Gym business loans: SBA rates and eligibility
Gyms and Fitness Centers · NAICS 713940 · Program that usually fits: 7(a)
A gym business loan from an SBA lender is usually a franchise loan in disguise: most approved gym projects are branded boutique studios or franchise clubs, because the franchisor's membership data gives the lender something to underwrite. Independent gyms can qualify too, but expect to show presales or an existing member base.
Who qualifies
Franchisees opening a studio, operators buying an existing club, and established gyms expanding to a second location. Lenders want a lease that runs as long as the loan, a build-out budget from a contractor, and a membership projection with evidence behind it, such as presale numbers or a waitlist.
Which SBA program fits
7(a) for a new studio
Covers the franchise fee, build-out, equipment and 6 months of operating cash in one loan, on a 10-year term.
SBA Express for small equipment
Equipment refreshes under $500,000 can go through Express for a faster close.
504 for buying the building
Gym owners who buy their building use a 504 for the real estate and a 7(a) for equipment.
What borrowers use the money for
- Franchise fee and training
- Build-out: flooring, locker rooms, HVAC and sound
- Cardio and strength equipment
- Membership software and marketing for the presale
- Buying an existing gym from its owner
Typical loan amounts, down payment and terms
Boutique studios run $250,000 to $600,000; full-size clubs $750,000 to $2.5 million. Equity injection is 10% to 20%, with lenders at the higher end for first-time owners and unproven concepts. Lenders focus on break-even membership, so a strong presale lowers the equity they ask for.
Example: a $300,000 loan
At today's maximum variable 7(a) rate of 10.00% over 10 years, the payment would be about $3,965 a month. Most well-qualified borrowers get a lower rate. Try your own numbers.
Today's rate caps
These are the SBA's maximum 7(a) rates with prime at 7.00%. See current SBA 7(a) 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
Related industries
SBA lenders active nationwide
Questions about gym business loans
Can I get an SBA loan to open a gym?
Yes. Gyms and fitness studios are eligible, and franchise studios are approved regularly. Independent concepts need more evidence: a strong presale, an experienced owner, or an existing location with good numbers.
How much money do I need to open a gym with an SBA loan?
Plan on 10% to 20% of the total project cost in cash. For a $400,000 boutique studio, that's $40,000 to $80,000, plus any working capital the lender wants you to hold back.
What is the term on a gym business loan?
10 years for build-out, equipment and working capital. If you buy the building and it's more than half of the project, the loan can run 25 years.
What interest rate will I pay on a gym SBA loan?
A loan between $250,001 and $350,000 is capped at prime plus 4.5, or 11.50% today, and above $350,000 at 10.00%. Franchise borrowers with experience are usually priced below the cap.
Do lenders require a presale before funding a gym?
Many do for new studios. A presale of 150 to 300 founding members, depending on the concept, shows the lender the location will reach break-even. Franchisors often make this a condition too.
Sources: SBA 7(a) terms, conditions and maximum variable rates; Federal Reserve H.15 selected interest rates (bank prime loan rate); October 2026 SBA 504 debenture pricing, as published by CDCs; SBA FOIA 7(a) and 504 loan-level data.