How to Finance an Anytime Fitness Franchise in 2026

Anytime Fitness investment runs $99K–$523K. SBA 7(a) is the primary financing vehicle, and the brand has a preferred-lender network for franchisees. Here's how to structure the financing.

Key takeaways

• Total investment: $99K–$523K depending on market and location size
• Anytime Fitness is on the SBA Franchise Directory — SBA 7(a) is the primary financing vehicle
• Equipment financing covers cardio equipment, strength equipment, and technology separately
• Anytime Fitness has a preferred-lender network for franchisees
• Net worth requirement: approximately $100K–$150K liquid depending on territory
• Typical timeline: 45–75 days from complete application to funding

Anytime Fitness is one of the largest fitness franchise systems in the world — known for its 24/7 access model, smaller footprint (3,000–5,000 sq ft), and membership-based recurring revenue. Its investment range is relatively accessible compared to full-service health club buildouts. The recurring membership model creates predictable cash flow that lenders find attractive for DSCR underwriting. This guide covers financing mechanics — not the full startup cost breakdown (see the companion cost-to-start guide).

Anytime Fitness total investment + what lenders look at

Per the current Anytime Fitness FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $99K–$523K. The wide range reflects location size, market, and whether build-out costs are higher in the local market. Lenders underwriting an Anytime Fitness deal look at:

• Equity injection: SBA minimum 10%; Anytime Fitness typically requires $100K–$150K in liquid assets. Document non-borrowed funds with bank statements.
• Membership revenue model: Lenders want a membership ramp projection and, for existing club acquisitions, trailing 12-month membership count and dues revenue.
• DSCR: The subscription revenue model generally supports strong DSCR ratios once a club reaches steady-state membership — lenders will want a business plan showing the ramp timeline.
• Location demographics: Proximity to residential areas, daytime workforce density, and competitive gym landscape are evaluated in the business plan.
• Personal credit: 650+ FICO is a common threshold; stronger scores drive better SBA rate pricing.

SBA 7(a) for Anytime Fitness franchises

Anytime Fitness is on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling SBA 7(a) lenders to fast-track franchisor eligibility. 7(a) is the primary financing vehicle for most Anytime Fitness deals:

• Loan range: $100K–$523K — full investment range is within 7(a) limits
• Terms: Up to 10 years for equipment and working capital
• Use of proceeds: Franchise fee ($42,500), leasehold improvements, equipment, access technology, and working capital
• Working capital emphasis: Lenders typically include 6–9 months of working capital in the loan structure for Anytime Fitness deals because membership ramp (month 1 to stabilization) takes time

SBA 504 for real estate and build-out

SBA 504 applies when an Anytime Fitness franchisee owns the building rather than leasing. Most Anytime Fitness locations are in leased retail space, making 504 less common. If a franchisee is purchasing a freestanding or mixed-use property for the club, SBA 504 provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for the real estate component.

Equipment financing for Anytime Fitness

Cardio equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, bikes), strength equipment (free weights, cable machines, plate-loaded), and technology (24/7 access systems, security cameras, member management software hardware) are significant capital items that can be financed separately via equipment loans or leases. Equipment loans run 3–7 years. Anytime Fitness has an approved vendor list — lenders will want the equipment package to confirm collateral eligibility. Equipment financing can reduce the primary SBA loan amount by isolating the equipment cost.

Franchisor financing programs

Anytime Fitness (Self Esteem Brands) maintains a preferred-lender program — lenders experienced with the Anytime Fitness FDD, territory structure, and the membership ramp economics that define the business model. No direct in-house lending or subsidized rates, but preferred lenders can underwrite the deal more efficiently because they understand the club's revenue trajectory and have historical performance data from existing Anytime Fitness franchisees.

Down payment and liquidity requirements

Anytime Fitness requires approximately $100K–$150K in liquid assets for prospective franchisees (territory-dependent). SBA's minimum equity injection is 10% of total project cost. On a $350K build, that is $35K minimum from liquid personal funds — lenders typically want 15–20% for new operators. Post-closing liquidity is particularly important for fitness franchises: membership ramps over 6–12 months, and lenders want to see cash reserves to cover debt service during the pre-stabilization period.

Timeline to funding

1. Pre-qualification: Lender reviews financials, FDD, site lease, and membership business plan. 1–2 weeks.
2. SBA application: Full package assembled including Form 413, tax returns, contractor bid, equipment list. 1–2 weeks.
3. SBA approval: Conditional commitment. 3–5 weeks for PLP lenders.
4. Closing and funding: Legal and closing. 2–3 weeks post-commitment. Total: 45–75 days.

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Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender in our network. Related: SBA 7(a) loan application walkthrough · Equipment loans explained.

Sources

• Anytime Fitness is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling expedited SBA 7(a) franchisor eligibility review. — SBA Franchise Directory
• SBA 7(a) loans provide up to $5M for franchise startup and acquisition costs, with terms up to 10 years for equipment and working capital. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
• SBA 504 loans finance owner-occupied commercial real estate with long-term fixed-rate debentures. — SBA 504 Loan Program
• The FTC Franchise Rule requires Anytime Fitness's FDD to disclose all franchise fees, initial investment ranges, and franchisee financial performance data. — FTC — Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide
• FDIC data shows that SBA 7(a) is the primary financing vehicle for fitness franchise builds in the $100K–$600K investment range. — FDIC — Financial Institution Letters

What lenders look for in an Anytime Fitness franchise application

Here are the five factors SBA lenders evaluate when underwriting an Anytime Fitness franchise deal (per SBA SOP 50 10 7):

• Equity injection and liquid assets: Anytime Fitness requires approximately $100K–$150K in liquid assets per the FDD. SBA minimum equity injection is 10–20% of total project cost. On a $400K build, that is $40K–$80K in documented non-borrowed liquid funds. First-time operators are generally expected at the higher end of the injection range.
• Membership ramp DSCR: New Anytime Fitness locations build membership over 6–12 months before reaching steady-state revenue. SBA lenders structure the loan with a working capital component to cover debt service during the ramp period. Lenders want market data supporting your membership projection — not just the maximum capacity figure.
• Equipment collateral: Gym cardio and strength equipment is financed as collateral, typically at a 50–60% advance rate. Specialized fitness equipment has a narrower secondary market than general commercial equipment — lenders apply a discount accordingly. Equipment can be structured as a separate equipment loan to isolate the collateral.
• Health club licensing: Many states require a health club license or pre-opening membership bond before a fitness facility can accept memberships. Lenders may require license issuance as a disbursement condition — verify state requirements before application so this doesn't delay closing.
• 24-hour keycard model and labor DSCR: Anytime Fitness's 24-hr keycard model significantly reduces labor relative to staffed gyms. Lenders recognize the lower labor-to-revenue ratio as a DSCR positive. The keycard access system is typically part of the equipment collateral package and should be included in your equipment specifications.

Membership ramp is the primary underwriting variable

Anytime Fitness lenders focus on the 6–12 month membership ramp. A realistic, market-data-backed projection showing break-even within that window is more important than projections showing maximum capacity. Lenders that specialize in fitness franchises understand the ramp curve; generalist SBA lenders without fitness experience may model more conservatively. Ask prospective lenders whether they have closed Anytime Fitness or similar boutique fitness deals.

Frequently asked questions