THE big finale hosted by Community futures lambton
Project Overview
Taiga Industrial Ltd. is a provider of rope access solutions, serving industries such as wind power, oil and gas, industrial infrastructure, and bridge inspections and maintenance.
My involvement with Taiga Industrial Ltd. began with a straightforward yet critical task—designing a professional website for the start-up. The company’s owners, impressed by my work, quickly entrusted me with an even more significant responsibility: creating a comprehensive business plan that would help them secure grants and loans to expand their operations. This project involved multiple stages, from the creation of the website to representing the company in competitions, and ultimately crafting the winning business plan for The Pitch 2024.
My role was instrumental in establishing their brand through a variety of deliverables, including web design, content creation, and participating in business workshops and a business plan competition organized by the Community Futures Lambton. I also leveraged my technical skills in Photoshop, AI data analysis, web design, and instructional design to ensure the company’s goals were both realistic and attainable.
Project Stages
Initiation and Conception
Working closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) and the CEO, I conducted market research and performed a competitive analysis. I identified both direct and indirect competitors while mapping out potential clients, such as wind farms and turbine owners, using geographic data. This in-depth research laid the foundation for the business plan and helped shape the direction of the project.
Project Planning
The planning phase was a collaborative effort with the company’s CEO, involving both online and in-person meetings. Together, we outlined project deliverables, set timelines, and ensured all stakeholders were aligned.
Execution & Design
Website Design
When it came to designing the website, I researched competitor pages and ensured that Taiga’s online presence stood out while remaining aligned with its services. I integrated the company’s brand colors and developed a dynamic hero section with a looping video that visually communicated Taiga’s role in maintaining and inspecting industrial infrastructure. I also included a testimonial section to build credibility and trust with potential clients
I ensured all visual posts, social media branding videos, flyers, and banners were consistent with the company’s identity. From the color codes to the typography, every element was crafted to reinforce the brand. This consistency helped present a unified and professional image during competitions and meetings.
Workshops & Business Plan Competition
Representing Taiga Industrial Ltd. in various workshops gave me a wealth of knowledge, particularly in writing business plans, developing marketing strategies, and understanding human resources processes. These experiences helped me refine the business plan that would later secure a grant in The Pitch 2024.
In The Pitch 2024, the business plan accounted for 75% of the score, while the remaining 25% was based on pitching the plan to a jury. My thorough research and attention to detail made our business plan stand out, ultimately leading to a $10,000 grant for the company.
Challenges and Problem-Solving
Data Collection
One of the major challenges I encountered was collecting sufficient data for the business plan. To overcome this, I collaborated with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership to access relevant data. This allowed me to create a detailed market analysis and client targeting strategy.
Follow-Up and Feedback
Throughout the project, I maintained a constant feedback loop with the SMEs, especially during content creation. Every piece of work was double-checked for accuracy and approved before moving forward, ensuring that the project stayed on track and met all goals.
Closure & Reflection
Project Closure
The company’s website became a cornerstone of its branding strategy, particularly in establishing online visibility. After launching the website, I implemented keyword targeting strategies, such as using “Sarnia Rope Access,” to optimize its reach. Additionally, I sought feedback from professionals at the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership to ensure the business plan was polished before submission.
Key Takeaways
Working with Taiga Industrial Ltd. taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of collaboration and attention to detail. I developed my skills not only as a web designer but also in working within a corporate environment, interacting with SMEs, and government bodies. The experience expanded my understanding of project management and the technical skills needed to see a complex project through from conception to execution.
Personal Impact:
This project shaped my approach to both web design and project management. By working closely with the company, attending workshops, and participating in competitions, I gained hands-on experience in managing the growth of a brand. The moment I realized I had made a significant impact was when Taiga Industrial Ltd. won The Pitch 2024. I knew then that the comprehensive business plan and targeted branding efforts were key to the company’s success.
