Small Business Success Story - Creative Sports Concepts
Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways. This Success Story from the Albany SBDC appears in our 2015 Annual Report.
Michael Taylor
Creative Sports Concepts
Albany SBDC
Creative Sports Concepts specializes in the sales, service, and rental of interior and exterior sports surfaces, primarily basketball flooring. Additionally, the company offers related equipment for sale and rent, special event production, and logistics coordination under its current service umbrella. Under the direction of owner Michael Taylor, Creative Sports Concepts has grown since its formation in 2012 into a trusted industry solution provider for organizations needing permanent court installations or floor resurfacing, as well as those pursuing high-end temporary events and customized private gymnasiums.
The company, a regional authorized dealer for Connor Sports Flooring, now has a national presence with mainstream customers like Under Armour, Nike, and Jordan Brand. Mike Taylor has been working with the Albany SBDC for the past year in identifying growth opportunities and better organizing his financial reporting. As a result, he has better positioned his company to take advantage of incentive programs and funding opportunities. Creative Sports Concepts was recently approved for $300,000 in SBA funding, primarily to assist in expanding equipment offerings and providing much-needed working capital as the business continues large contract relationships with Nike and similar partners. Mike continues to work with the SBDC on a much larger ambition: relocating the business to owner-occupied property that will provide enough space to resurface up to 4 full-sized courts for many of the Northeast’s NCAA basketball programs.
Michael Taylor
Creative Sports Concepts
Albany SBDC
Creative Sports Concepts specializes in the sales, service, and rental of interior and exterior sports surfaces, primarily basketball flooring. Additionally, the company offers related equipment for sale and rent, special event production, and logistics coordination under its current service umbrella. Under the direction of owner Michael Taylor, Creative Sports Concepts has grown since its formation in 2012 into a trusted industry solution provider for organizations needing permanent court installations or floor resurfacing, as well as those pursuing high-end temporary events and customized private gymnasiums. The company, a regional authorized dealer for Connor Sports Flooring, now has a national presence with mainstream customers like Under Armour, Nike, and Jordan Brand. Mike Taylor has been working with the Albany SBDC for the past year in identifying growth opportunities and better organizing his financial reporting. As a result, he has better positioned his company to take advantage of incentive programs and funding opportunities. Creative Sports Concepts was recently approved for $300,000 in SBA funding, primarily to assist in expanding equipment offerings and providing much-needed working capital as the business continues large contract relationships with Nike and similar partners. Mike continues to work with the SBDC on a much larger ambition: relocating the business to owner-occupied property that will provide enough space to resurface up to 4 full-sized courts for many of the Northeast’s NCAA basketball programs.
“When I was referred to SBDC by my bank to help me plot the vision for my business future, I didn't know what to expect,” says Mike. “Now I can say it has been an invaluable and enlightening experience and I thank them for their help and expertise.”
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