update existing stock. American Gardenscapes will overcome the perishability issue by participating in and promoting inner city, educational gardening programs to which unnecessary stock will be donated.

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P ROPRIETARY R IGHTS American Gardenscapes has trademarked its name and logo. No other proprietary requirements or limitations are evident at this time.

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G OVERNMENT

A PPROVALS

There are no government approvals necessary to operate this venture.

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P RODUCT L IABILITY There is minimal potential liability to American Gardenscapes. Responsibility however is assumed for the quality and health of the plants and seeds offered. Replacement of any plants which do not meet the satisfaction of our customers may be returned within ninety days of purchase for a full refund or replacement, whichever the customer prefers. Non-plant items (excluding gift basket items) may be returned within thirty days.

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AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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RELATED SERVICES AND SPIN-OFFS In the plant area there are many avenues that American Gardenscapes could

take:

a a a a a a

Landscaping Interior plantscaping Lawncare services Plants and flowers for special occasions, i.e. weddings, banquets, funerals Consulting Gardening classes

Another spin-off would be gourmet foods:

a a a ¦

Cafe featuring items prepared from nursery grown plants, herbs and flowers Cooking classes Cookbooks sales

PRODUCTION Some stock will be grown from seed, however the majority of stock will be purchased from local and national wholesalers. Retail space will be leased on a temporary “as needed” basis to accommodate spring, summer and fall retail sales and planting seasons. Should the needs of the business indicate that a permanent retail location would prove beneficial, space will be sought at that time.

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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_________________________________________ __________________________________________ MARKET

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AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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CURRENT MARKET SIZE Grounds Maintenance, February 1995, p.8, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service reports that in 1993, retail spending on floriculture products reached $13.5 billion. Nursery Business Grower, February 1995, from Greenridge & Associates, Inc., states that a total of $15.50 billion in green goods was sold in 1994. Looking at this demand for landscape and bedding plants, as well as garden equipment and supplies indicates that more people than ever are gardening in their spare time and therefore demanding more variety and quality in their bedding stock choices. Today’s gardening enthusiast is very savvy. Healthy stock and variety will be the factors for success or failure of floriculture in the 1990’s and beyond.

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G ROWTH POTENTIAL

OF THE

M ARKET

With today’s fast paced lifestyles, more people are turning to gardening in their spare time as a means of stress reduction. Throughout the centuries gardening has been a popular hobby and although plants fashions may change, the demand for both indoor and outdoor plans remain constant and in fact has been steadily on the rise in the 1990’s. There do not appear to be any limiting factors in the floriculture arena. Gardening has withstood the test of time. It remained popular in Europe and America despite revolutions, depressions and political upheavals. Floriculture is an industry that permeates every part of out lives and will continue to do so well into the 21st century. Mankind is dependent upon to plants in the same manner as they are on air.

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I NDUSTRY TRENDS Many areas of floriculture are rapidly expanding (i.e., landscaping, interiorscaping and xeriscaping) and some have lagged in the area of variety. Most bedding stock offered is considered to be standard and common, with most nurseries selling on the most popular plants, rather than the antique, heirloom, “hard to find” varieties. These trends indicate that American Gardenscapes could quickly expand by focusing on its niche market of antique and heirloom plants and seeds, as well as offering the standards. From tulipmania in the 16-1700’s through the rise in interest in Tea and English roses today, floriculture and horticulture began escalating centuries ago and continue to do so today. Variety, quality and service are the tools American Gardenscapes will use to penetrate the green goods market, so it is important to understand this medium. The consumers can be divided into:

a a a a

Corporate Individual Landscapers & Xeriscapers Interiorscapers

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American Gardenscapes’ initial focus will be on the general gardening public. We will offer in addition to heirloom and antique varieties of plants, a wide selection of the most popular standards, i.e. impatiens, petunias, hostas, hemerocallis, etc. We will focus in particular on those individuals who either garden as a hobby—the somewhat novice gardener, as well as those persons who may be considered enthusiasts or semi-professional. As more people begin to explore the exciting areas of floriculture, they also become more aware of the pleasures, rewards and styles available on the market today, Gardeners also quickly learn their specialties and personal limitations. In theory, this should create a magnetism between the educated gardener and the professional green good merchants. After years of training and practical hands on experience in the horticulture and floriculture fields, the professional gardener/green goods merchant becomes the person best suited to assist the customer with plant choices, care, site, design and color.

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C USTOMER P ROFILE Primary

customers will be:

a a a a a a

Novice Home Gardeners Avid Home Gardeners Professional Landscape Designers Professional Interiorscapers Business Owners Local nurseries/garden centers

Secondary customers will be

a a a a a a ¦

Persons visiting supermarkets Persons visiting discount centers Persons visiting hardware stores Persons attending farmers markets Persons attending craft fairs City, County and State agencies

C USTOMER B ENEFITS

a

The opportunity to purchase antique, rare and heirloom plants which are not readily available from local sources. a American Gardenscapes’ low operational overhead also affords the client the opportunity to purchase quality, healthy plants and seeds at highly competitive prices. a Gift and gift baskets customized for the gardening enthusiast that include items any gardener would enjoy. a Free garden plans and planting instructions with every purchase. 12

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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T ARGET M ARKETS American Gardenscapes will target both novice and avid home gardeners and businesses in the Kansas City Metropolitan area who are seeking unusual plants for their home gardens and /or offices. The target market will be:

a a a

Supermarkets Discount centers Hardware stores

a a a

Farmers Markets Craft Fairs City, County and State Agencies

Plans are being made to contact potential customers in each target market.

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M ARKET P ENETRATION American Gardenscapes will penetrate the high end retail and wholesale markets, using a direct sales approach. Through referrals, networking and contacts, names and addresses of potential customers and marketing opportunities will be compiled. Each contact will be sent a seed packet business card and a pamphlet introducing the products and services offered:

a a a a a a a a

Herbaceous Perennials Decorative Annuals Houseplants Seeds Herbs Fresh Cut Flowers Gifts Garden Gift Baskets

a a a a a a a a

Plant Sitting & Care Interiorscaping Landscaping Soil Testing & Improvement Lawncare Services Special Occasion Flowers & Plants Plant Club Newsletter

Then after a few weeks, a telephone call will be made to the potential buyer to set up a sales appointment.

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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__________________________________________ __________________________________________ P RICE

AND

P ROFITABILITY

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AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

P RICE L IST C ONSULTING S ERVICES Landscape Design Interiorscaping Classes/Seminars

25./hr 25./hr 25./hr

S EED P ACKETS Annuals Perennials Vegetables

.69 .79 .59

S TARTER P ACKS /P LUGS Annuals Perennials Vegetables

1.69 2.99 1.29

HOUSEPLANTS 4" Container Grown 6" Container Grown 8" Container Grown 10" Container Grown

1.99 2.99 3.99 4.99

G IFT B ASKETS Small Medium Large Custom

19.95 29.95 49.95 Quoted

BOOKS Title Title Title Title Title

A B C D E

5.95 8.95 12.95 16.95 22.95

Wholesale price list & quantity discounts available; Mail order

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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F IRST Y EAR ’ S SALES PREDICTED TO BE : C ONSULTING S ERVICES

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

26,000.

33,800.

47,320.

175. 190. 150.

228. 247. 195.

319. 345. 273.

600. 1,050. 450.

780. 1,365. 585.

1,092. 1,911. 819.

900. 1,050. 1,000. 900.

1,170. 1,365. 1,300. 1,170.

1,638. 1,911. 1,820. 1,638.

3,000. 2,500. 2,000.

3,900. 3,200. 2,600.

5,460. 1,050. 3,640.

900. 450. 1,000. 900. 1,200.

270. 650. 1,300. 1,170. 1,560.

378. 189. 1,820. 1,638. 2,200.

44,415.

56,855.

75,461.

S EED P ACKETS Annuals Perennials Vegetables

S TARTER P ACKS /P LUGS Annuals Perennials Vegetables

HOUSEPLANTS 4" Container Grown 6" Container Grown 8" Container Grown 10" Container Grown

G IFT B ASKETS Small Medium Large Custom

BOOKS Title Title Title Title Title

A B C D E

Total

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C OST

OF

PRODUCT /S ERVICE

First year capital expenditures for equipment will be approximately $6,000. Use of outside contract labor and consultants will total approximately $1,200. Approximately $4,500 will be spent on inventory, supplies and booth rental fees. Total first year costs to produce estimated sales are $11,700. Second year capital expenditures for equipment will be approximately $14,600. Use of outside contract labor and consultants will total approximately $2,500. Approximately $7,500 will be spent on inventory, supplies and booth rental fees. Total second year costs to produce estimated sales are $24,600.

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AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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Third year capital expenditures for equipment will be approximately $5,000. Use of outside contract labor and consultants will total approximately $3,500. Approximately $12,000 will be spent on inventory, supplies and booth rental fees. Total third year costs to produce estimated sales are $20,5 0 0 .

G ROSS M ARGIN First year estimated sales Less estimated cost to produce Overall Gross Margin

$44,415 11,700 $32,715

(100.00%) ( 26.35%) ( 73.65%)

Second year estimated sales Less estimated cost to produce Overall Gross Margin

$56,855 24,600 $32,255

(100.00%) ( 43.27%) ( 56.73%)

Third year estimated sales Less estimated cost to produce Overall Gross Margin

$75,461 20,500 $52,761

(100.00%) ( 27.17%) ( 72.83%)

These figures are variable by the actual number of hours spent consulting, giving classes and units sold. Profit margin percentages should be estimated and effected by and units sold in each product/ service category on a single purchase from a customer. The following chart illustrates the different profit margin percentages expected by unit:

C ONSULTING S ERVICES Landscape Design Interiorscaping Classes/Seminars

1 Unit 25./hr 25./hr 25./hr

2 Units 3 Units 50.00 150.00 50.00 150.00 50.00 150.00

S EED P ACKETS Annuals Perennials Vegetables

S TARTER

0.61 0.71 0.55

1.22 1.42 1.10

1.83 2.13 1.65

1.00 2.10 1.05

2.00 4.20 2.10

3.00 6.30 3.15

1.10 1.40 2.20 2.50

2.20 2.80 4.40 5.00

3.30 4.20 6.60 7.50

PACKS /P LUGS

Annuals Perennials Vegetables

HOUSEPLANTS 4" Container Grown 6" Container Grown 8" Container Grown 10" Container Grown

HOUSEPLANTS Small Medium Large Custom

5.99 8.99 32.47 Quoted

11 . 9 7 17.95 17.97 26.95 64.93 97.40 Quoted Quoted

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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BOOKS Title Title Title Title Title

A B C D E

1.79 2.69 3.89 5.09 6.89

E STIMATED E XPENSES Salary of Owner/Manager 1 All Other - Consultants 2 Rent 3 Advertising 4 Delivery Expense 5 Supplies 6 Phone 7 Other Utilities 8 Insurance 9 Maintenance 10 Legal/Professional 11 Miscellaneous 12 Total

3.57 5.37 7.77 10.17 13.77

5.35 8.05 11 . 6 5 15.25 20.65

Y EAR 1 0. 1,200. 2,000. 2,500. 600. 4,500. 720. 300. 300. 250. 350. 600.

Y EAR 2 Y EAR 3 2,000. 2,500. 5 0 0 . 1,000. 2,200. 2,500. 3,500. 5,500. 750. 850. 7,500. 12,000. 720. 720. 300. 300. 400. 400. 450. 600. 650. 850. 8 0 0 . 1,200.

13,320.

19,770. 28,420.

ASSUMPTIONS 1. No salary for owner/manager 1st year 2. Contract labor - no payroll taxes 3. Meeting Room/Booth rental fees 4. 75% Advertising work done In-house 5. Local only 6. Lighting, seed trays, labels, potting medium, seeds, baskets 7. New line, plus install 8. Additional electricity for grow lights 9. Business Policy 10. Computer Equipment, light bulbs 11. Tax return preparation & Accounting 12. Petty Cash

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AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

T HREE -Y EAR O PERATING S TATEMENT Y EAR 1 44,415. 11,700. 32,715.

Y EAR 2 56,855. 24,600. 32,255.

Y EAR 3 75,461. 20,500. 54,961.

0. 1,200. 2,000. 2,500. 600. 4,500. 720. 300. 300. 250. 350. 600.

2,000. 500. 2,200. 3,500. 750. 7,500. 720. 300. 400. 450. 650. 800.

2,500. 1,000. 2,500. 5,500. 850. 12,000. 720. 300. 400. 600. 850. 1,200.

Total Expenses

13,320.

19,770.

28,420.

Net Profit or Loss

19,395.

12,485.

26,541.

Year Sales Cost of Goods Gross Margin

EXPENSES Salary of Owner/Manager All Other - Consultants Rent Advertising Delivery Expense Supplies Phone Other Utilities Insurance Maintenance Legal/Professional Miscellaneous

S TART - UP C OSTS For the first year of operation at home: Inventory Supplies Phone Initial Marketing Business Cards

800. 1,000. 200. 250. 300.

Total

2,550.

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__________________________________________ __________________________________________ P LAN

FOR

F UTURE A CTION

__________________________________________ __________________________________________

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AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN

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PITFALLS

Lower Sales Projections: Sales were not projected on maximum hours available to bill. If additional hours are needed each month to meet budget, marketing efforts will be increased; alternative uses for consultants and equipment would be considered. Unavailable capital for expansion in year two: Should there be no money available from a bank or other lender for the expansion into retail space, stock could be sold to family and friends to fund the move. If insufficient funds were raised, the business can continue as a homebased business venture until funds were available either from profit or borrowings.

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P OSITIVE P OINTS

a a a a a ¦

Depth of experience of business owner. Low overhead and expenses as an at-home venture. Market conditions are right for the use of the service/product. Potential clients ready to use service and purchase products-good sources for referrals. Little start-up capital needed.

N EEDED C APITAL

Most start-up costs will be covered by the owner. Additional funds are needed to purchase equipment and some inventory. In two years expansion will be considered.

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E NTREPRENEUR’ S R OLE

Kimberly Kindred, sole proprietor, in addition to being an avid gardener, has successfully completed several college level courses in the areas of Botany and Horticultural Science. She is also currently seeking Master Gardener certification from The Johnson County Cooperative Extension Office. Her contribution to the business will be general manager, grower and sales representative. Additionally, she will contribute some capital to the business in the start-up phase.

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B USINESS PLAN

Based on information gathered for this Feasibility Plan and the results of the financial analysis, a full business plan can now be written. Further research for the plan will include:

a a a a a a

Competition Market Survey Personnel requirements and job descriptions and compensation requirements. Operating and control systems. Changing technology that may affect services/products. Back-up

subcontractors.

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LICENSE POTENTIAL None anticipated.

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C ORPORATE

PARTNERS /S PONSORS

To-date no corporate partners/sponsors have been sought, however through networking it is hopeful that a corporate partner/sponsor will be obtained.

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I NFRASTRUCTURE

M EMBERS

Accountant: to set up books and prepare tax returns $35/hour Bookkeeper: once a month to reconcile income and expenses; not an employee $15/hour Copyright/incorporation lawyer: used as needed $75/hour Insurance Agent: for coverage after incorporation commissions only

AMERICAN GARDENSCAPES FEASIBILITY PLAN