9Round is one of the fastest-growing kickboxing fitness franchises in the United States, offering a unique 30-minute circuit training workout that has attracted hundreds of thousands of members worldwide. If you are ready to join the 9Round family as a franchise owner, understanding your financing options is the critical first step. This guide covers everything you need to know about securing a 9Round franchise loan, from startup costs to SBA programs to how Crestmont Capital can help you get funded fast.
In This Article
Founded in 2008 by Shannon "The Cannon" Hudson, a professional kickboxer and world champion, 9Round has grown from a single gym in Greenville, South Carolina, into a global franchise with more than 700 locations across multiple countries. The concept is built around a unique 30-minute kickboxing circuit workout that combines boxing, kickboxing, and functional fitness moves into nine stations that change every three minutes.
What sets 9Round apart from other fitness franchises is its no-class-times model. Members can start their workout at any time during open hours, giving them maximum scheduling flexibility. Each studio employs a certified trainer on the floor at all times to coach, motivate, and correct form - creating a personalized experience without the premium price tag of private training.
9Round's business model is designed to be accessible for first-time franchise owners. The footprint is small (typically 1,200 to 1,700 square feet), the equipment requirements are standardized, and the staffing model is lean. These factors combine to keep startup costs significantly lower than many competing fitness franchises while still offering a premium member experience.
As the boutique fitness sector continues to grow - according to Forbes, boutique fitness studios now account for more than 35 percent of health club industry revenue - 9Round is well-positioned to attract new franchise investors who want to capitalize on this trend.
Key Stat: The boutique fitness market was valued at over $50 billion globally in 2023 and is projected to grow at more than 8 percent annually through 2030, creating strong long-term demand for concepts like 9Round that offer accessible, results-driven workouts in compact studio formats.
Before applying for a 9Round franchise loan, you need a clear picture of the total investment required. 9Round is considered one of the more affordable fitness franchise opportunities on the market, but the total investment still ranges significantly depending on your location, lease terms, build-out requirements, and local market conditions.
The initial 9Round franchise fee is approximately $29,900. This fee grants you the right to operate under the 9Round brand in your designated territory and includes initial training, onboarding support, and access to the franchisor's proprietary systems and marketing materials.
According to 9Round's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the total estimated initial investment for a single 9Round location ranges from approximately $87,000 to $174,000. This range reflects variations in:
After opening, franchisees pay ongoing royalties and marketing contributions:
The flat-fee royalty structure is a significant advantage for 9Round franchisees. Unlike percentage-based royalties that increase as revenue grows, flat fees remain predictable, allowing owners to capture more profit as their membership base expands.
Important Note: These cost estimates are based on publicly available 9Round FDD disclosures and industry data. You should review the most current FDD carefully and consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decision. Costs can vary significantly based on your geographic market and specific location.
Ready to Finance Your 9Round Franchise?
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Apply Now →Financing a 9Round franchise does not have to be complicated. Several financing paths are available depending on your credit profile, available collateral, time in business, and personal financial situation. Most 9Round franchise buyers use a combination of funding sources to cover the full investment.
Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs are widely used to finance franchise startups. The SBA 7(a) program and SBA 504 program both support franchise investments, and SBA loans often offer the most favorable terms - including low interest rates, longer repayment periods, and lower down payments than conventional commercial loans. We cover SBA loans in detail in the next section.
A significant portion of your 9Round startup costs will go toward kickboxing bags, speed bags, cardio equipment, floor mats, mirrors, and other studio equipment. Equipment financing lets you acquire these assets with a dedicated loan secured by the equipment itself, preserving working capital for other startup expenses. Equipment loans typically require 10 to 20 percent down and offer repayment terms of 24 to 84 months.
Small business term loans provide a lump sum of capital that you repay over a fixed schedule with interest. They are flexible in how the funds can be used - covering leasehold improvements, working capital, marketing, and more. Term loans from alternative lenders can often be approved and funded in 24 to 72 hours, making them ideal for covering time-sensitive expenses.
A business line of credit gives you a revolving credit facility you can draw from as needed. This is particularly useful during the pre-opening and ramp-up phase of your 9Round franchise, when cash flow may be unpredictable. Draw what you need, repay it, and draw again - paying interest only on what you use.
Many franchise owners contribute personal savings or use a ROBS arrangement to access retirement account funds tax-penalty-free for business investment. ROBS is a complex strategy that requires specialized legal and financial setup, but it can be an excellent way to cover the equity injection required by SBA lenders (typically 10 to 30 percent of total project costs).
| Loan Type | Best For | Typical Rate | Term | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Full franchise financing | Prime + 2.25-2.75% | 10-25 years | 2-8 weeks |
| Equipment Financing | Gym equipment | 6-18% | 2-7 years | 24-72 hours |
| Term Loan (Alt) | Working capital | 8-30% | 1-5 years | 1-3 days |
| Business Line of Credit | Flexible cash flow | 10-25% | Revolving | 24-48 hours |
| ROBS | Equity injection (no loan) | N/A | N/A | 4-8 weeks |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) does not lend money directly. Instead, it guarantees a portion of loans made by approved lenders, reducing risk for the bank and enabling better terms for the borrower. The SBA Franchise Directory lists approved franchise brands - and working with a franchisor listed on the directory streamlines the SBA underwriting process significantly.
The SBA 7(a) loan is the most versatile SBA program and the most common choice for franchise financing. Key features include:
For a 9Round franchise with a total project cost of $140,000, you might expect to need $14,000 to $28,000 as an equity injection while the SBA-backed loan covers the remainder. According to SBA.gov, the 7(a) program funded more than 57,000 loans worth over $27 billion in fiscal year 2023 alone, making it the backbone of small business startup financing in the United States.
For smaller loan amounts (up to $500,000), the SBA Express program offers a faster decision timeline - typically within 36 hours. This is useful if you need to move quickly on a franchise opportunity or if your funding needs fall on the lower end of the 9Round investment range. The SBA guarantees 50 percent of Express loans versus 75-85 percent for standard 7(a) loans, which can result in slightly higher rates.
A well-structured SBA loan for a 9Round franchise might look like this:
Given that a successful 9Round location may generate $15,000 to $25,000 or more in monthly revenue, loan servicing represents a manageable obligation that allows the business to build positive cash flow relatively quickly after the ramp-up period.
9Round franchise owners benefit from a lean operating model and a passionate membership community.
Lenders - whether SBA-approved banks or alternative lenders like Crestmont Capital - evaluate franchise loan applications using a combination of personal and business financial criteria. Understanding these requirements helps you prepare a stronger application and improve your approval odds.
SBA lenders typically require a minimum personal credit score of 680 to 700 for franchise loans, though some lenders may work with borrowers down to 650 with compensating factors. Alternative lenders may approve applicants with scores as low as 580 to 620 for non-SBA products like term loans and equipment financing. If you have credit challenges, consider reviewing our guide on bad credit business loans for options that may still work for your situation.
Since 9Round is a franchise startup, you likely do not have business history to present. SBA startup loans are designed to fill this gap - they evaluate your personal financial history, the franchise brand's track record, and the viability of your business plan rather than requiring existing business revenue.
SBA lenders want to see that you have sufficient personal financial resources to weather early-stage challenges. Most want to see liquid assets (cash or near-cash) of at least 20 to 30 percent of the total loan amount, plus a positive net worth (assets exceeding liabilities).
A solid business plan is essential for franchise startup loans. Your plan should include:
The SBA also wants to see a signed franchise agreement or letter of intent from 9Round before approving a startup franchise loan. This demonstrates that you have a legitimate franchise relationship in place.
For SBA 7(a) loans under $500,000, lenders are not required to decline the loan solely due to insufficient collateral. However, they are required to take available collateral when it exists. Common collateral includes personal real estate, business assets, and equipment. For loans over $350,000, lenders must take all available collateral up to the loan amount.
Get Pre-Qualified for Your 9Round Franchise Loan
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Apply Now →At Crestmont Capital, we specialize in connecting business owners and franchise investors with the right financing solutions for their specific needs. As the number one business lender in the United States, we have helped thousands of entrepreneurs access capital quickly and efficiently - and franchise financing is one of our core strengths.
Depending on your qualifications and needs, Crestmont Capital can help you access:
How 9Round Franchise Financing Works - Step by Step
1
Get Pre-Qualified
Apply at Crestmont Capital - takes under 5 minutes
2
Review Offers
Compare rates, terms, and amounts from multiple lenders
3
Submit Docs
FDD, business plan, personal financial statements, ID
4
Underwriting
Lender reviews your application (24 hrs to 4 weeks)
5
Get Funded
Funds deposited - open your 9Round studio
$87K-$174K
Typical 9Round Investment
10%
Min. SBA Equity Injection
680+
Recommended Credit Score
10 Yrs
Max SBA Loan Term
To help you understand how 9Round franchise financing might work in practice, here are several detailed scenarios representing different borrower profiles and financing approaches.
Profile: Marketing manager with 12 years of corporate experience, 720 credit score, $40,000 in savings, owns a home with $80,000 in equity.
Total project cost: $145,000
Financing approach: SBA 7(a) loan through Crestmont Capital for $120,000, with a $25,000 equity injection from personal savings.
Terms: 10-year repayment, approximately 9.5% interest (prime + 2.5%), monthly payment of approximately $1,550.
Outcome: Location opens on budget. By month 8, the studio crosses 100 members generating $10,000+ in monthly revenue, covering loan payments with room for owner compensation.
Profile: Existing 9Round franchisee with one profitable location, 18 months in operation, $200,000 in annual revenue, 690 credit score.
Total project cost: $280,000 (two new locations)
Financing approach: SBA 7(a) loan backed by existing business cash flow and real estate collateral for $240,000, with $40,000 from business retained earnings.
Terms: 10-year term, competitive interest rate reflecting established business history.
Outcome: Both new locations open within six months. Combined three-location revenue exceeds $600,000 annually within 24 months.
Profile: Personal trainer with fitness industry experience, 640 credit score, limited savings but strong industry knowledge.
Total project cost: $110,000
Financing approach: Equipment loan for $35,000 (kickboxing equipment, mirrors, flooring) plus a small business financing term loan of $50,000 for leasehold improvements and working capital. Remaining $25,000 from personal savings and a family member loan.
Terms: Equipment loan at 12% for 48 months ($930/month); term loan at 18% for 24 months ($2,500/month).
Outcome: Studio opens and achieves break-even by month 5. Personal trainer background helps attract 60+ members in the first 90 days.
Profile: Retired Army sergeant, 710 credit score, $50,000 in savings from TSP (Thrift Savings Plan), VA home loan on primary residence.
Total project cost: $130,000
Financing approach: SBA 7(a) loan with Veterans Advantage waived fees for $110,000, $20,000 equity injection from personal savings.
Terms: 10 years, reduced fees saving approximately $2,750 upfront compared to standard SBA origination fees.
Outcome: Veteran leverages leadership and discipline background to build a tight-knit gym community. Reaches 150 members in year one.
Profile: Married couple - one works in healthcare, one in education. Combined income of $180,000 annually. 730 credit scores, $60,000 in savings.
Total project cost: $155,000
Financing approach: SBA 7(a) loan for $120,000 with $35,000 equity injection. Both spouses are named on the loan, strengthening the overall application.
Terms: 10 years at approximately 9.25% interest.
Outcome: One spouse manages operations while the other maintains day job during the ramp-up period. The 9Round location becomes cash-flow positive in month 7, allowing both partners to eventually work the business full time.
Profile: Established entrepreneur with multiple businesses, 760 credit score, strong cash flow across existing operations.
Total project cost: $95,000
Financing approach: Uses a $75,000 business line of credit to fund opening costs while SBA application processes. Once SBA loan closes (six weeks), line of credit is repaid and remains available for ongoing needs.
Outcome: Studio opens immediately without waiting for SBA approval. The bridge financing strategy allows the franchisee to capture a desirable location in a competitive market.
Your 9Round Franchise Financing Action Plan
Opening a 9Round franchise is an exciting opportunity for fitness enthusiasts and business-minded entrepreneurs alike. The brand's proven concept, loyal member base, and lower-than-average startup costs make it an attractive entry point into the boutique fitness sector. But like any business, success starts with sound financial planning.
Understanding your total investment, exploring the right financing products, building a strong loan application, and working with experienced lenders are all critical steps on the path to opening your 9Round studio. Whether you pursue an SBA loan for the most favorable terms or use fast-funding alternatives to move quickly, Crestmont Capital has the products, expertise, and speed to help you succeed.
According to CNBC, the fitness industry continues to recover strongly from pandemic lows, with consumer spending on health and wellness at record highs. And Wall Street Journal reporting confirms that boutique fitness studios are enjoying renewed growth as consumers prioritize community-driven workouts. The timing to invest in a 9Round franchise has rarely been better.
Ready to take the next step? Apply with Crestmont Capital today and get matched with the best franchise loan options for your 9Round journey.
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Apply Now →Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.