Small neighborhood gymnastics center

Parents of children from toddlers to teens, adults in tumbling or fitness classes, and families booking parties or camps.

Monthly tuition per student, registration fees, camps, open gym sessions, birthday parties and sometimes merchandise. Rent and coach wages are the main costs.

• Qualified gymnastics coaching
• Managing and training staff
• Child safety and risk management
• Budgeting, scheduling and marketing

• Zoning, building and fire code rules for a gym with children, check with your city or county before signing a lease
• General liability and accident insurance suited to gymnastics, plus workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Check state or local rules on background checks and child safety training for coaches, and whether USA Gymnastics membership is worth it
• Equipment must be installed, spaced and maintained properly, and injuries are a real risk
• High fixed costs such as rent and wages, so test demand first and avoid long leases you cannot afford
• Enrollment often dips in summer and around holidays, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the size of your unit, equipment and fit-out. Fixed costs such as rent and wages are high, so test demand first and avoid long leases you cannot afford.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on enrollment, class mix and extras like camps and parties. Enrollment often dips in summer and around holidays, so plan your cash flow.

Check zoning, building and fire code rules for a gym with children with your city or county before signing a lease. Check general liability and accident insurance suited to gymnastics, plus workers' compensation once you hire staff.