The total initial investment to open a StretchLab franchise ranges from approximately $165,000 to $354,000. This includes the franchise fee ($35,000-$45,000), leasehold improvements, equipment, working capital, and marketing costs. Actual costs vary based on location, buildout complexity, and real estate market conditions.

The initial franchise fee for a single StretchLab unit is currently $35,000 to $45,000. This fee is paid directly to the franchisor upon signing the franchise agreement. It covers the rights to use the StretchLab brand name, access to their proprietary operating systems, and comprehensive initial training for you and your key staff members.

The timeline can vary depending on the loan type. Conventional loans and equipment financing can often be approved and funded in a matter of days or weeks. SBA 7(a) loans are more involved and typically take 30 to 90 days from application to funding. Because StretchLab is on the SBA Franchise Registry, the process is often on the faster end of that range when working with an experienced lender like Crestmont Capital.

While requirements vary, a personal credit score of 650 is often the minimum threshold for many business loans. For the most favorable terms, especially with SBA loans, lenders prefer to see a credit score of 680 or higher. A strong credit history demonstrates financial discipline and reduces perceived risk for the lender.

SBA loans are very attainable for new franchises, especially for strong brands like StretchLab. The proven business model of a franchise reduces the risk associated with a typical startup. The key is to have a solid business plan, meet the credit and down payment requirements, and work with a lender that specializes in SBA and franchise financing. The process is detailed, but not necessarily difficult with the right guidance.

For an SBA 7(a) loan to finance a new franchise, the minimum down payment (or equity injection) is typically 10% of the total project cost. For conventional loans, the requirement is often higher, usually in the 20-30% range. For a $300,000 total investment, a 10% down payment would be $30,000.

StretchLab franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 7% of gross revenues. This fee supports the franchisor's corporate operations, ongoing training, and franchisee support systems. Additionally, there is a 2% marketing fee that contributes to a national fund used for brand-level advertising and marketing campaigns that benefit all locations.

Yes, you can. Equipment financing is a specific type of loan used to purchase business equipment. For a StretchLab, this would cover the specialized stretching benches, recovery tools, and computer systems. The equipment itself serves as collateral, which can make these loans easier to obtain. It's an excellent option if you are paying for other startup costs with cash but want to finance the equipment to preserve your capital.

While StretchLab itself does not directly provide financing, they support multi-unit ownership and work with third-party lenders like Crestmont Capital who specialize in it. We can help you structure a financing plan to acquire and develop multiple territories, which may involve a larger initial SBA loan or a series of loans as you expand.

Absolutely. After your business has been operating successfully for a period of time (typically 1-2 years), you may be eligible to refinance your initial loan. Business owners often refinance to secure a lower interest rate, change the loan term to adjust their monthly payment, or cash out equity to fund an expansion or a second location.

If your credit score is below the typical 650-680 range, you should focus on improving it before applying. Steps include paying all bills on time, paying down credit card balances to lower your utilization rate, and checking your credit report for errors. In some cases, bringing on a business partner with a stronger credit profile or providing a larger down payment may help offset a lower score.

The required equipment package for a StretchLab studio includes multiple custom-designed stretching benches, which are the centerpiece of the studio. It also includes smaller recovery tools like foam rollers and massage guns, a point-of-sale (POS) system, computers, and audio-visual equipment for the studio. The total equipment cost typically ranges from $25,000 to $45,000.

The StretchLab FDD estimates the need for $30,000 to $75,000 in working capital. This is a crucial reserve to cover operating expenses for the first three to six months of business, before you start generating consistent positive cash flow. This includes rent, payroll, utilities, insurance, and local marketing. It is always wise to be conservative and ensure you have sufficient capital to weather the initial ramp-up period.

For most first-time franchisees, the SBA 7(a) loan is the best option. It offers a lower down payment requirement (as low as 10%), long repayment terms that keep monthly payments affordable, and competitive interest rates. The ability to finance nearly all startup costs, including working capital, into a single loan makes it an ideal, comprehensive solution for new business owners.

Our process is designed for speed and simplicity. It starts with a quick online application that takes just a few minutes to complete. Once submitted, a dedicated franchise financing specialist will contact you to discuss your StretchLab project in detail. We then work with you to gather the necessary documentation and submit a complete package to our underwriting team. As a direct lender, we provide fast decisions and can move you from application to funding efficiently.