Funding Amusement Parks and Entertainment Facilities

Running an amusement park or entertainment center isn’t just about thrills—it’s about delivering memorable experiences that keep guests coming back. But behind the scenes, those experiences come at a cost: ride maintenance, staffing, food operations, safety upgrades, and expansion projects.

Whether you're operating a seasonal fairground, indoor play zone, trampoline park, or full-scale theme park, funding amusement parks and entertainment facilities can give you the capital needed to grow, improve safety, modernize experiences, and increase profits.

Why Amusement Businesses Seek Funding

Entertainment businesses are capital-intensive. You may need funding to:

• Install new rides or interactive experiences

• Expand facility space or build new attractions

• Upgrade food courts or ticketing systems

• Comply with updated safety codes

• Cover seasonal payroll or training costs

• Launch high-impact marketing campaigns

Financing helps you keep up with industry trends and guest expectations—without draining your operating budget.

Types of Funding for Amusement Parks and Facilities

1. SBA 7(a) Loans

Best for: Expansion, real estate, or working capital.

• Up to $5 million

• Flexible use: rides, renovations, marketing

• Long repayment terms with low rates

• Requires strong credit and documentation

2. Equipment Financing

Best for: Purchasing or upgrading rides, game machines, kitchen appliances, etc.

• The asset secures the loan

• Conserves cash flow

• Can cover 100% of equipment cost

3. Commercial Real Estate Loans

Best for: Buying or expanding amusement park grounds.

• Long-term financing for land and buildings

• May include construction financing

4. Business Lines of Credit

Best for: Managing seasonal cash flow, maintenance costs, or short-term needs.

• Flexible draw options

• Pay interest only on funds used

• Reusable credit as you repay

5. Revenue-Based Financing

Best for: Entertainment businesses with high card-based revenue.

• Repayment tied to your daily/weekly revenue

• Easier qualification than traditional loans

• Good for businesses with unpredictable income

Common Projects That Require Financing

🎢 Ride Installation and Safety Upgrades

• New roller coasters or interactive rides

• Ride inspection and compliance costs

• Safety signage and infrastructure improvements

🍔 Food & Beverage Modernization

• Food truck stations or themed dining areas

• Mobile POS and order kiosks

• Staff training and uniforms

🎮 Arcade & Interactive Zone Expansion

• VR gaming pods

• Redemption counters and prize systems

• Indoor playground equipment or escape rooms

🎟️ Ticketing and Guest Experience

• Mobile ticketing systems

• RFID wristbands or app integration

• Loyalty programs and digital pass systems

🌳 Facility & Grounds Improvement

• Landscaping and seating areas

• Restroom renovations

• Shade structures or water misters for hot climates

Real-World Example: Family Fun Center Expansion

Before: A family entertainment center in the Midwest had a few basic attractions—mini-golf, go-karts, and batting cages—but wanted to stay open year-round.

Solution: They used a $250,000 SBA 7(a) loan to:

• Build a new indoor trampoline park

• Install a digital arcade with swipe cards

• Expand the café with seasonal menus

Result: The facility tripled its annual revenue, retained staff year-round, and became a destination for school trips and birthday parties.

What Lenders Look For

To secure financing, be ready to meet these criteria:

How to Prepare a Loan Application

1. Define your project scope: Break down upgrades or expansion plans

2. Collect financials: Tax returns, P&L statements, cash flow projections

3. Get quotes: From ride manufacturers, contractors, or equipment suppliers

4. Create a use-of-funds summary: Clearly show how the money will be spent

5. Compare lenders: Evaluate loan terms, interest rates, and turnaround time

Where to Find Financing

• Traditional Banks (for SBA and real estate loans)

• Online Lenders like Funding Circle, Lendio, or BlueVine

• Specialty Equipment Lenders for ride or arcade purchases

• SBA-Approved Lenders

• Private Investors or Capital Firms (for large-scale parks or expansions)

Bonus Opportunities

Don’t overlook alternative or supplementary funding:

• Tourism grants or local development funds

• Tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades

• Crowdfunding campaigns for new attractions

• Vendor financing (some ride manufacturers offer payment plans)

Final Thoughts

In the entertainment industry, experience is everything—and that often requires investment. From cutting-edge rides to immersive technology, funding your amusement park or facility isn’t just about upkeep. It’s about growth, differentiation, and long-term profitability.

With the right financing, you can thrill guests, outpace competitors, and turn your attraction into a must-visit destination.

Ready to scale your amusement park or entertainment facility?
Explore your financing options and bring your vision to life—one upgrade at a time.