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If you run a small business in New York, 2025 offers a robust mix of state, municipal, federal, and nonprofit loan options to help you grow, weather challenges, or launch new initiatives. But knowing which program fits your needs — and how to qualify — can be complex.
If you’re considering an SBA loan to grow your business, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is: “How much can I borrow?” The answer depends on several factors — including your revenue, credit score, collateral, and business plan.
Launching a new product line is one of the most effective ways to grow your business. It can attract new customers, deepen brand loyalty, and open new revenue streams. But product development isn’t cheap — from design and manufacturing to marketing and distribution, costs can add up fast.
A restaurant remodel can transform your business — boosting revenue, attracting new customers, and keeping your brand competitive. But renovations don’t come cheap. Depending on the size and scope of the project, costs can range from $100,000 to over $1 million, covering everything from kitchen upgrades and interior design to ADA compliance and new technology.
When small business owners hear “SBA loan forgiveness,” they often think it applies to all SBA loans. But in reality, forgiveness is limited to very specific loan programs. Most SBA loans — like the popular 7(a), 504, or Microloan programs — must be repaid in full.
Starting, expanding, or acquiring a medical or dental practice is one of the most rewarding steps a healthcare professional can take — but it’s also one of the most expensive. Between purchasing equipment, leasing or buying office space, hiring staff, and managing ongoing operations, launching a practice can easily cost hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of dollars.
Running a retail store in 2025 is rewarding — but also capital intensive. Between stocking inventory, managing seasonal peaks, leasing space, upgrading POS systems, and marketing, the financial demands add up fast. That’s why choosing the right loan is crucial for long-term success.
If your business is carrying debt from older loans, rising interest costs, or short-term financing, 2025 could be the perfect year to refinance. Interest rates, loan terms, and market conditions are evolving — and with the right refinancing strategy, you can save money, improve cash flow, and unlock capital for growth.
Getting approved for an SBA loan is one of the best ways to fund a small business. With low interest rates, long repayment terms, and flexible use of funds, SBA loans can help you expand operations, hire staff, purchase equipment, or boost cash flow.
Running a gym or fitness center is capital intensive. Between leasing space, buying equipment, hiring staff, marketing, and managing seasonal membership fluctuations, cash flow pressure is constant. Having the right financing in place can make or break your facility’s success.
Below is a guide to the best types of small business loans for gyms and fitness centers in 2025, what to look for, where to get them, and how to increase your chances of approval.
Gyms differ from many other small businesses in several ways:
High equipment costs (cardio machines, strength gear, etc.)
Depreciation and maintenance burden
Need for periodic upgrades to stay competitive
Membership revenue seasonality
Physical facility costs (build-out, remodeling, HVAC, etc.)
Because of these factors, lenders often require more rigorous underwriting or collateral. But the good news is there are loan options tailored for your needs.
Here are some of the best financing paths to consider, depending on what you need the money for (equipment vs expansion vs working capital).
One of the most versatile small business loans available. These government-backed loans can be used for equipment, working capital, expansions, and more.
Loan size: Up to $5 million in many cases.
Terms: Up to 10 years for general purposes; up to 25 years if real estate is involved.
Use: Equipment, real estate, operations, acquisitions.
You’ll need solid credit, business plan, collateral, and likely a personal guarantee.
Gyms & fitness centers often use 7(a) to fund equipment or acquisition.
Best when: You’re expanding, buying equipment, or acquiring another location.
Designed for fixed-asset purchases like real estate or major facility improvements.
The structure: 50% financed by conventional lender + 40% by a Certified Development Company (CDC) + 10% down payment.
Use: Purchase property, build-out, or large equipment.
Terms: Up to 25 years for real estate, 10 years for equipment.
Rates are fixed for the long term.
Because 504 is focused on “hard assets,” it doesn’t cover general operations or working capital.
Best when: You want to own your facility or make big structural investments.
If your primary goal is buying or upgrading gear, equipment financing is ideal.
The financed equipment itself serves as collateral.
Terms often match the useful lifespan of the equipment (5–10 years).
Easier approvals for those with weaker credit, since the lender has security in the gear.
Many lenders and specialty firms offer equipment loans for fitness gear.
Best when: Your biggest expense is machinery, and you want to spread payments.
Traditional bank or online term loans can work well when you need a lump sum for expansion, remodeling, or marketing.
Fixed payments over a set period (often 3–7 years).
Requires good credit, financials, and possibly collateral.
Best for more mature gyms with proven revenue.
A revolving credit line (similar to a credit card) that you draw from when needed.
Interest is only paid on the amount you use.
Useful for seasonal fluctuations, emergency repairs, or cash flow gaps.
Helps smooth out low-revenue months.
If you need fast cash or want to bridge a gap, short-term loans offer quick financing though at higher cost.
Terms often 6–18 months.
Good for sudden opportunities, urgent repairs, or managing slow months.
Some lenders are especially geared toward fitness or understand its business model:
National Funding markets gym & fitness business loans, equipment financing, and working capital solutions (funding up to around $500,000) with fast application processes. nationalfunding.com
Live Oak Bank has a team dedicated to fitness center lending. They understand gym acquisitions, expansions, and facility-level loans. Live Oak Banking Company
Biz2Credit offers gym financing, including equipment, working capital, and expansion loans. biz2credit.com
First Bank of the Lake also highlights SBA 7(a) and 504 loan services for gym/fitness clients. First Bank of The Lake
To get approved, you’ll want to show:
Consistent revenue & cash flow
Membership metrics (retention rates, growth, average revenue per member)
Financial documents: profit & loss statements, balance sheets, projections
Collateral / guarantees: real property, equipment, personal guarantees
Credit history (business & personal)
Business plan & experience in fitness or related industries
Diversify funding sources: Combine equipment loans, SBA, and working capital.
Build relationships with lenders who specialize in your industry.
Prepare accurate financial projections and breakdown of gym metrics.
Offer collateral or personal guarantee if needed.
Show your gym’s value proposition: specialty classes, niche audience, unique member retention.
Time your loan requests during stronger months (e.g. start of year when many join).
