EforAll Entrepreneur Spotlight - Shipyard Boulders

Meet EforAll Entrepreneur Robert Begin of Shipyard Boulders!

Meet Robert Begin of Shipyard Boulders, one of the newest Cape Cod business ventures from the recent EforAll Cape Cod Spring Business Accelerator! Shipyard Boulders will be the first modern indoor climbing gym and community space of Cape Cod. Learn more about this exciting new Cape business below!

To kick us off, describe your business and what you're bringing to the Cape community.

Shipyard Boulders will be Cape Cod's first modern indoor climbing gym and community space. We will offer fun fitness opportunities for all ages, and provide ample space for you to check out the great local products on display, or grab a workstation and spend your remote workday somewhere that really gets your heartrate up and your mind flowing. Today's modern climbing gyms offer a lot more than just climbing, and we will be making the most of our space, so you can work smarter, play harder, and live better. Stay tuned for more updates!

When we speak with Cape-based entrepreneurs and small business owners, many of them are passionate about keeping their businesses on Cape. What do you find special (or challenging!) about being an entrepreneur on Cape Cod?

Cape Cod has always been known as a tourist destination, so many attractions and events are focused on the tourist season. But what about the locals? What about the off-season? Climbing gyms are year-round attractions that can offer something for everyone.

I try not to think of opening a climbing gym on Cape Cod as a challenge, but an opportunity to create a truly dynamic space that can constantly adjust and pivot to the changing wants and needs of the local community.As a climbing wall designer by profession, my job is to design walls and spaces for people to enjoy and challenge themselves physically and mentally while being in a social environment.

Having spent the last 7 years in the Indoor Climbing Industry, I have learned a lot about how tourism, local business collaboration, and additional amenities can play a major role in the success and growth of climbing gyms all over the country. Climbing gyms are continuing to evolve and transform into spaces that are much more than just climbing walls. Many successful gyms have one or more additional amenities like yoga studios, open co-working space, food and beverage services, retail space, saunas, traditional fitness equipment, ninja warrior obstacles, and even outdoor climbing walls that can reach as high as 75' off the ground!

We will have some of these amenities at the opening , and also some other special amenities that we are going to keep under wraps for a bit longer, until the time is right to reveal it to the public.

What is the most valuable thing you are taking away from the EforAll Cape Cod Business Accelerator?

The networking opportunities, and the constant encouragement and enthusiasm from my fellow cohorts was amazing. To have such a small dedicated group all focused and passionate about their own businesses was uplifting and gave me extra energy to keep pursuing my goal.

At CCYP, one of our strategic priorities is to promote Cape Cod as a vibrant place for young people to live and work, year-round. What would you tell other entrepreneurs thinking about starting their businesses on Cape?

Cape Cod offers a lot of opportunities to meet people and groups that can help bring your business idea to life. If you take the time to get to know the people and organizations that can help make your dream a reality, you may find that the process of opening and running a successful business isn't as crazy as some may think. Yes, it takes A LOT of time and energy, but it's all worth it in the end.

As a young entrepreneur, age is your most valuable asset. If you are passionate about opening your own business, don't wait. Act now! Many may see you as inexperienced at first glance because you are young, but when it comes to owning your own business, you will quickly realize that age does not need to hold you back. Finances might, but there are resources to help you develop a strong business model that can get you the financing you need. That's why you need to make sure to get all the help and support you can from the countless business professionals and mentors that can be found on Cape Cod. They are here to help you because they want to see you succeed. That's not a pitch, that's a fact.

And lastly, what are you working on now that the CCYP community should be on the lookout for?

I currently have a few exciting opportunities in the works, but they aren't ready to release just yet. Once I have dates finalized I will be able to start releasing more information.