Discover the right business loan in Australia. Compare options and get the funding your business actually needs.
Your business does not have to fit a category to be funded. If yours is not listed, it is still worth asking.
Put your best foot forward by preparing strong answers to 9 questions a lender might ask you.
Put your best foot forward by preparing strong answers to 9 questions a lender might ask you.
B2B embedded finance isn’t just a tech upgrade; it’s a strategic lever to boost acquisition, conversion, and retention.
Your existing clients aren’t just customers; they’re a source of potential growth.
Industry finance
Fitness finance
Fit out a new gym floor or open your next location ahead of the members who’ll fill it.
Common USEs
Where fitness businesses use finance
New equipment
Updating spin bikes and squat racks keeps the floor feeling fresh for members. Buying or leasing them means you don’t pay the full cost in one go.
Studio renovations
Replace worn flooring, update the lighting, or refit the change rooms members use every day.
Staffing & training
Hire PTs and group instructors, and fund the courses that grow what your team can offer.
Tech & software
A booking app or access-control system makes it easier for members to book classes and get in the door.
Member acquisition
Run community events and referral offers that keep members engaged long after they sign up.
Expansion & diversification
Add wellness services like massage or physio, or a smoothie bar, and give members more reasons to visit.
Everyday operations
Keep rent, utilities, insurance and wages paid on time, including the weeks when the gym floor is quiet.
Compare your options
Five ways to fund your gym or studio
Why Valiant
Just one simple application.
Let us do the heavy lifting, comparing the panel and negotiating. You get all the options side by side and choose the one that’s right for you.
Dedicated specialists by your side.
You get a personal specialist who knows which lenders suit your industry and how to structure a deal so it actually works for you.
Your credit score, protected.
Explore with no credit check. See all your options, compare them properly, and choose with confidence.
30,000+ SMEs we've worked with.
Construction, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare. Whatever your business needs, we know how to get it funded with the right loan.
Getting started
How to apply for a fitness loan
Step 1
Get a quote
Tell us what your business needs and get quotes from 95+ bank and non-bank lenders.
Step 2
Get approved
Confirm your quote and we'll manage the application with your lender, so you can focus on running your business.
Step 3
Get funded
Sign your finance documentation and receive funding. It is that simple.
Requesting a quote has no impact on your credit score.
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FAQs
Why is the fitness industry in Sydney so saturated?
Sydney’s fitness market is highly competitive, particularly in inner and middle-ring suburbs where multiple gyms and studios operate within close proximity. That makes retention and acquisition even more important. Business finance in Sydney is often used for fit-outs, equipment upgrades, or studio expansion, all of which can help your studio stand out.
Do I need collateral to get a gym loan?
You may need collateral for a gym loan, depending on the type you go for. With equipment finance, the machines serve as security, and to access lower rates or bigger amounts, lenders may require extra collateral.
But don't worry, there are also unsecured options available, especially for quick, short-term, or smaller funding needs.
Can new gyms with little revenue get a loan?
Yes, but it can be trickier to get approval, especially from traditional banks. For gyms just starting out, options like low-doc loans, secured finance, or alternative lenders are often more accessible.
The key is showing how you’ll generate income with a clear business plan, cash flow projections, and startup cost estimates.
What do lenders look for when approving a gym loan?
Lenders look at things like:
- Business performance and financial situation
- Time in business
- Credit score
- Loan purpose
- Collateral and assets
- Business plan
- Franchise agreement, if applicable
Can I finance an existing fitness franchise?
Yes, you can finance a fitness franchise, often with more favourable terms than a completely new gym since you have financial reports to show the lender.
As usual, having paperwork ready to go is key. Lenders usually ask for the franchise agreement, proof of income, a credit check, and recent financial statements.
Should I finance or lease gym equipment?
Leasing fitness equipment comes with lower upfront costs, included maintenance, and flexibility to upgrade to the latest models when your lease is up. However, you don't own the equipment, and it can be more expensive over time.
Financing gives you full ownership, more control, and the ability to sell the assets later, often lowering the total cost in the long run. The trade-off is it requires a higher initial investment, and you’re responsible for maintenance and repairs.
So, which option's best? It all comes down to your cash flow, business stage, and growth plans.
Can I get a loan to start a gym?
Absolutely! You can get a business loan to start a gym. Common options include secured and unsecured business finance, which are often paired with equipment loans to fund your full fitness lineup.
Lenders will want to see that you’ve done your homework, including a business plan, cash flow forecasts, and some evidence you can run the business. Remember, the stronger your plan is, the more likely you are to get approved, even as a first-time gym owner.