quilting demographics needed

[jjnewbie]

I am planning on starting a long-arm quilting service and need start-up money. Thus, I'm writing a business plan to submit to banks for a small business loan and I need the most current quilting or long-arm quilting demographics. In the APSQ sample business plan, the 2006 survey by Quilting in American was quoted, but I think that there's a more recent one. Does anyone know of a newer set of statistics?

Thanks! J.J.

[juliagraves]

I think you should use the statistics in the APQS plan, but also include demographics in your area. This is really what your target area of customers is, so is more applicable. How many quilt guilds are in your area, with how many members? How many quilt or fabric shops in your area, and how long have they been in business? How many longarmers are in your area, how long have they been in business, and what is their current backlog? This is going to point to the number of potential quilters and growth potential for your business.

Julia