GEORGIA · NAICS 713940
Georgia fitness center projects run on membership-model economics, franchise terms, and trade-area saturation in one of the fastest-growing metro populations in the country. Studies translate membership ramp, attrition, ancillary revenue, and competitive density into defensible projections.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Membership-model projections, franchise terms, and trade-area saturation drive study requirements.
Georgia generated 392 SBA-disbursed fitness center loans between FY2010 and FY2026, worth $233.1 million in approved 7(a) and 504 financing at an average of $595,000 per deal. Ranked #13 of 38 states for fitness center SBA volume, the state captures 3.9% of national fitness center dollars. 90.1% of the loans ran through 7(a) with 504 covering the remainder; 78 approvals have posted since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 392 |
| Approved volume | $233.1 million |
| Average loan size | $595,000 |
| 7(a) share | 90.1% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 78 |
| State rank by loan count | #13 of 38 |
Among the 250 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 11.6% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for fitness center is 10.9%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs above the national benchmark for this asset class, which is a factor lenders weigh in their credit decision.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 11.6% adverse-resolution rate against the national fitness center benchmark of 10.9% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Georgia deals in this class. A rigorous third-party feasibility study — built on documented demand, defensible pricing, and stressed coverage — carries meaningful weight in that underwriting conversation, particularly at an average loan size of $595,000 across 392 loans.
Every Georgia fitness centers project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.
Georgia projects most often fit SBA 504 where owner-occupied real estate anchors the deal, with the 50/40/10 structure delivering up to 90 percent financing at a fixed debenture rate. SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment, and from July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
Metro Atlanta's population growth and dense suburban development create the household base and competitive field that define Georgia fitness center feasibility.
For a national view of this asset class, see our fitness center SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the fitness center lending research on our blog.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
$4M SBA 504 building purchase through TMC Financing with 10 percent down
National program evidence
Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
Book a MeetingOur SBA feasibility study consultants prepare gym, boutique fitness and recreation studies for lenders, CDCs and sponsors. See pricing, methodology or request a fixed fee quote.
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