MARYLAND · NAICS 713940
Maryland fitness deals run through the affluent Baltimore-Washington corridor, which supports premium boutique and franchise concepts where trade-area saturation analysis decides deals. Lender packages require feasibility studies modeling membership ramp, franchise terms, and competitive saturation.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Membership-model projections, franchise terms, and trade-area saturation drive study requirements.
Maryland generated 211 SBA-disbursed fitness center loans between FY2010 and FY2026, worth $82.3 million in approved 7(a) and 504 financing at an average of $390,000 per deal. Ranked #22 of 38 states for fitness center SBA volume, the state captures 1.4% of national fitness center dollars. 95.7% of the loans ran through 7(a) with 504 covering the remainder; 36 approvals have posted since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 211 |
| Approved volume | $82.3 million |
| Average loan size | $390,000 |
| 7(a) share | 95.7% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 36 |
| State rank by loan count | #22 of 38 |
Among the 149 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 12.8% 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 12.8% adverse-resolution rate against the national fitness center benchmark of 10.9% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Maryland 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 $390,000 across 211 loans.
Every Maryland 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.
Maryland projects often pencil under SBA 504 because the 50/40/10 structure delivers up to 90 percent financing on owner-occupied real estate at a fixed debenture rate, and SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment. From July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
The affluent Baltimore-Washington corridor supports premium boutique and franchise fitness concepts where trade-area saturation analysis decides deals.
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.
Compare neighboring markets: Maine, Massachusetts, Texas.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
$4M SBA 504 building purchase through TMC Financing with 10 percent down
Franchise fitness real estate, 2020, 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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