Little Gym, The

Founded: 1976 Franchising since: 1992
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.

7001 N. Scottsdale Rd., #1050 Scottsdale, AZ 85253

Phone: (888)228-2878

Franchisor has 39 employee(s); 6 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	267	13	35	0
2008	265	9	36	0
2007	242	5	37	0
2006	212	4	38	0
2005	176	2	35	0

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, United states, Washington, Wisconsin
Outside the U.S.: Asia, Australia/new zealand, Canada, Eastern europe, Middle east, Mexico, Philippines, Western europe

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 10,000-15,000 children

Total investment: $127.5K-294K Franchise fee: $19.5K-69.5K

Ongoing royalty fee: 8% Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	Yes
Startup Costs	No	Yes
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	Yes
Accounts Receivable	No	Yes
Payroll	No	Yes

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $200K
Cash liquidity requirement: $75K
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Marketing skills

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)

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

Franchise 500® rank:
#126 (2009); #145 (2008); #140 (2007); #411 (2006); #349 (2005);

Ranked #1 in category in:
2009; 2008; 2007;

America's Top Global Franchises:
#98 (2009); #112 (2008); #108 (2007);