RespeCT Nutrition | Application Preview
RespeCT Nutrition is seeking government grants to enhance its community-focused fitness business. Currently offering just two exercise classes per week with limited equipment, RespeCT has seen growing attendance, averaging 10-15 participants per class. The requested funding of $10,000 would allow the purchase of a complete set of weights and additional fitness gear like medicine balls and resistance bands, enabling the expansion of class offerings and attracting a broader market.
The long-term vision encompasses daily classes across different times, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for individuals to work on their health. RespeCT aims to create a supportive community hub, particularly for women who often feel uncomfortable in traditional gym environments. The goal is to make fitness accessible and affordable, ensuring that cost does not hinder participation.
The business plan outlines ambitious growth over the next five years, aspiring to open additional locations and inspire healthy living across generations. The founder emphasizes a passion for community and support, aiming to transform lives rather than focusing on high financial returns.
RespeCT Nutrition differentiates itself by fostering a sense of belonging and accountability among participants, in contrast to typical gyms or shake shops that lack community engagement. The commitment to teaching clients about healthy living, combined with personal experience and education, positions RespeCT as a unique and necessary resource in a landscape dominated by unhealthy options. The founder's personal weight loss journey serves as inspiration for potential clients, reflecting the company's dedication to making a positive impact in the community.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 84-1932093
Location: Bridgeport, CT, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: NO
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Funding Usage
This grant would truly be a blessing! Currently, we are only hosting two exercises classes a week and with very limited equipment. The attendance of the classes continues to grow (around 10-15 people per class), but the weights we have cannot keep up with the demand. 10k would truly change the trajectory of our business. If we could invest in a full set of weights and additional equipment (medicine balls, kettle bells, resistance bands, squat rack), we would not only be able to hold more people in the classes, but we would also be able to advertise to an additional market! If classes grow beyond what we can hold, this will lead to the opportunity of adding more classes into the schedule and therefore providing increased value to the community. The goal is to offer multiple classes a day, to keep people engaged but also reaching their goals. Options are important and we want to be the main option when people are trying to get healthy! An early morning workout, lunch hour cardio session or night weights class would give people a variety to choose from. We want to be a healthy hub where people feel comfortable working on themselves, while also meeting other people in the community with similar goals and interests. However, we cannot depend on just the community members to keep us running, due to all the other life expenses that take priority. The goal isn't for people to be missing out because they cannot afford it, but to be given a valuable experience at an affordable cost. Women especially don't love the gym environment, and also don't necessarily take the time to take care of themselves. Our community provides women an opportunity to work on themselves, in a healthy and comfortable way.
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Business Plan
This grant will help us immensely to grow our business in the next 5 years. We currently are only offering 2-3 classes a week. The vision is to get to a point where we are hosting 2-3 different classes a day! Giving people an option to work out in the early morning, lunch break, or after work. RespeCT thrives on community, accountability and coming together to support each other. We each invite other people to join us, but we want something else to invite to. If we have the resources to offer more value to the community, we will be able to impact so many more people. The ultimate goal is to expand to another location in another area. I want generations of people getting healthy, becoming coaches, and then encouraging others to do the same. 4 years ago when I created RespeCT, I never expected it to be what it is today. I cannot wait to see what we do with the next 5 years! Investors should invest in me because that single investment would impact thousands of people! I am just the middle-man to provide an opportunity to those that deserve it but cannot afford it. Born and raised in a low-income area, I was always surrounded by so much talent. I realized the important factor that was missing were the resources to take that talent anywhere. I was beyond excited to open my small business in my hometown to provide young entrepreneurs with a space to not only showcase their talent, but also receive additional mentorship and support. RespeCT thrives on community, networking and having only been open a few months before the pandemic, I believe RespeCT hasn’t even begun to impact half the amount of people it has the potential to! I cannot do it alone though. I have a strong vision, a solid work ethic, and a heart of gold! This is not a business that is going to generate millions of dollars, but it is a business that will change thousands of lives if we are given the chance. I am currently down 65 pounds from living a healthy, active lifestyle. I strive to be the inspiration, motivation, and proof that people need to do it for themselves! RespeCT was created as the space that I needed when I was a young teenager into my adult years and my goal is to continue providing this space to everyone who needs it.
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Self Identified Competition
We truly don't have any "competitors". No one is doing exactly what we are doing and this is the beauty of it! While yes, there is Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, where people can grab a coffee or unhealthy breakfast, but the cashier won't remember their name and it probably isn't the best way to be fueling your body. At RespeCT, we know our customers by name, and provide them with products from the #1 Nutrition Company in the world, so we ensure they are fueled properly! There are also gyms in the area, but many of our participants don't feel comfortable in the gym environment. They would rather attend smaller classes at RespeCT where they don't feel like they are being watched or judged. There are also other "shake shops" in the area but they are just that! There is no sense of community, or classes offered. While there are other businesses that provide fitness classes, or training to individuals, no other small business around us is providing a one stop shop to their customers. Not only are we focusing on the physical aspect, but the nutritional and mental aspect as well. We are not a gym where you scan your card to enter and then you're off on your own. At RespeCT, you enter as a stranger and leave as family. You feel like you are part of a team and surrounded by other people just like you. We have a sign on our door that says "Positive Attitudes Only" because we strive to be the best part of people's days. We care about our customers, and that shows! We survived Covid, after only being open a few months. People need this connection with others, especially in a world where it isn't always easy to make friends and build connections. We also provide our customers with so much value. 1/3 of Americans now are obese! With the amount of McDonalds and fast food options available, we cannot be surprised! We are the very much needed "healthy fast food" option. We are different from our competitors because we aim to teach! We teach them how to eat, how to work out, and how to have a healthy relationship with food. These are things that many people really don't know much about. Not only do I have the education, with a master's in health management, the experience, but also the passion to help change the entire world!
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Contact Applicant
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