The Business Opportunity
The Challenge: The state of Alabama, specifically the North and Northeast portion, is an athletically talent-rich area but there are not enough places that provide an opportunity for the youth to develop.
The Solution: Our mission is to nurture and develop the athletic talent in Etowah County, AL, and all of its surrounding areas through mentorship and personal development, both physically and mentally.
Industry Analysis
There are approximately 30 to 35 thousand young athletes in Etowah County, AL, and its surrounding areas and there is a huge demand for athletic training, coaching and mentorship. As such, the 256 Elite Training Facility and Recreation Center will serve three main purposes:
1st - Athletic Training Facility, including weight training, speed & agility training, and basketball training with on-court instruction.
2nd – The facility will serve as the home court & training facility for both 256 Elite athletes and the 256 Elite AAU basketball program which will serve Gadsden and its surrounding areas.
3rd – The facility will serve as a recreation center for the community where people can come to exercise, spend time with others, and enjoy the great community of Gadsden.
Target Market
Both male and female athletes living in North and Northeast Alabama including Etowah, Blount, St. Clair, Calhoun, Cleburne, Cherokee, Dekalb and Marshall counties.
Marketing Plan
We will establish a website, use social media, television, and radio hits, as well as B2B and school to school marketing within our target area.
Financial Summary
Projected Year 1 gross income: $563,588 | Projected Year 1 net income: $333,924
5-year projected income of the business:
· $3MM (gross) revenue: This includes individual training sessions, AAU team revenue, concessions, and merchandising, pro basketball combines, special events, and hosting of both AAU and local basketball tournaments.
Investment Partnership Opportunity
Equity Ownership: 10% for $150,000
Startup Loan Opportunity Alternative Options
1. $150k as a loan that gets paid back within the first 12 months of operation along with 5% equity ownership stake after that.
2. $150k as a loan that gets paid back with (50%) interest for a total repayment amount of $225,000 within the first 18 months of operation. No equity ownership after that.
Long-Term Outlook
Because we know that the demand for a legitimate AAU sports player development program and training facility exists, we anticipate exponential growth once we are fully operational and the AAU program is competing. In addition, with our fixed operating expenses being low, we will be profitable in year one and expect to maintain that growth trajectory as our brand recognition grows in the community and beyond.
Our Team
Jason Reeves, Co-Founder, Director of Basketball Operations
•Played basketball at and graduated from Hueytown High School (AL) in 2002.
• Graduated from Berea College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology in 2006.
•Graduated from Concordia University-Irvine with a Master’s Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration in 2016.
•15 years of experience managing multi-million-dollar businesses in both retail sales and financial services.
Michael Merriman, Co-Founder, Director of Player Development
•Played basketball at and graduated from Gaston High School in Gadsden.
•Graduated from Berea College in 2006.
•Graduated from Concordia University-Irvine with a Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration in 2020.
•Currently the head coach and Athletic Director at Gaston High School, his alma mater.
Dylan Walker, Co-Founder, Director of Community Engagement
•Played baseball at and graduated from Hokes Bluff High School in 2011.
•Graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2017.
•Graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Master’s in Special Education 2020.
•Currently a member of the teacher’s staff at Gadsden City High School in Gadsden, AL.
We're looking forward to the opportunity to share this journey with you! Let's make it happen!