E-Commerce Marketplace for Local Artisans

This case is about building a practical business by creating an e-commerce marketplace dedicated to local artisans. Our platform, ArtisanConnect, aims to showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of artisans from South Korea, allowing them to reach a more extensive customer base while providing buyers with authentic, handmade products. Since our inception in early 2025, we have developed a robust web platform and a user-friendly mobile app that allows artisans to easily manage their products and sales. We have enrolled over 100 artisans in our pilot program, receiving positive feedback and generating an initial revenue stream of $30,000 from sales in our first quarter. Our marketing efforts focused on social media and community engagement have helped us build a committed customer base that values supporting local businesses. However, to expand our reach, enhance our platform's capabilities, and improve customer experience, we need additional funding. The requested investment of $265,000 will primarily be used for technological improvements, marketing campaigns, and operational costs to facilitate scaling operations nationwide. We plan to leverage our existing traction and community…

The $265,000 investment will be allocated as follows:

• Technological Development (40%): Upgrading our platform features, improving site performance, and enhancing mobile app functionalities.
• Marketing and Outreach (30%): Targeted online advertising, influencer partnerships, and community events to attract more artisans and customers.
• Operational Costs (20%): Expanding our team, including customer support, sales personnel, and artisan relationship managers.
• Contingency Fund (10%): To cover unexpected expenses and ensure we remain on track with our growth plans.