February 28, 2025

Building Strength and Community through MMA

Paulo Nelson Jr. and Cassandra Barroso, owners of Taurus MMA, are fulfilling a lifelong dream by creating a supportive and empowering space for martial arts training.

For Paulo Nelson Jr., opening his own MMA gym was more than just a business venture — it was a lifelong passion. Born and raised in Brazil, he has dedicated more than 23 years to mixed martial arts, specializing in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu. With previous experience coaching at two MMA gyms, he dreamed of establishing his own space where students could grow, learn, and build resilience.

Alongside his wife, Cassandra Barroso, Paulo created Taurus MMA to be more than a training facility. It was created to be a community where students of all levels can train in a supportive environment, building not only strength but also discipline and respect in the process. The gym’s goal is to make a lasting impact by fostering a culture of personal growth and empowerment for each student.

Building a Strong Foundation

Although Paulo and Cassandra had an abundance of passion and drive, starting Taurus MMA was no easy feat. They turned to the OCIE SBDC for guidance in choosing and forming their business entity and organizing their financial framework. Paulo and Cassandra worked alongside OCIE SBDC consultant Ace Tarakchian in structuring their LLC and setting up key operational systems for ensuring a smooth launch of their business. With hands-on support, they were also able to set up essential systems such as accounting software, payroll, POS, and a website.

The OCIE SBDC provided the support and interactive explanations that they needed to help them in navigating the complexities of business finances and operational tools for a pathway to success.

Looking Toward the Future

With the help of the OCIE SBDC, Taurus MMA successfully launched and has already made an impact, generating thousands of dollars in sales. Paulo and Cassandra were also able to secure investments to support their business in the future. The gym is now a thriving space where students train in elite martial arts while embracing the values of perseverance and dedication.

Looking back on their experience, Paulo and Cassandra felt that the step-by-step planning and business filing was essential.” Ace helped with any and every aspect and was very prompt,” Paulo shared.

Looking to Start or Grow Your Business?

Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. Access expert, business consulting, training, and resources — all at no cost to you. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or expand an existing one, the OCIE SBDC is here to help you succeed.

Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment today.