TEXAS · NAICS 713940
Texas fitness center projects, from franchise concepts in suburban Triangle markets to independent boutique studios in Austin and Houston, are underwritten on membership models. Studies analyze trade-area demographics, competitive saturation, franchise terms, member acquisition cost, attrition assumptions, and the ramp to mature membership before coverage stabilizes.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Membership-model projections, franchise terms, and trade-area saturation drive study requirements for fitness deals.
Between FY2010 and FY2026, SBA lenders approved and disbursed 1,321 7(a) and 504 loans for fitness center projects in Texas, totaling $630.9 million in approved financing at an average of $478,000 per loan. Texas ranks #1 of 38 states tracked for fitness center SBA lending volume and accounts for 10.4% of national fitness center SBA dollar volume. 94.0% of these loans were made under the 7(a) program, the remainder under 504. 257 loans have been approved since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 1,321 |
| Approved volume | $630.9 million |
| Average loan size | $478,000 |
| 7(a) share | 94.0% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 257 |
| State rank by loan count | #1 of 38 |
Among the 851 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 17.2% 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 17.2% adverse-resolution rate against the national fitness center benchmark of 10.9% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Texas 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 $478,000 across 1,321 loans.
Every Texas 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.
Texas projects 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, while 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, which matters for larger Texas Triangle and I-35 corridor projects.
Texas franchise concentration in fitness and boutique studio density make competitive saturation analysis and attrition assumptions central to the membership model.
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: Tennessee, Virginia, California.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
$4M SBA 504 building purchase through TMC Financing with 10 percent down
Franchise gym building purchase, 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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