Covers by KIC Boosts Business with SBIF Grant
Company Profile
Covers by KIC, based in Lacey, WA, is the creation of entrepreneur Lemmell Brown. She designs Durable Medical Equipment (DME) accessories for walkers, canes, scooters, crutches, and other mobility aids. The covers fit over the part of the walking aid that meets the ground, protecting floors, reducing noise, and making indoor navigation easier and more comfortable — while adding style and safety for households with small children or pets.
Brown received a Small Business Innovation Fund (SBIF) grant, a growth program for underserved Washington State manufacturing enterprises, including rural-based businesses. Selected recipients receive up to eight hours of consulting and training — a $24,000 value.
Her inspiration came after two complete knee replacements.
“Covers by KIC came to me during my free time while recovering as I put my passion for sewing to work,” she said. “After several attempts, I finished my first pair of covers. Soon, others were asking where they could purchase covers. I was hooked and began to produce.”
Today, she makes a wide range of covers — some with added flair and fun thanks to shamrock patterns and pink Hello Kitty fabrics.
Situation
The biggest hurdle for this inventor was learning about the manufacturing process. While her products were selling, Brown knew her business needed better organization, a deeper understanding of manufacturing costs, and a more structured approach overall. The processes behind product production, distribution, marketing, and supply chain were new territory she was eager to explore.
That’s why she applied for the SBIF grant — to gain the knowledge needed to grow her company. Working with Solutions Consult, she learned about business processes, workflow, technology acceleration, and management. The experience gave her a streamlined approach and a defined growth strategy.
Solution
- S.M.A.R.T. worksheet sharpened skills, improved time management, reduced stress, increased productivity, and clarified manufacturing costs.
- S.W.O.T. analysis identified the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This approach helps business owners make informed and strategic decisions.
- 30-60-90 action plan guided market strategies, company evolution, promotional campaigns, financials, vision development, branding and marketing, and manufacturing process improvements.
Through this process, Brown has already taken steps place her company in a stronger position.
The results are tangible: she launched a new website, www.coversbykic.com — to sell directly to customers and share her personal story. Her files and daily operations are now organized, and she has a clear picture of her company’s trajectory.
Results
- Increased Sales: $500
- Cost Savings: $1,750
- Increased Investments: $1,125
Lemmell always knew she had a great product and believed in it. Now, thanks to Impact Washington, she is bringing that same confidence into her business as a whole — because knowledge is power.
“I am learning to do more on the computer (which I was timid about) for the company. It has opened new doors. This aspect of coaching has been invaluable and unexpected,” she said.
About the business overall, she added:
“I know it is much more than selling. I understand how to plan. I’ve learned to define cost, presentation, marketing, and more.”
Her favorite part of the process was learning about the S.M.A.R.T. worksheet:
“It has spilled over into my personal life,” she said.