Key Takeaways
- Gym build-out, equipment, and working capital fundable through Bankable
- F45, boutique fitness, CrossFit, yoga, and PT studios all qualify
- SBA fitness industry loans unavailable to E-3 holders
- Membership-based recurring revenue is ideal for Bankable's underwriting model
- 48-hour decisions up to $3M
Australian fitness culture has had a genuinely outsized impact on US wellness. F45 Training — founded in Sydney — is one of the fastest-growing global fitness franchise networks. Australians developed CrossFit-adjacent HIIT concepts before they were mainstream in the US. Personal training philosophies developed in Australia's outdoor fitness culture are now mainstream in US boutique studios.
E-3 holders in fitness are often founding concepts that align with their authentic professional background — not just chasing a business opportunity. This authenticity drives exceptional member retention. The capital challenge is the studio build-out: $150K–$400K for a boutique fitness studio is standard, and SBA loans are categorically off-limits for E-3 holders. Bankable funds against monthly membership revenue once established.
The E-3 Funding Barrier
The SBA's 100% citizen/national ownership rule disqualifies every E-3 holder from government-backed loans — regardless of how long you've been in the US, how profitable your business is, or how strong your credit score is. Banks that primarily originate SBA loans have no viable product to offer you. That's not a reflection of your business quality; it's a policy gap that Bankable was built to bridge.
Revenue-based funding through Bankable requires no green card, no citizenship, and no SBA involvement. What matters: your business generates consistent revenue, has been operating for at least 6 months, and has a US business bank account. That's the core of what we evaluate. Check your Bankability Score to see your options in minutes.
Challenges in This Sector
- Studio build-out for boutique fitness runs $150K–$400K including flooring, mirrors, sound, and HVAC
- Commercial fitness equipment ($50K–$200K depending on format)
- SBA loans unavailable to E-3 holders regardless of membership base strength
- 3–6 months to build membership to profitability after opening
- Marketing spend to acquire initial members before the studio is operationally stable
- Franchise royalties (for branded concepts like F45) are fixed regardless of revenue
Funding Solutions for E-3 Holders
- Studio Build-Out: Capital for leasehold improvements, flooring, and fit-out.
- Equipment Financing: Commercial fitness equipment with asset-backed terms.
- Working Capital: Bridge the ramp-up period to membership profitability.
- Marketing Capital: Fund member acquisition campaigns for new studio launches.
- Expansion Capital: Open additional locations based on existing studio revenue.
Membership Revenue and Bankable Underwriting
Membership-based fitness businesses have one of the most underwriting-friendly revenue profiles: recurring, predictable, and typically collected upfront (monthly or annually). A studio with 200 members at $120/month generates $24K in monthly recurring revenue — highly predictable and well-suited to revenue-based funding.
Bankable evaluates fitness businesses on total monthly membership revenue (including class packs, personal training, and merchandise), member count trends, and churn rates. A studio that's growing membership month-over-month is a strong funding candidate regardless of the owner's visa status.
Capital Products Available
Revenue-Based Funding
Up to $5M based on your monthly revenue. No green card, no SBA. 48-hour decisions.
Apply Now →Equipment Financing
Asset-backed funding for equipment — available to non-citizen business owners.
Check Eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Fitness business ownership is not restricted by E-3 status.
Yes. Bankable funds franchise fitness concepts. F45 franchise funding is a specific area of expertise given the Australian connection.
F45, CrossFit boxes, yoga studios, pilates studios, boutique HIIT studios, traditional gyms, and personal training facilities.
Typically $10K+/month in consistent membership and service revenue over 6 months.
Yes. Leasehold improvements for gym build-outs are a primary funding use case.
Yes. Equipment financing for commercial gym equipment with asset-backed terms.
Lower churn means more predictable revenue, which supports higher funding amounts. We evaluate net membership trends.
Yes. Marketing spend to build membership is a valid working capital use case.
Yes. Second location expansion based on your existing studio's revenue is a supported use case.
48-hour decisions. Funds in 3–5 business days.