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Local artist reports EDGE grant-funded trailer and canopy helped expand sales to national retailers
Summary
Shannon Watts of Shanna Watts Art & Design reported to council that half-cent excise (EDGE/Grama) funds helped build a mobile trailer and canopy, enabling 22 shows this year, local hiring, and wholesale agreements with national chains; she said sales rose 22.7% and web sales 24% since the investment.
Shannon Watts, owner of Shanna Watts Art & Design, reported to the Riverton City Council on Sept. 16 how city EDGE/Grama funding helped the business expand its mobile retail operations and sales. Watts said the grant funded the trailer and awning design and equipment, enabling the company to attend 22 shows in the season, hire employees and develop wholesale relationships with retailers such as Hobby Lobby and FYE. She said sales were up 22.7% and online sales up 24% year-to-date; the business has invested roughly $29,000 with local vendors for merchandise and equipment maintenance and hired one full-time employee. Watts credited the community and the grant for enabling the company to invest in local manufacturing partnerships and apply for additional small-business support programs. She said the businesss participation in markets has led to wholesale orders and that the company had been accepted into a Goldman Sachs small-business program. Council members congratulated Watts and noted the trailer and canopy were visible examples of how local support can help businesses scale and reach new markets. Watts and her partner played a short video demonstrating the trailer build, prototype products produced locally, and a timeline of shows and milestones.
