Tyler McElroy is the owner of Classic Kickz, a sneaker shop on High Street in Morgantown, WV. The store carries a variety of limited edition shoes and most sought after apparel from some of the top brands.
McElroy said after college he wanted to pursue his dreams of owning his own business selling shoes and clothes.
“Before working with Frank and with the SBDC I didn’t know anything about the SBDC,” McElroy said.
WV SBDC Business Coach Frank Goldsborough Jr. was able to help McElroy with repairs to the storefront by helping him secure a ARPA grant from the City of Morgantown. After that the two became more acquainted, Frank assisted Tyler with his book keeping and finances.
Financial analysis is just one of many services that the WV SBDC can provide to small businesses in West Virginia. Learn more about our available services here.
“He’s been a lifesaver to us,” McElroy said. “After our first meeting I mentioned other issues we were having like taxes, running the business better, keeping up with the books and money coming in and out. Frank told me about his background in accounting and we hit it off.”
“One of my favorite things is learning about all the different industries I can be a part of as a coach,” Goldsborough said. “Classic Kickz is a very niche market and Tyler does very well in it.”
McElroy says it’s not about money for him.
“My favorite part is meeting people,” McElroy said. “I come in contact with old and young people and seeing them come in happy to see me and us talk about their lives has been the best part.”
WV SBDC is an accredited member of America’s SBDC, a federal partner with the SBA, and a division of the WV Department of Economic Development.
WV SBDC business coaches have professional certifications ranging from exporting, innovation, technology and economic development, to finance, management, marketing and entrepreneurship.
For information about starting a small business in WV and resources for entrepreneurs, visit wvsbdc.com.