Recreation business loans: SBA rates and eligibility
All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries · NAICS 713990 · Program that usually fits: 7(a) and 504
This is a broad category for recreation businesses without their own code. It covers trampoline parks, mini golf, batting cages, go-kart tracks, escape rooms, shooting ranges, paintball and laser tag, riding stables, and hunting or fishing guide services. Loans fund build-outs, attractions and equipment, or buying an existing venue. Most use 7(a), with 504 for land. Lenders focus on repeat visits, party bookings, insurance and how quickly the concept could fade.
Who qualifies
For-profit recreation businesses that meet SBA size standards. Lenders want operating experience, local permits and solid liability insurance, plus any special licenses, such as federal firearms licensing for a range that sells guns or guide licenses for outfitters. Businesses earning more than one third of revenue from legal gambling are ineligible. Nonprofit clubs and recreation associations can't use 7(a), and membership clubs that are passive landholders face extra review.
Which SBA program fits
7(a) for build-out and acquisitions
A 7(a) loan finances leasehold improvements, attractions, equipment and working capital, or the purchase of an operating venue with its goodwill. Terms run up to 10 years for build-outs and equipment.
504 for land and buildings
Outdoor venues and owner-occupied buildings can use a 504 loan with a long fixed rate. Expect about 15% equity for special-purpose sites like shooting ranges, go-kart tracks or mini golf courses.
Express for equipment
SBA Express covers go-karts, trampolines, games, laser tag gear, point-of-sale and online booking systems under $500,000. Decisions are faster than a standard 7(a), which helps before a busy season.
What borrowers use the money for
- Building out a trampoline park or escape room
- Go-karts, batting cages and mini golf courses
- Range construction, baffles and ventilation
- Buying an existing recreation venue
- Party rooms, concessions and working capital
Typical loan amounts, down payment and terms
Loans in this category range widely, from under $100,000 for an escape room to several million for an outdoor park with land. Equity is at least 10% for start-ups and purchases, and lenders often ask 20% or more for new concepts. Equipment and build-outs get up to 10 years, and real estate up to 25 years.
What lenders look at for a recreation business
Lenders worry most about whether a concept will hold up. A new trampoline park or escape room can draw crowds at first and then fade, so they want local market data, competitor locations and a plan for repeat visits like memberships, leagues and parties. Insurance cost and claims history matter for high-injury activities. Special-purpose build-outs have little resale value. For outdoor venues, weather and season length shape the cash flow projection.
Example: a $500,000 loan
At today's maximum variable 7(a) rate of 10.00% over 10 years, the payment would be about $6,608 a month. Most well-qualified borrowers get a lower rate. Try your own numbers.
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Today's rate caps
These are the SBA's maximum 7(a) rates with prime at 7.00%. See current SBA loan rates and SBA 504 rates for the full picture.
| Loan amount | Maximum spread | Maximum variable rate today |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 or less | Prime + 6.5 | 13.50% |
| $50,001 to $250,000 | Prime + 6.0 | 13.00% |
| $250,001 to $350,000 | Prime + 4.5 | 11.50% |
| Over $350,000 | Prime + 3.0 | 10.00% |
Related industries and lenders
SBA lenders active nationwide
Questions about recreation businesses loans
What businesses fall under All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries?
NAICS 713990 includes recreation businesses without their own code, such as trampoline parks, mini golf, batting cages, go-kart tracks, escape rooms, shooting ranges, paintball and laser tag, riding stables, day camps and hunting or fishing guides. Golf courses, gyms, bowling centers, marinas and casinos have separate codes.
Can I get an SBA loan for a trampoline park?
Yes. Trampoline parks are eligible for 7(a) loans for build-out, equipment and working capital. Lenders want a strong location, a safety and insurance plan and projections based on comparable parks. Expect them to ask for more than the 10% minimum equity.
Can an SBA loan finance a shooting range?
Yes. Indoor and outdoor ranges are eligible. Lenders look at construction costs, ventilation and lead management, environmental risk, insurance and any federal firearms license for retail sales. Range real estate is special-purpose, so a 504 project usually needs about 15% equity.
Are escape rooms eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. Escape rooms usually need small loans for build-out and props, often under $250,000, which fits SBA Express or a small 7(a). Lenders want to see a plan for refreshing rooms and drawing corporate and party bookings.
What is the interest rate on a recreation business loan?
With prime at 7.00%, SBA 7(a) maximum variable rates are 13.50% for loans of $50,000 or less, 13.00% up to $250,000, 11.50% up to $350,000 and 10.00% above that. Lenders can charge less. Small loans are often priced near the cap.
Sources: SBA 7(a) terms, conditions and maximum variable rates; Federal Reserve H.15 selected interest rates (bank prime loan rate); November 2026 SBA 504 debenture pricing, as published by CDCs; SBA FOIA 7(a) and 504 loan-level data.