Dedicated sambo and grappling gym

Local adults and families paying ongoing memberships, plus visiting students at seminars and grading events.

Recurring memberships, with extra income from kids' programs, private lessons, competition entry fees, merchandise and hosted seminars. Rent is the biggest fixed cost.

• Strong sambo skills and coaching experience
• Running a small business and managing rent and cash flow
• Marketing and member retention

• Lease commitments and bonds, so get advice before signing
• Council planning, zoning, fire safety and occupancy requirements for a gym, which vary by council and state
• Public liability and participant accident insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Working with Children Checks for you and any coaches who teach juniors
• Mat hygiene and skin infections, so set cleaning routines
• Quiet months can hurt cash flow, so keep a buffer

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the leased unit, bond, permanent mats, changing rooms and fit-out. Get advice before signing a lease, as commitments and bonds can be significant.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on membership numbers, your class timetable and any seminars or grading events. Quiet months can hurt cash flow, so keep a buffer.

Check lease terms and bonds, plus council planning, zoning, fire safety and occupancy requirements, which vary by council and state. Also check public liability and participant accident insurance, workers compensation once you hire staff, Working with Children Checks, and mat hygiene routines.