Key Takeaways
- L-2 EAD holders can own gyms, yoga studios, martial arts schools, and fitness businesses
- Membership recurring revenue makes fitness businesses strong Bankable candidates
- SBA Small Business loans for gyms blocked for non-citizens since March 2026
- Fund equipment, buildout, and member acquisition campaigns without a green card
- Revenue-based repayment tied to monthly membership and session revenue
Fitness businesses are excellent ventures for L-2 EAD spouses with physical education, sports science, yoga, martial arts, or wellness backgrounds. Many L-2 EAD owners from Japan, South Korea, or India bring unique fitness disciplines — Japanese martial arts academies, Korean Taekwondo studios, Indian yoga and Ayurveda wellness centers, or German-style functional training concepts — that differentiate them in the crowded US fitness market.
The membership model of most fitness businesses creates predictable recurring revenue that is ideal for revenue-based funding. Monthly memberships, class packs, and personal training retainers all generate consistent deposits that Bankable evaluates favorably.
Fitness & Gym Funding Uses
- Equipment: Cardio machines, free weights, resistance equipment, and specialty fitness tools
- Studio buildout: Flooring, mirrors, sound systems, lighting, and changing facilities
- Member acquisition: Grand opening promotions, digital advertising, and referral programs
- Instructor payroll: Group fitness instructors, personal trainers, and front desk staff
- Franchise or licensing fees: For branded fitness concepts like CrossFit, Pilates, or yoga franchises
- Software and technology: Member management software, booking platforms, and payment processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Fitness business ownership is authorized under L-2 EAD. You may need personal fitness certifications (NASM, ACE, RYT for yoga) to teach classes yourself, but owning and operating a gym does not require personal certification — you can hire certified instructors.
Traditional gyms, boutique fitness studios (yoga, Pilates, barre, cycling), martial arts schools, personal training studios, CrossFit boxes, swimming schools, and wellness centers with fitness components.
Minimum $10,000/month in membership and session revenue. Fitness businesses with 100+ active members typically meet this threshold. We look at your membership management software reports or bank deposits.
Yes. Yoga studios, martial arts academies, and specialty fitness studios are strong candidates. Many L-2 EAD owners successfully operate these businesses, often serving both general and ethnically specific markets.
Yes. Fitness franchises like Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness, F45, or Club Pilates are eligible. We evaluate your franchise agreement and the brand's AUV to determine funding amounts.
Online fitness businesses (virtual coaching, subscription workout programs) are eligible if they generate consistent revenue. We evaluate your subscription revenue deposits and growth trajectory.
Annual membership payments create large one-time deposits followed by quieter months. We smooth this out in our underwriting by annualizing revenue rather than evaluating single months. Large annual payment months are positive indicators.
Pre-opening funding is possible for fitness businesses with signed lease agreements and demonstrated industry experience. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and timeline.