“Startup Vikes gave me the confidence to start my business, which is also my job. That’s why I’m a sponsor for 2016.”

Anthony Gasparro is a General Business major at Cleveland State University who after volunteering at shelters and working part time for an a local dog sitter, had an idea for a “concierge pet service” but wasn’t sure if his idea would have a market.

Startup Vikes provided Anthony with the opportunity to vet his idea and turn it into a viable business – Puppy Match. He now runs Puppy Match and works around his class schedule at CSU.

“The most valuable thing I received from Startup Vikes was confidence,” said Anthony. “Because Startup Vikes is a peer environment, the people who participated had no obligation to boost my self-esteem, unlike my friends and family. Also, the opportunity to speak with experienced entrepreneurs gave me the confidence to pursue my business.”

Anthony continues to use some of the tools he learned at Startup Vikes including the business model canvas, customer development methods and marketing and advertising support provided during the weekend.

“Learning about product diversification, how to incorporate and what you need to do from a legal standpoint also really helped,” added Anthony.

Since Startup Vikes, Anthony took Puppy Match to the Strongsville Business Expo where he met with Camp Bow Wow and had the confidence to network and develop his initial customer base.

“Business is great,” said Anthony. “I have had actual sales, and delivered my first Christmas puppy on December 23^rd.”

 Anthony is also contemplating a more specific major in business and plans to graduate in 2017. “I used Puppy Match for my Business 351 paper – and will definitely be a sponsor for Startup Vikes 2016,” he added.

You can get in touch with Anthony about the pet that is right for you by email puppymatchllc@gmail.com or by phone at 440-334-7869.