Success Story: Circosphere LLC

Bringing the Big Top to You with Circosphere

Location: Northern California | Contra Costa County | Danville

Business Type: Entertainment and Events

Small Business Center: East Bay SBDC

Assistance Received: Business advising, marketing and web development support

Visit Circosphere online

Business Owner Kristen Parks originally launched Circosphere to provide better work opportunities and higher pay for herself as a working artist. She leveraged her extensive experience in community organizing and program management and built a thriving business model that blends artistry with event management, growing the company into a large team of talented performers, costumers, and stage managers.

Kristen faced challenges in navigating the process to apply for grants post COVID-19. Additionally, post COVID19, Kristen and her team had to manage the unpredictability of last-minute bookings as well as extended periods of economic uncertainty, with most clients scheduling events less than 30 days in advance. This led to operational bottlenecks and increased financial risks due to the absence of committed revenue.

She started working with an East Bay SBDC advisor who has played a pivotal role in helping the business recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and supporting its growth. The support included successfully securing critical funding, including a PPP loan, a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, and a California Venues Grant. In the last few years, Kristen has significantly increased sales and expanded the team by hiring six additional part-time employees, bringing the total to 10. She was also able to raise employee wages, rent a larger space to accommodate growth, and purchase a cargo van to support operations.

Kristen shared that the most impactful support provided by the East Bay SBDC was guiding her through complex paperwork and applications loans and grants. In addition, her advisor has provided consistent support, focusing on strategies to drive revenue growth and expansion while addressing operational challenges.

Circosphere is a woman-owned cirque entertainment company specializing in unique, interactive, and WOW-factor performances for special events. With over a decade of experience entertaining audiences for all occasions, our extensive planning allows us to feature astounding talent, supportive staff, and bespoke costuming guaranteed to leave your guests with memories to last a lifetime. They offer an incredible variety of entertainment options for live and virtual events; from breathtaking acrobatic acts, to whimsical strolling characters and live music.

Updated: 3/21/2025