Kickboxing gym with your own space

Local adults and teens looking for a regular training home, fitness members, parents of children's class students and competitors.

Recurring monthly memberships, class packs, kids' programs, private coaching, gear sales and sometimes events or grading fees.

• Advanced kickboxing skill and coaching experience
• Running a membership business
• Managing and motivating instructors
• Marketing, sales and local networking

• Commercial lease commitments, including personal guarantees; consider getting legal advice before signing
• Zoning, business licence, building and fire code requirements for a fitness facility; check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance that explicitly covers sparring, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Membership contract and cancellation rules, which vary by province; check consumer protection rules
• Fixed costs continue through slow periods such as summer, so keep a cash buffer
• Waivers, first aid training and police checks for instructors working with children

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the lease, equipment such as bags, mats and pads, and whether you add a ring. Treat these as estimates and get quotes before committing.

Check zoning, business licence, building and fire code requirements for a fitness facility with your municipality. Also check lease commitments including personal guarantees, insurance that explicitly covers sparring, and membership contract and cancellation rules in your province.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on membership numbers and your class timetable. Fixed costs continue through slow periods such as summer, so keep a cash buffer.