The Little Gym Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
The Little Gym is a leading children’s enrichment franchise, founded in 1976 by educator and kinesiologist Robin Wes.
Focused on both physical and intellectual growth, the franchise offers a non-competitive, nurturing environment for kids. Its unique approach fosters development in physical, social, and emotional areas.
Based in Bedford, Texas, The Little Gym has expanded globally since launching its franchise model in 1992.
The brand’s success is rooted in its proprietary, evolving curriculum, designed to keep programs engaging and relevant. This approach sets it apart from traditional gymnastics or dance programs, contributing to its widespread appeal.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a The Little Gym franchise? It costs on average between $465,000 – $637,000 to start a The Little Gym franchised center.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of facility you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $60,000 |
| Start-Up Equipment and Inventory Package | $58,000 – $75,000 |
| Exterior Signage | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Lease and Tenant Improvements | $224,000 – $270,000 |
| Furnishings, Computer Systems, Security Surveillance System, Other Equipment & Supplies | $8,000 – $23,000 |
| Architectural Fees | $17,000 – $22,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| Security Deposits and Other Prepaid Expenses | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| Training Related Expenses | $18,000 – $23,000 |
| Insurance Premiums | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Legal, Accounting and other Professional Fees | $4,000 – $11,000 |
| Total | $465,000 – $637,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a The Little Gym franchise? A The Little Gym franchised center makes on average $608,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $379,000 yearly revenue for similar children franchises. Below are 10 The Little Gym competitors as a comparison:
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We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
The Little Gym Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many The Little Gym locations are there?
As of the latest data, The Little Gym operates around 400 locations worldwide, spread across more than 31 countries. These include both franchise-owned and company-owned outlets. The majority of these locations are franchise-owned, with a strong presence in the U.S. and international markets such as Canada, China, the United Kingdom, and Thailand.
What is the total investment required to open a The Little Gym franchise?
The total investment required to open a The Little Gym franchise ranges from $465,000 to $637,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a The Little Gym franchise?
The ongoing fees for a The Little Gym franchise include an 8% royalty fee on gross sales and a 6% to 8.5% marketing fee. These fees support the use of the brand, operational systems, and national marketing initiatives, helping drive brand visibility and consistency across locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a The Little Gym franchisee?
To become a franchisee of The Little Gym, the financial requirements include a minimum net worth of $400,000 and at least $150,000 in liquid capital.
These requirements ensure that potential franchisees have the necessary financial resources to invest in the business, cover initial startup costs, and maintain operational stability during the early stages of the franchise.
How much can a The Little Gym franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a The Little Gym franchise are approximately $0.61 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.61 million yearly revenue can result in $91,500 EBITDA annually.
Who owns The Little Gym
The Little Gym is owned by Unleashed Brands, a company that acquired the franchise in 2021. Unleashed Brands is a private equity-backed organization that focuses on youth enrichment businesses, and its portfolio includes other brands like Urban Air Adventure Park and Snapology.
Since its acquisition, Unleashed Brands has implemented several changes to the operation and structure of The Little Gym, which has led to some legal disputes with franchisees.
Disclaimer
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