My Business Is 3 Years Old...

I invested most of my savings in the first year with start-up expenses. I have been in holistically related practices for 30 years, first as a midwife after attending a 4-year college for natural healing arts. I worked with moms & babies for 15 years, using my knowledge of plant medicine and nutrition to support their families.

I became a personal chef and assistant after that, because I discovered I loved to feed people. When I needed 6 knee surgeries over the span of 5 years, I no longer could be on my feet. It was then I started an herbal apothecary, which is the business I want to re-brand and grow. Unfortunately, it comes at a time where I have some new health issues, which has affected my progress.

I relocated to a town where there is significant interest in natural, homemade products and not many others with a craft similar to mine. I've been here 5 months and have already witnessed the potential for growth. I've been working with the Women's Business Center and after putting in over 60 hours of finance training, I have a solid business plan with profit analysis and a 1-year timeline to increase sales plus revenue.

I do not qualify for a small business micro-loan, because I have no credit or assets. I have always used cash for start-up costs, and I do not have the credit to apply for a card. I'm looking for support for the purchase of raw materials, which are needed for me to make my herbal salves. I have 6 different formulas, all using minimal and locally-sourced ingredients. I can make each jar of salve with materials purchased in bulk for $4-5, and they sell at $20-30 depending on size. Since I am also rebranding, I need to order all new marketing materials - business cards, labels, product stickers - with my already designed logo, plus create a new website with online ordering. The most expensive part of production are the jars I use with sealing lids, as they keep my salves shelf-stable for up to a year and sometimes longer.

I get bulk beeswax at no cost from a bee farm nearby, and I am able to grow or wild-harvest most of my herbs. I order my infusion oil from a bulk apothecary source, and those are essentially all the ingredients in my product.

I don't really know if an investor is what I'm looking for, but I could use some guidance from an experienced person. I have put over $10,000 into this business, more if including the purchase of a commercial van, and I am not ready to give up. I will be at the local Farmer's Market this summer, as well as a featured new artist at the gallery of artisans and makers in town. I am confident I can make the money I need to continue financing this, but I need help with the costs to start from the beginning.

Any ideas are welcome and appreciated, but please be kind in wording or tone. Thank you!