OHIO · NAICS 713940
Ohio fitness center projects span boutique studios, multi-unit franchises, and full-service clubs across the Three-C metros and surrounding suburbs. Studies translate membership models, franchise terms, trade-area saturation, and class economics into projections that lenders can stress-test against ramp and coverage.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Membership-model projections, franchise terms, and trade-area saturation drive study requirements.
From FY2010 through FY2026, Ohio recorded 610 SBA-disbursed fitness center loans across the 7(a) and 504 programs, representing $182.6 million in approved financing at an average loan size of $299,000. The state sits at rank #5 of 38 for fitness center SBA lending volume and holds 3.0% of the national fitness center dollar pool. 7(a) accounts for 95.1% of the count, 504 for the rest, with 94 fresh approvals dated FY2024 or later.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 610 |
| Approved volume | $182.6 million |
| Average loan size | $299,000 |
| 7(a) share | 95.1% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 94 |
| State rank by loan count | #5 of 38 |
Among the 417 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 9.6% 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 below the national benchmark for this asset class, a credit-positive signal for lenders.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 9.6% adverse-resolution rate below the national fitness center benchmark of 10.9% supports the credit story for well-underwritten Ohio projects in this class. Across 610 SBA loans averaging $299,000, that track record does not eliminate the need for a third-party feasibility study, but it means a rigorous study reinforces rather than defends the projections.
Every Ohio 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.
Ohio projects most 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. 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.
Columbus's growth corridors and the suburban rings around Cleveland and Cincinnati carry the franchise and boutique studio demand the program record reflects.
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: North Carolina, Oregon, Texas.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
SBA 504 through Ohio Statewide Development Corporation with Park National Bank
Yoga studio
Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio
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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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