Opportunity
Problem
Society has limited resources for the less fortunate or homeless youth population. Eugene, like all the other cities, has a migration of homeless teenagers who have run away from home. They come here for a short time, then they travel to California during winter to seek warmer temperatures. These young adults are not able to contribute to society. These young adults can’t provide for their families and they eventually have children.
Solution
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We offer career guidance and alternative education to Lane County youth at risk. We want this experience to be beneficial for our clients. We accomplish this by using a number of curricula which are funded by the Lane Workforce Partnership (Oregon Youth Conservation Corps), Oregon Department of Human Resources and local school districts.
Our most recent program is a culinary art program. It teaches students how to prepare food safely and properly and allows them to then make lunches for other students at the Chambers School. Students are then placed in a local food service company for a 60-hour training program. The current culinary arts program is only available to five students per nine-week school year, or about 25 students per academic year. The program’s students are chosen for their genuine interest in the field of culinary arts and their excellent attendance.
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Market
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According to the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, “[a]t the heart of the Eugene economy are the homegrown small and medium-sized businesses. Eugene has a majority of small businesses that employ less than 20 employees. Eugene’s small-business community is active, thriving, well-supported, and includes everything from financial service firms to specialty retail shops. Eugene has more than 10,000 businesses, including sole proprietorships and limited partnerships. Eugene/Springfield’s population has increased by 3.95% annually since 1998. This growth has resulted in new businesses and expanded opportunities to cater for these small businesses.
Catering For Kids expects that Eugene/Springfield businesses still have a need for catering at lunch meetings or other events. Business to business catering does not have the same cycle as other food-related businesses. Business owners continue to host lunch meetings. Employees still wish to order their lunches. In order to gain some insight into the market size and demand, we undertook some limited market research. A survey was sent by email to 144 Lane County organizations asking about their current or future need for catering services. We also asked them their interest in patronizing nonprofit catering businesses. Many of these responses were received.
“I think that this is a great idea and could be a good resource for the community. Springfield/Eugene Habitat for Humanity has not hosted many lunchtime meetings. However there are 13-14 Executive Directors of Habitat affiliates here that meet approximately every three to four months. Susan Brown is the Volunteer Coordinator for Eugene/Springfield Habitat for Humanity
If we have an occasion that requires catering, we will call you first. We have a policy of using nonprofit organizations for services first.” – Bob Smith, Exec Dir, Pacific Youth Corps of Oregon
Our catering requirements are not great, only a few times per calendar year. However, you may contact me to discuss the program. You can contact me to discuss the program. My son is a pupil at Chambers School.
“We do have General Membership Meetings where we require a venue for 50 to 100 people. I’m not involved with arranging the meetings but do know that our organization is in need of a place to meet where food and beer can be served. You might hear from Dave. I think the first meeting is in October.
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Competition
Many caterers offer business clients boxed lunches. None of these caterers specialize in serving nonprofits, and none of them are local nonprofits. Catering For Kids will focus on building strong relationships with nonprofit clients.
Catering For Kids, we believe, will be the most prominent caterer in Lane County.
Why Us?
Catering For Kids offers youth at risk with work experience and transferable skills. We provide excellent service and healthy foods at affordable prices. Employees of Catering For Kids will be students who are enrolled in the culinary arts program at the Chambers School and Career Center and are interested in gaining work experience in the restaurant and food services industry. Participation in this program will enable students to make the transition from school and work, as well as help them develop entrepreneurial skills that can be applied to any future job.
Expectations
Forecast
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The following benchmark chart shows our key financial indicators for three years. We foresee slow but steady growth in demand for our services and consequent increase in operating expenses. Catering For Kids’ first year will only serve its internal markets. Then, in year 2, we will begin to expand our reach to the external marketplace.
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Financial Highlights by Year
Finance is required
One of our revenue lines is grant funding, $15,000 annually. We need to anticipate receiving $2,000 in monthly donations, as well as revenue from lunches and event catering fees.