Overview
I developed this proposal during my TECM 5170 Grants and Proposals course. The goal was to emulate a real-world business proposal using a legitimate funding stream as a template. I chose to propose a business that combined my personal passion with a recognized market gap: the decline of vendor presence at Rubik’s cube competitions. This led me to create PlayCubed, a microbusiness aimed at revitalizing the cubing experience by offering hands-on product testing, expert guidance, and community engagement at World Cubing Association (WCA) events.
Context
- Course: Grants and Proposals
- Project Type: Individual
- Timeframe: Spring 2025
- Tools Used: Microsoft Word
- Funding Model Used: Texas Small Business Credit Initiative
Task
My task was to conceptualize a small business I felt passionate about and build a formal funding proposal based on that idea. I had to:
- Identify a clear market need or opportunity
- Design a feasible busness model
- Align the proposal with a specific funding rubric
- Practice persuasive and professional proposal writing
- Incorporate financial planning, market analysis, and logistical strategies
Ultimately, this project helped me practice and apply key skills required for freelance or corporate proposal writing.
Approach
Business Concept:
I started by drawing from my personal life—I’ve supported my older brother, a dedicated speedcuber, for over 10 years. Attending WCA competitions across Texas made me aware of how much value vendors used to bring to these events. Their absence in recent years has left a noticeable void, especially for new competitors and their families.
That experience inspired me to create PlayCubed, a pop-up shop that brings back the tactile, community-based experience of testing and buying Rubik’s cubes in person.
Strategy:
I designed PlayCubed as a sole proprietorship where I’d manage operations and receive help from family at high-traffic events. The business would focus on four key pillars:
| Key Pillars: | Description |
|---|---|
| Play-Testing Services | Customers could check out cube to try before buying–modeled like a library system, where they temporarily trade a personal item for access. |
| Curated Inventory | I’d consult with my brother (a seasoned competitor) and eventually use customer surveys to stock the best cubes. |
| Community Engagement | I’d promote vendor appearances and cube tips on social media to help boost competition attendance. |
| Parental Support | I’d guide parents on product choices, helping them make confident and informed purchases. |
Financials
I requested $10,000 in startup funding, broken down into:
- $4,000.00 for cube inventory
- $4,000.00 as donation to event organizer to secure vendor spots
- $2,000.00 for travel expenses to attend WCA competitions
Based on projected sales ($500-$1,00 per event), I expected to break even after 12 to 20 events.
Results
Through this project, I achieved several valuable outcomes, I:
- Gained real-world experience in building a fully fleshed -out-business proposal from scratch.
- Learned how to tailor a funding request to match a specific funding stream
- Practiced integrating personal passion with market analysis to present a compelling business case.
- Developed key proposal-writing skills like aligning methods with objectives, justifying financial needs, and articulating benefits clearly.
- Created a project I could realistically pursue beyond the classroom, with a high level of feasibility and potential community impact.
The proposal was well-received during the course and validated my interest in combining entrepreneurial thinking with technical communication. Most importantly, it gave me confidence in my ability to advocate for ideas that matter to me and others. Want to see my entire proposal? Click on the image below!
PlayCubed Proposal
Below is my full proposal for PlayCubed.
PlayCubed Appendix A
Below is Appendix A for the PlayCubed Proposal.
PlayCubed Appendix B
Below is Appendix B for the PlayCubed Proposal.