The Little Gym

#326

At a Glance

Products & Services: Children's development/fitness program

Number of Locations: 280

Total Investment: $147.5K - 294K

Founded: 1976

Began Franchising: 1992

Private Owned

About The Little Gym

After teaching grade school in public schools for years, Robin Wes used his physical education, psychology and motor development degrees to open The Little Gym in 1976. Although it started out focusing on physical education, the program has evolved to focus on children's intellectual and social development as well.

Today Little Gym offers programs for various age levels, including Parent & Child, Developmental Gymnastics, Karate and Sports Skills Development. Franchises also hold birthday parties, summer camps, Creative Crafts Adventures and Parent's Survival Nights.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S.	Canadian	International	Company Owned
2011	219	20	39	2
2010	241	13	49	2
2009	261	14	37	0
2008	265	9	36	0

Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.

Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing

Total Investment: $147,500 - $294,000
Franchise Fee: $39,500 - $69,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 8%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable

Financial Requirements

Net Worth: $300,000
Liquid Cash Available: $75,000

Operations

23.5% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 7. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).

Financing Type	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee
Startup Costs
Equipment
Inventory
Accounts Receivable
Payroll

How This Franchise Supports Franchisees

Training: Available at headquarters: 2 weeks. At franchisee's location: 5 days. Existing franchise location : 1 week.

Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,

Marketing Support: Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,

Other marketing support: National & local PR support, online marketing