Last updated Oct 20, 2026
In short
Most first-time owners fund a gym with a mix of personal equity, an SBA loan and presale revenue, with equipment financing or a partner filling any gap. SBA 7(a) loans go up to $5 million and SBA caps the rate by loan size, while microloans top out at $50,000. A strong presale can cut what you need to borrow and shows lenders real demand, but both GGC states attach bonding rules to presale cash.
- $5 million [1]: maximum SBA 7(a) loan.
- $50,000 [1]: maximum SBA microloan.
- ~$13,000 [2]: average SBA microloan.
- 7.00% [3]: bank prime rate, mid-October 2026.
- 25% to 35% [4]: nurtured waitlist-to-member conversion, vs. about 10% left alone.
SBA loans for opening a gym
- 7(a): up to $5 million, for buildout, equipment and working capital. SBA caps the rate at the base rate plus 6.5% for loans of $50,000 or less, plus 6.0% from $50,001 to $250,000, plus 4.5% from $250,001 to $350,000, and plus 3.0% above $350,000.
- 504: up to $5.5 million on the CDC portion at a fixed rate, for buying real estate or major equipment.
- Microloan: capped at $50,000 with terms up to 6 years, with the rate set by the intermediary lender. Clarify Capital reports an average microloan of about $13,000.
The Federal Reserve raised its target range to 3.75% to 4% on September 16, 2026, and the bank prime rate stood at 7.00% in mid-October 2026. Lendio's October 2026 rate tables use the same 7.00% base, which puts the cap on a 7(a) loan above $350,000 at 10.00%.
What lenders want from a first-time owner
A business plan with unit economics, personal credit history, an equity injection, industry experience, and evidence of demand. Presale numbers are evidence of demand. Lenders also look at the market: a record 81 million Americans held a fitness facility membership in 2025. Our gym profit margins guide shows how to build the unit economics.
How presales help fund an opening
A presale brings in cash before opening and gives you hard proof of demand. Athletech News quotes an operator targeting 12.5% waitlist-to-member conversion, and reports that a nurtured list converts at 25% to 35% versus about 10% left alone. The full playbook is in gym presales.
Presale cash may be tied up by bonding rules:
- North Carolina: G.S. 66-124(b) requires health clubs selling before services are available to hold a surety bond or NC escrow account of $10,000 per location, or all contract payments received, whichever is greater, until 60 days after opening.
- Tennessee: health clubs must post a $25,000 bond per location, or file an audited statement showing $10 million in net worth, and clubs under the same ownership for seven consecutive years are exempt. SuretyBonds.com quotes these bonds from about 1% of face value for applicants with credit above 680.
- Refunds in North Carolina: buyers have a three-day cancellation right, and sellers must refund payments within 30 days of a valid cancellation.
Confirm current requirements and refund terms with an attorney before collecting payments.
Partners and investors
A partner can cover the equity injection, but they take a share of ownership and future profit. Put decision rights, buyout terms and distributions in writing before any money changes hands.
Equipment financing and leasing
Financing keeps cash free for buildout and reserves. Compare the total cost over the term against paying cash. Equipment pricing by gym size is in our equipment cost guide.
See also: how much it costs to open a gym, small gym startup costs and gym presales.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an SBA loan to open a gym? Yes. 7(a) loans cover buildout, equipment and working capital, subject to lender underwriting.
What is the SBA microloan limit? $50,000.
Do presales count toward funding? They bring in cash and show demand, but check state rules on prepaid memberships first.
Sources
- SBA Lender Resources. U.S. Small Business Administration. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- SBA Loan Rates in 2026 for 7(a), 504, and Microloans. Clarify Capital, 2026. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- H.15 Selected Interest Rates. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, October 2026. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- The 90-Day Presale Playbook. Athletech News. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, September 16, 2026. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- Current SBA Loan Interest Rates September 2026. Lendio, September 2026. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- 81 Million Americans Were Members of a Fitness Facility in 2025. Health & Fitness Association, April 2026. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- G.S. 66-124: Bond or Escrow Account Required. North Carolina General Assembly. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- Tenn. Code § 47-18-318: Surety Bond. Justia, Tennessee Code. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- Tennessee Health Club Bond. SuretyBonds.com. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
- Chapter 66, Article 21: Prepaid Entertainment Contracts. North Carolina General Assembly. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.