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The Business Plan Template You Need For a Fitness Club

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  • December 29, 2023
  • Beauty & Wellness

recreation club business plan

Whether you’re looking to raise funding from private investors or to get a loan from a bank for your fitness club, you will need to prepare a solid business plan.

In this article we go through, step-by-step, all the different sections you need in your fitness club business plan to build a complete, clear and solid business plan that get you funded. Let’s dive in!

1. Executive Summary

This is the first part and the most important section of your business plan. This is the first thing lenders and/or investors will have a look at.

Before we dive into the specifics, keep in mind the executive summary is a summary: keep it to 2 pages maximum.

Your executive summary should briefly sum up the key sections of your business plan as well as presenting the funding ask.

Why businesses prepare business plans?

The funding ask (or funding requirement), as explained below, is the reason why any business would have a business plan. Business plans are prepared for one of the 3 following objectives:

  • Obtain financing from a bank or any other lender (a SBA loan for example)
  • Obtain financing from private investors (business angels, investment funds, etc.)
  • Get approval for a private or public grant

What goes in an executive summary for a fitness club?

Gyms, fitness clubs and other health centers should include the following information:

  • Business overview : the name of your company, its legal structure, the business model (franchise vs. independent ; commercial vs. medical gym) and how you plan to generate revenue (subscriptions vs. memberships)
  • Market analysis : how big is the fitness industry in your area? how many competitors are there? what’s the average spend per customer per gym?
  • People : who is the management team? what is your/their experience in the fitness industry?
  • Financial plan : what is your expected revenue and profitability for the next 5 years? When do you expect to break-even? Simply include here a chart of your key financials (e.g. Revenue, Gross Profit, Net profit )
  • Funding ask : what loan/investment/grant are you seeking? How much do you need? How long will this last?

recreation club business plan

2. Business Overview

The business overview (or “Company description”) is the 2nd section of your business plan. It should cover all the important aspects of your company: what services / products you sell, how you make money, who are your customers, how the company is structured, etc.

Let’s now see one by one the different pieces of information you should cover here:

As an introduction, briefly explain the genesis of the project: when, how and why you decided to start your own fitness club. What gave you the idea to start a new gym today?

Anything that shows investors or lenders passion and most importantly the background and rationale of you deciding to open a new fitness club today goes a long way.

For example, you might be a private trainer with managerial experience and you found out that there was strong demand for a CrossFit club in your area yet little/no competition yet.

Business Model

Here, explain what is the business model of your gym. There are a few things to mention:

  • Are you opening an independent or franchise gym?
  • Which type of gym? Are you specializing into a specific kind of fitness club (e.g. CrossFit, HIT, bike, etc.) or is this a medical health center for accident recoveries and/or athletes?
  • Is this a membership or a pay-per-class gym? A combination of both?
  • How do you plan to make money: by selling subscriptions, classes, merchandise, online classes, etc?

Target Audience

Another important part of the business overview section of your fitness club business plan is your target audience .

Who is your typical customer? What’s their first motivation to go to a fitness club (physics, aesthetics, competition)? How much do they spend in average per month in fitness-related products and services ? What are they looking for (are they interested in extra services e.g. massages, personal training, etc.)?

For example, a high-end pay-per-class HIT gym like Barry’s Bootcamp would target fit and affluent young professionals and adults who are looking for short, high-intensity workouts. They aren’t necessarily interested in personal training nor even weight loss.

Knowing exactly who are your target customers will give you an edge over competition to attract and retain them.

recreation club business plan

Legal Structure

Finally, your business overview section should specify what type of business structure you opt for. Is this a corporation or a partnership (LLC)? Who are the investors? How much equity percentage do they own? Is there a Board of Directors? If so, whom? Do they have experience in the industry?

recreation club business plan

Gym Financial Model

Download an expert-built 5-year Excel financial model for your business plan

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis is an important section of your fitness club business plan. Here, you should show lenders and/or investors that you fully understand the trends of the industry you evolve in.

More importantly, it should prove to anyone that opening a fitness club now makes total sense based on market and competition dynamics.

For example, you would open a fitness club in an area where competition is limited. The same way you would start a HIT training gym in an area where your target customers live (e.g. large cities, affluent neighborhoods, etc.).

Market trends

Here you need to clearly identify 2 very important metrics:

  • Market size : how big is your market?
  • Market growth: how fast does your market grow?

First, you will need to define what is your market. Is this the membership gym industry in Los Angeles? Or is this the pay-per-class spinning gym industry in the US?

It’s always better to be more specific. For example, it’s better to define your market at a city level where you plan to open your gym (Los Angeles for example) vs. for the US as a whole.

Indeed, the US gym industry may be a very large industry ($33 billion in 2022), it might not be the case in the city where you want to open yours.

Of course, chances are that you will have difficulty finding some information. In any case, you should be able to make a high-level estimation of your market. Read our article on market sizing and how to estimate TAM, SAM and SOM for your startup .

Competition

The 2nd step of your market analysis is to describe competition in your area. There are a few questions to answer here:

  • How many gyms are there in the area?
  • What types of gyms are there (membership vs. pay-per-class ; specialty vs. general commercial gyms)?
  • What is the price point of your competitors (how much do they charge per membership / per class)?
  • How many customers do they have (approximately)?
  • What type of machines / equipments do they have?
  • Do they offer extra services (personal training, nutrition planning, massages, SPA , etc.)

In the end, your competition analysis should show a strong rationale for opening your gym today. It can be for example that:

  • There is no bodybuilding gym in the area but only affordable gyms with limited machines and equipment. Bodybuilders would love paying extra for a new gym with all the key machines they need for their competitions and physique
  • There is no pay-per-class fitness club in the area and existing gyms’ few spinning and HIT classes are always overbooked. Some sport enthusiasts would rather avoid paying a membership for a generic gym and go instead once or twice a week to a spinning class with dedicated trainers and lots of dates / times to choose from.

recreation club business plan

We already touched upon your target audience in the Business overview section earlier.

Here instead, the objective is to show lenders and investors that your target audience actually exists and live in the area where you plan to open a fitness club.

Therefore, you should explain here what are the types of customers who go to gyms and other fitness clubs in your area. Are they going to a yoga class once a week, or are they heavy sport addicts who hit the gym 2-3 times a week?

When you present customers here, you should always tie it into competition. Are gym customers in your area finding what they want, or is there a gap to fill in the market instead?

Studying competition is also very important to find information about potential customers. For example, it wouldn’t make any sense for you to open another CrossFit gym in an area where your only competitor is already struggling to pay rent. In other words, you don’t need to speak to any CrossFit enthusiast to know that they aren’t many in this area.

4. Sales & Marketing Strategy

Your fitness business plan should include a sales & marketing plan where you outline your strategy to acquire your target customers.

For example, you should answer the following questions:

  • What channel(s) do you plan to use (online vs. offline marketing channels )?
  • How does it make sense for your target audience? For example, social media may be your best bet to attract young adults to your new gym. Instead, billboards may be too expensive in certain areas
  • What is your unique selling proposition ?
  • What is your expected marketing budget?
  • How will you track whether your marketing strategy is profitable? What’s your customer acquisition cost (CAC)?
  • What strategies and promotional offers do you plan on using in the early days to attract your first customers?

Let’s expand a bit on a few questions below:

What marketing channels fitness clubs use?

A few marketing channels fitness clubs typically use are:

  • Email marketing
  • Social media
  • Pay-per-click campaigns (e.g. Google Ads )
  • Sponsorships (especially for B2B customers)
  • Partnerships (for example with day spas, coworking spaces, companies, etc.)

recreation club business plan

What is your unique selling proposition?

In other words, how do you differentiate yourself vs. competitors? This is very important as you might need to win customers from competitors.

A few examples of USPs are:

  • Price : you may be cheaper vs. your competitors
  • Quality : you offer new, state-of-the-art machines and equipments whilst your competitors’ are outdated
  • Pure player : you aim to be the go-to gym for pay-per-class HIT and spinning classes (vs. existing generic membership gyms that lag behind for these workouts)

5. Management & Organizational Structure

The 5th section of your fitness club business plan should be about people. It should include 2 main elements:

  • The management team and their experience / track record
  • The organizational structure: what are the different teams and who reports to whom?

Here you should list all the management roles in your company. Of course, the amount of details you need to include here varies depending on the size of your company. A franchise business with 6 gyms would need more detail vs. an independent fitness club.

If you plan on running your business independently, you may write a short paragraph explaining who are the co-founders and/or managers (if there are any in addition to yourself), their qualifications and previous professional experiences.

Organizational structure

No matter how many leadership roles there are, you should now explain how you intend to run the company from a management standpoint.

What are the different teams (management, operations, personal trainers, etc.)? Are they any key supervisory roles who aren’t necessarily managers (e.g. team leaders, etc.). Note that you should include these details even if you haven’t hired anyone yet. It will show lenders and investors that you have a solid hiring and management plan to run the business successfully.

A great addition here is to add an organizational chart that list all the roles, from Directors to managers, key supervisory roles, employees and contractors. Make sure to highlight with reporting lines who manages/supervises whom.

6. Financial Plan

The financial plan is perhaps, with the executive summary, the most important section of any business plan.

Indeed, a solid financial plan tells lenders that your business is viable and can repay the loan you need from them. If you’re looking to raise equity from private investors, a solid financial plan will prove them your business is an attractive investment.

Remember: business plan are meant to obtain funding (a loan, grant or equity) from investors or a bank. These lenders or investors are people with strong financial analysis skills. Therefore, they will mostly look at your project from a financial standpoint. You might have the best fitness club out there, yet if yours isn’t profitable no one will invest, let alone lend you money.

There should be 3 sections to your financial plan section:

  • Your historical financials (only if you already operate the business and have financial accounts to show)
  • The startup costs of your project (if you plan to open a new gym, purchase new equipment, renovate your facilities, etc.)
  • The 5-year financial projections

Historical Financials (if any)

In the scenario where you already have some historical financials (a few quarters or a few years), include them. A summary of your financial statements in the form of charts e.g. revenue, gross profit and net profit is enough, save the rest for the appendix.

If you don’t have any, don’t worry, most new businesses don’t have any historical financials and that’s ok. If so, jump to Startup Costs instead.

Startup Costs

Before we expand on 5-year financial projections in the following section, it’s always best practice to start with listing the startup costs of your project. For a fitness club, startup costs are all the expenses you incur before you can open your gym and make money.

These expenses mostly include:

  • The lease deposit for the space you rent
  • The equipment and machines. If you decide to purchase (vs. leasing) the equipment, the total cost varies based on the number of machines and the quality. Keep in mind that fitness equipment typically ranges from $2,000 a piece for standard equipment (e.g. mid-end price range bikes) to $8,000 for heavier, high-end machines

It costs on average $24,000 to $500,000 to open a gym. The startup costs depend on a number of factors, mostly whether you decide to buy or lease the equipment (the machines). For a full review of how much it costs to open and run a fitness club, have a look at our complete guide .

Financial Projections

In addition to startup costs, you will now need to build a solid financial model over 5 years.

Your financial projections should be built using a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel or Google Sheets) and presented in the form of tables and charts in the business plan of your fitness club.

As usual, keep it concise here and save details (for example detailed financial statements, financial metrics, key assumptions used for the projections) for the appendix instead.

Your financial projections should answer at least the following questions:

  • How much revenue do you expect to generate over the next 5 years?
  • When do you expect to break even?
  • How much cash will you burn until you get there?
  • What’s the impact of a change in pricing (say 20%) on your margins?
  • What is your average customer acquisition cost?

You should include here your 3 financial statements (income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement). This means you must forecast:

  • The number of customers over time ;
  • Your expected revenue ;
  • Operating costs to run the business ;
  • Any other cash flow items (e.g. capex, debt repayment, etc.).

When projecting your revenue, make sure to sensitize pricing and the number of members / customers as a small change in these assumptions will have a big impact on your revenues.

When it comes to the costs, consider both startup and operating costs. For more information, read our article on  how much it costs to open a gym or fitness club . For more information on how to build financial projections for a gym, read our complete guide here .

recreation club business plan

7. Funding Ask

This is the last section of your fitness club business plan. Now that we have explained what your fitness club business model is about, what’s your strategy, where you go and how you get there, this section must answer the following questions:

  • How much funding do you need?
  • What financial instrument(s) do you need (is this equity or debt, or even a free-money public grant?)
  • How long will this funding last?
  • Where else does the money come from? If you apply for a SBA loan for example, where does the other part of the investment come from (your own capital, private investors?)

If you raise debt:

  • What percentage of the total funding the loan represents?
  • What is the corresponding Debt Service Coverage Ratio ?

If you raise equity

  • What percentage ownership are you selling as part of this funding round?
  • What is the corresponding valuation of your business?

Use of Funds

Any business plan should include a clear use of funds section. This is where you explain how the money will be spent.

Will you spend most of the loan / investment in paying your employees’ salaries? Or will it cover mostly the cost to acquire the fitness machines and the renovation of the building?

Those are very important questions you should be able to answer in the blink of an eye. Don’t worry, this should come straight from your financial projections. If you’ve built solid projections like in our fitness club financial model template , you won’t have any issues answering these questions.

For the use of funds, we recommend using a pie chart like the one we have in our financial model template where we outline the main expenses categories as shown below.

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Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

indoor sports facility business plan

Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their indoor sports complex companies. 

If you’re unfamiliar with creating an indoor sports complex business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an indoor sports complex business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your indoor sports complex business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for an Indoor Sports Complex

If you’re looking to start an indoor sports complex business or grow your existing indoor sports complex company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your indoor sports complex business to improve your chances of success. Your indoor sports facility business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes. 

Sources of Funding for Indoor Sports Complex Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an indoor sports complex business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan (hand it to them in person or email to them as a PDF file) and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for indoor sports complex companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for an indoor sports complex business.

If you want to start an indoor sports complex business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide and sample below detail the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your indoor sports complex business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of indoor sports complex business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an indoor sports complex business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of indoor sports complex businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. 

  • Give a brief overv iew of the indoor sports complex industry. 
  • Discuss the type of indoor sports complex business you are operating. 
  • Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. 
  • Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team. 
  • Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of indoor sports complex business you are operating.

For example, you m ight specialize in one of the following types of indoor sports complex businesses:

  • Indoor sport courts: In this type of indoor sports complex, a variety of specific courts are offered for game play or practice; including basketball, racquetball, handball, and volleyball. 
  • Indoor field arenas: Including soccer, baseball, a running track and other field-sized options, an indoor arena offers a wide variety of sporting-options for field play. 
  • Indoor pool and water play parks: This type of indoor sports complex provides a comprehensive water-play experience for families. In addition to lap pools and dive pools, kiddie pools and splash pads are set up for children of all ages. 
  • Indoor gymnastics complex: An indoor sports complex equipped for gymnastics will include training and equipment; such as the pommel horse, tumbling mats, rings, parallel bars, ceiling swings, high-low bars, and a variety of other elements to build and strengthen gymnastic skills.

In addition to explaining the type of indoor sports complex business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of soccer leagues under contract, the national certification of swimming teams, the  X number of gymnastics clients served, etc.
  • Your legal indoor sports complex business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the indoor sports complex industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the indoor sports complex industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your sports facility business plan:

  • How big is the indoor sports complex industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your indoor sports complex business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your indoor sports complex business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: 

  • Individuals who want to improve personal strength or aptitude in a sport
  • Parents who seek training for their children in a sport or individual skill
  • Families who want to enjoy physical exercise and play time together 
  • Teams who are looking for a stable indoor environment in which to regularly play
  • Corporations who are seeking an indoor team-building atmosphere

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of indoor sport complex business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers. Ideally you can speak with a sample of your target customers before writing your plan to better understand their needs.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are othe r indoor sports complex businesses. 

Indirect competitors are options that customers may choose instead of your direct competitors. For example, families may choose to use a public pool or park, sports teams may opt for outdoor sports fields, or individuals may choose to build physical skills using equipment at home. You need to mention such competition, as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What type of indoor sports complex business do they operate?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at or known for?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you provide options for sports professionals who need superior service?
  • Will you offer services, such as sports training that your competition doesn’t?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer customized amenities or services in the changing rooms?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For an sports facility business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type o f indoor sports complex company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide instructor-led classes for children to learn how to play basketball, racquetball, handball and volleyball in your indoor courts?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of yo ur plan, yo u are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your indoor sports complex company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your indoor sports complex business located in a busy urban district, a new residential area, or in a corporate business park ? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your indoor sports complex marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertising in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
  • Reaching out to local websites 
  • Distributing flyers
  • Engaging in email marketing
  • Advertising on social media platforms
  • Improving the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your indoor sports complex business, including maintaining customer relationships, providing well-cleaned and maintained sports areas and equipment, and invoicing and servicing of customer accounts.  

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth soccer league, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your indoor sports complex business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your indoor sports complex business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company. 

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing indoor sports complex businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in owning or managing an indoor sports complex business or successfully running a gymnastics center or public sports park.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance s heet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you see 50 sports players per day? Or, will you have more than 20 teams on contract for league play each season? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your indoor sports complex business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. 

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing an indoor sports complex business:

  • Cost of sport court lighting, set up, build-out and equipment
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and furnishings

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your 10-year building lease agreement or a list of early-adopter customers who’ve paid in advance for a 5-year membership.

Writing a business plan for your indoor sports complex business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the indoor sports complex industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful indoor sports complex business.

Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my indoor sports complex business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your indoor sports complex business plan.

How Do You Start an Indoor Sports Complex Business?

Starting an indoor sports complex business is easy with these 14 steps:

  • Choose the Name for Your Indoor Sports Complex Business
  • Create Your Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Indoor Sports Complex Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your Indoor Sports Complex Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your Indoor Sports Complex Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Indoor Sports Complex Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Indoor Sports Complex Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Indoor Sports Complex Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Indoor Sports Complex Business
  • Open for Business

Where Can I Download a Free Business Plan Template PDF?

Click here  to download the pdf version of our basic business plan template.

Our free business plan template pdf allows you to see the key sections to complete in your plan and the key questions that each must answer. The business plan pdf will definitely get you started in the right direction.

We do offer a premium version of our business plan template.  Click here to learn more about it.  The premium version includes numerous features allowing you to quickly and easily create a professional business plan. Its most touted feature is its financial projections template which allows you to simply enter your estimated sales and growth rates, and it automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.  Here’s the link to our Ultimate Business Plan Template.

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Sports Club Business Plan: How To Do It [Guide]

Are you an enthusiast looking to start a sports club? Perhaps you dream of building a thriving sports community that brings people together and promotes physical activity.

As an industry professional in the context of sports clubs, I understand the importance of a well-crafted business plan.

In this comprehensive guide, I will share knowledge and insights to help you develop a winning sports club business plan that sets you up for success.

Table of Content

  • Introduction
  • Defining Your Vision and Mission
  • Market Research and Analysis
  • Building Your Sports Club Structure
  • Financial Planning and Budgeting
  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Operations and Management
  • Facilities and Equipment
  • Risk Management and Legal Considerations
  • Measuring Success and Growth

1. Introduction

Starting a sports club can be an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning to turn your vision into a reality.

A well-structured business plan is the foundation of every successful sports club. It not only outlines your objectives but also serves as a roadmap for achieving them.

Let’s dive into the essential steps of creating a sports club business plan.

2. Defining Your Vision and Mission

Before you start writing your business plan, it’s crucial to clearly define your sports club’s vision and mission. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is the purpose of your sports club?
  • What values and principles do you want to promote through your club?
  • What are your long-term and short-term goals?

By identifying your club’s purpose and setting specific goals, you’ll be better equipped to create a focused and impactful business plan.

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

To ensure your business plan is actionable, set clear and measurable objectives. Consider the following factors:

  • The number of members you aim to attract in the first year
  • The frequency of sports events or activities you plan to organize
  • Financial targets, such as revenue and expenses

3. Market Research and Analysis

Understanding the sports industry landscape is essential for a successful sports club. Conduct thorough market research to gain insights into your potential target audience and competitors.

Analyzing the Sports Industry Landscape

Research trends and market demands in the sports industry. Determine which sports are popular in your region and how you can capitalize on those interests.

Identifying Your Target Audience and Competition

Define your target audience based on demographics, interests, and preferences. Identify your competitors and analyze their strengths and weaknesses to find opportunities for differentiation.

4. Building Your Sports Club Structure

The foundation of a successful sports club lies in its structure and offerings.

Choosing the Right Sports and Activities

Select sports and activities that align with your club’s vision and cater to your target audience’s interests. Consider offering a diverse range of options to attract a broader audience.

Selecting the Ideal Location

The location of your sports club can significantly impact its success. Choose a place easily accessible to your target audience and with sufficient space to accommodate your activities.

5. Financial Planning and Budgeting

Developing a sound financial plan is crucial for the sustainable growth of your sports club.

Estimating Initial Costs and Investments

Calculate the initial costs of setting up the club, including facility rent, equipment purchase, and staff recruitment.

Developing a Sustainable Financial Model

Create a detailed financial forecast to estimate revenues and expenses over time. This will help you ensure the financial viability of your sports club.

6. Marketing and Promotion

Effectively marketing your sports club will attract potential members and increase your visibility.

Creating a Brand Identity for Your Sports Club

Develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. This includes creating a compelling logo, tagline, and mission statement.

Leveraging Digital Marketing Channels

Utilize online platforms and social media to reach a wider audience. Engage with potential members through content marketing and community building.

7. Operations and Management

Efficient day-to-day operations are vital for delivering a seamless experience to your club members.

Establishing Efficient Day-to-day Operations

Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline administrative tasks and ensure smooth club operations.

Building a Strong Team and Leadership

Recruit passionate and knowledgeable individuals to manage and lead your sports club. Effective leadership will drive growth and foster a positive club culture.

8. Facilities and Equipment

Investing in quality facilities and equipment is essential for providing a top-notch experience to your members.

Ensuring Adequate Facilities and Amenities

Ensure that your club’s facilities meet the needs of your chosen sports and activities. Offer amenities that enhance the overall experience for members.

Selecting Quality Sports Equipment

Invest in high-quality sports equipment that is safe and durable. Well-maintained equipment will contribute to a positive member experience.

9. Risk Management and Legal Considerations

Mitigating risks and complying with legal requirements protect both your club and its members.

Mitigating Risks and Liabilities

Implement safety protocols and insurance coverage to protect your members from potential accidents or injuries.

Complying with Legal Requirements

Ensure that your sports club adheres to all relevant legal and regulatory guidelines, including permits and licenses.

10. Measuring Success and Growth

Regularly evaluating your club’s performance and progress will help you make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement.

Setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Establish measurable KPIs to monitor the success of your sports club. These may include member retention rates, revenue growth, and event attendance.

Evaluating and Adapting Your Business Plan

Periodically review and update your business plan based on data-driven insights. This will enable you to adapt to changing market conditions and member preferences.

11. Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to create a successful sports club business plan. By defining your vision, conducting thorough research, and implementing effective marketing and management strategies, you are well-equipped to build a thriving sports community.

Remember that the journey of starting and managing a sports club may have challenges, but with dedication, passion, and the right business plan, you can turn your dream into a reality.

Good luck on your sports club venture! Here’s to a bright and prosperous future filled with sportsmanship, camaraderie, and success!

Magnus Berglund

Hello! I’m Magnus Berglund , a seasoned trendspotter and proud founder of SportsBizTrends.com .

With over a decade of experience as an independent advisor and consultant, I have specialized in business development and creative marketing within the sports industry . This has, among other things, resulted in a book about sports sponsorship (only available in Swedish for the moment).

If you find my writing interesting, please share it with your colleagues and friends. It would be greatly appreciated!

And yes, I do freelance consulting and provide lectures at industry events, business networks, board meetings, and similar occasions. However, since I also work as a Marketing Manager for an industrial company, I choose the occasions wisely.

That said, don’t hesitate to contact me with your inquiry .

With experience from various assignments in strategy, tactical activations, and valuation of sponsorship (from the grassroots level to the English Premier League), I am happy to share my insights and ideas in this fast-paced industry.

For more information about me and my work, including my contact details, please visit the About page , or connect with me via LinkedIn .

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How To Write a Business Plan for Recreation Center in 9 Steps: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on recreation center.

  • Financial Model
  • Business Plan
  • Value Proposition
  • One-Page Business Plan
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Business Model
  • Marketing Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for a recreation center in 9 steps! Recreational activities have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people seeking out fun and engaging ways to spend their leisure time. In fact, the recreation center industry has experienced a steady growth rate of X% over the past few years, making it an exciting and lucrative business opportunity.

Before diving into the step-by-step process of creating a comprehensive business plan for your recreation center, it's important to understand the market and identify your target customers. Conduct thorough research to gather the latest statistical information on consumer preferences, trends, and demographics. This will help you tailor your offerings to meet the unique needs and interests of your target audience.

Once you have a clear understanding of your target market, it's time to define your recreation center's mission and goals. What sets your facility apart from the competition? What is the overarching purpose of your center? Clearly articulating your vision will not only guide your decision-making process but also attract customers who resonate with your values.

Speaking of competition, conducting a thorough analysis of existing recreation centers in your area is essential. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, analyze their pricing and offerings, and determine how you can differentiate your business. This knowledge will enable you to position your recreation center strategically and effectively in the market.

To turn your vision into a reality, careful financial planning is crucial. Determine the necessary funding for your recreation center and create a detailed budget to ensure you have all the resources you need. This will not only assist you in securing financing but also help you make informed decisions about investments, expenses, and pricing.

Location plays a vital role in the success of any recreation center. Research and select a location that is easily accessible, has ample parking, and is ideally situated near your target customers. Consider the size of the facility, nearby amenities, and zoning regulations to ensure that your chosen location aligns with your business needs.

Forming partnerships or collaborations with other businesses or organizations can significantly benefit your recreation center. Identify potential partners who share similar values and target audiences. This could include local schools, sports clubs, or businesses that offer complementary services. Collaborations can help expand your reach, increase credibility, and offer additional value to your customers.

Before moving forward with your business plan, it's essential to conduct a feasibility study to assess the viability and potential success of your recreation center. This involves analyzing market demand, evaluating financial projections, and performing a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). The results of this study will help you make informed decisions and refine your business plan.

A comprehensive marketing and promotional strategy is crucial to attract customers and generate awareness about your recreation center. Determine the best channels to reach your target audience, whether it's through social media, local advertising, or partnerships with community organizations. Develop a detailed plan that outlines your marketing tactics, budget, and goals.

Finally, it's time to begin developing a preliminary outline of your business plan. This should include sections such as an executive summary, company description, market analysis, organizational structure, management and operations plan, marketing strategy, financial projections, and risk assessment. This outline will serve as a roadmap for the more detailed and comprehensive business plan.

By following these 9 steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a winning business plan for your recreation center. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts, where we'll delve into each step in greater detail. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!

Research The Market And Identify Target Customers

Before starting a recreation center, it is crucial to thoroughly research the market and identify your target customers. This step will provide valuable insights and help you tailor your offerings to meet the specific needs and preferences of your potential customers.

Here are some key points to consider during this research phase:

  • Demographics: Understand the demographic composition of the area where you plan to establish your recreation center. Look at factors such as age groups, income levels, and family sizes. This information will guide you in aligning your activities, facilities, and pricing to cater to the target audience.
  • Competition: Study the existing recreation centers or similar entertainment venues in the area. Analyze their offerings, pricing, customer reviews, and reputation. This analysis will help you identify any gaps in the market that you can fill with unique services and experiences.
  • Customer Preferences: Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather insights on the preferences, expectations, and interests of your potential customers. Ask questions related to their preferred recreational activities, suitable timings, pricing, and additional services they would value. This data will aid in creating a customer-centric facility and designing attractive packages.
  • Market Trends and Forecasts: Stay updated on the latest trends and forecasts in the recreation and entertainment industry. This knowledge will enable you to anticipate changes in consumer behavior and adapt your strategies accordingly. It will also help you identify emerging opportunities and prepare for future growth.
  • Visit similar recreation centers in other locations to gain insights into their operations and offerings.
  • Engage with potential customers through online surveys or social media platforms to gather first-hand feedback.
  • Attend industry trade shows and conferences to network with professionals in the field and learn about market trends.

By thoroughly researching the market and identifying your target customers, you will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to create a compelling business plan and establish a recreation center that meets the needs and desires of your intended audience.

Define The Recreation Center's Mission And Goals

Defining the mission and goals of your recreation center is essential for creating a clear direction and purpose for your business. This step will guide your decisions and actions throughout the planning and execution process. The mission statement should succinctly articulate the overall purpose and values of your recreation center, while the goals will outline the specific objectives you aim to achieve.

When crafting your mission statement, consider the unique selling points of your recreation center and what sets it apart from competitors. This statement should convey the essence of your center and appeal to your target customers. Keep it concise and memorable to make a lasting impression.

Tips for defining your mission and goals:

  • Focus on providing a family-friendly environment that offers a wide range of recreational activities to cater to different interests and age groups.
  • Emphasize the importance of promoting physical fitness, social interaction, and overall well-being through engaging and entertaining experiences.
  • Express your commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming and inclusive community space.

Setting clear and measurable goals is crucial for charting the course of your recreation center. These goals should align with your mission statement and reflect the desired outcomes you want to achieve. They could include targets such as increasing the number of visitors, generating a specific level of revenue, or expanding the range of activities offered.

When establishing goals, consider the timeframe in which you intend to achieve them. Short-term goals can help you focus on immediate targets, while long-term goals will guide your strategic decisions for the future. Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable, taking into account factors such as market demand, competition, and available resources.

By clearly defining your mission and goals, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions and develop a comprehensive business plan that aligns with your vision for the recreation center.

Conduct A Thorough Analysis Of The Competition

When starting a recreation center, it is crucial to conduct a thorough analysis of the competition in order to gain a better understanding of the market landscape and identify opportunities for differentiation. By examining what other similar facilities are offering, you can determine how to position your recreation center effectively and stand out from the competition.

In order to conduct a comprehensive analysis, begin by researching and identifying all the existing recreation centers in your target area. Look for facilities that offer similar activities or target similar customer demographics. Take note of their strengths, weaknesses, pricing strategies, customer reviews, and overall reputation.

Compile your findings into a structured format, such as a spreadsheet or table, to facilitate detailed comparisons. This will help you gain insights into key points of differentiation, such as unique activities or services that may be lacking in the market. It will also allow you to identify any gaps or areas for improvement that your recreation center can capitalize on.

  • Consider visiting the competition in person to experience their facilities firsthand.
  • Connect with former or current customers of the competition to gather valuable insights.
  • Pay attention to online reviews and social media discussions to gauge customer satisfaction and identify areas of improvement for your own center.

Furthermore, it is essential to analyze the pricing strategies of your competition. Compare their pricing structures, membership options, and any additional fees they may charge. This will help you determine a competitive pricing strategy for your own recreation center while ensuring profitability.

By conducting a thorough analysis of the competition , you will gain valuable insights into the market dynamics, customer preferences, and potential opportunities for your recreation center. This knowledge will not only guide your decision-making process but also aid in creating a unique selling proposition that sets your facility apart from the rest.

Determine The Necessary Funding And Create A Budget

One of the most crucial steps in starting a recreation center is determining the necessary funding and creating a budget.

Firstly, you need to identify all the costs associated with setting up and operating your recreation center. This includes expenses such as purchasing or leasing a facility, equipment, staff salaries, marketing, insurance, utilities, and any other overhead costs. It is important to be thorough and account for all potential expenses.

Once you have calculated the total costs, you can then determine how much funding you will need to secure. There are various sources of funding that you can explore, such as personal savings, loans from banks or financial institutions, investors, crowdfunding, or government grants. Each option has its own pros and cons, so it is important to carefully evaluate which route is best for your particular situation.

Creating a budget is an essential part of the planning process, as it helps you manage your finances effectively and ensures that you have allocated enough funds for each aspect of your recreation center. A budget should outline your projected revenue streams, such as membership fees, event bookings, and food and beverage sales, as well as your anticipated expenses. By regularly monitoring your budget and tracking your actual income and expenses, you can make informed decisions to keep your recreation center financially healthy.

Tips for determining funding and creating a budget:

  • Consult with financial professionals or seek advice from experts to ensure accuracy and feasibility of your budget.
  • Consider conducting a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the potential return on investment and assess the viability of your recreation center.
  • Research different funding options and compare interest rates, terms, and conditions to find the most favorable financing solution for your business.
  • Be conservative when estimating revenues and be prepared for unforeseen expenses or fluctuations in income.
  • Regularly review and update your budget as your business grows and circumstances change.

Research And Select An Appropriate Location

Choosing the right location for your recreation center is crucial to its success. The location you select should be easily accessible to your target customers and have the necessary space to accommodate all the recreational activities you plan to offer. Here are some important factors to consider when researching and selecting an appropriate location:

  • Demographics: Look for a location that aligns with your target customer base. Research the demographics of the surrounding area to ensure there is a sufficient population that would be interested in visiting your recreation center.
  • Accessibility: Consider the proximity to main roads, public transportation, and other amenities. Ensure that the location is easy to find and convenient for both local residents and visitors.
  • Space and Layout: Evaluate the size and layout of potential locations to determine if they can accommodate all the recreational activities you plan to offer. Consider factors such as the availability of sports fields, game rooms, party areas, and dining facilities.
  • Competition: Research the surrounding area to identify any existing recreation centers or similar businesses. Analyze their offerings and target market to determine if there is room for your recreation center to thrive without facing excessive competition.
  • Cost: Consider the cost of renting or purchasing a location, as well as any additional expenses such as renovations or permits. Ensure that the expense is within your budget and that the location offers good value for the price.

Tips for selecting an appropriate location:

  • Visit potential locations in person to get a firsthand feel of the area and its surroundings.
  • Consider conducting surveys or focus groups to gather feedback from potential customers in the area.
  • Consult with a real estate agent or a business advisor who has experience in the recreation industry to help you make an informed decision.
  • Take into account any zoning or regulatory restrictions that may impact the operation of your recreation center.

By thoroughly researching and carefully selecting the right location for your recreation center, you can maximize the chances of attracting a steady flow of customers and establishing a successful business.

Identify Potential Partnerships or Collaborations

When starting a recreation center , it is essential to consider the potential partnerships or collaborations that can enhance your facility's offerings and attract a larger customer base. These partnerships can bring added value to your business, increase your reach, and provide unique experiences for your visitors. Here are a few important considerations:

  • Local Sports Teams and Organizations: Partnering with local sports teams or organizations can help boost your recreation center's credibility and attract enthusiasts of various sports. You can collaborate to host tournaments, training camps, or leagues.
  • Community Groups and Clubs: Identify local community groups or clubs that align with your recreation center's mission and goals. Collaborating with these organizations can provide programming opportunities, such as fitness classes, workshops, or special events.
  • Local Businesses: Forge partnerships with local businesses that complement your recreation center's offerings. This could include collaborating with a restaurant to provide food and beverage options or teaming up with a retail store to offer equipment or merchandise.
  • Schools and Educational Institutions: Establish connections with schools and educational institutions in your area. This can lead to partnerships for field trips, after-school programs, or hosting workshops related to physical education or teamwork.
  • Non-Profit Organizations: Identify non-profit organizations focused on recreation, sports, or youth development, and explore potential collaboration opportunities. By working together, you can create impactful initiatives that benefit the community.

Tips for Identifying Potential Partnerships or Collaborations:

  • Research local organizations and businesses that align with your recreation center's mission and values.
  • Network and attend community events to meet potential partners and discuss collaboration opportunities.
  • Reach out to organizations directly to express your interest in partnering and explore mutually beneficial arrangements.
  • Consider offering incentives or promotional opportunities for partners to encourage collaboration.
  • Regularly evaluate and monitor partnerships to ensure they continue to align with your recreation center's goals and objectives.

By identifying potential partnerships and collaborations, your recreation center can enhance its offerings and create a thriving ecosystem of activities and services. These collaborations can not only attract more customers but also create a sense of community and provide unique experiences that set your facility apart from the competition.

Conduct A Feasibility Study

Before proceeding further with your business plan for a recreation center, it is important to conduct a feasibility study. This study will help you evaluate the viability and potential success of your recreation center concept. Here are the key steps involved in conducting a feasibility study:

  • Define the study parameters: Clearly define the objectives of the feasibility study, including the specific areas you want to assess. This could include evaluating market demand, analyzing financial feasibility, and determining operational considerations.
  • Analyze the market: Assess the local market to determine if there is sufficient demand for a recreation center in the area. Research population demographics, competitors, and any existing gaps in recreational offerings. Identify your target customers and understand their preferences, needs, and willingness to pay for the activities and services you plan to offer.
  • Evaluate financial feasibility: Determine the financial viability of your recreation center by conducting a thorough financial analysis. This should include projecting the revenue potential, operating expenses, and expected return on investment. Consider factors such as the cost of equipment, ongoing maintenance, staffing expenses, and marketing costs.
  • Assess operational considerations: Evaluate the operational requirements of your proposed recreation center. This involves analyzing the space requirements, equipment needs, staffing requirements, and any necessary permits or licenses. Consider the operational challenges and potential risks associated with running a recreation center.
  • Consider potential obstacles: Identify any potential obstacles or challenges that may affect the success of your recreation center. This could include zoning restrictions, regulatory requirements, or unexpected competition. Develop contingency plans to mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of your business.

Tips for Conducting a Feasibility Study:

  • Engage with local community organizations, potential customers, and industry experts to gather insights and validate your ideas.
  • Use surveys, focus groups, or interviews to gather feedback from potential customers about their preferences, pricing expectations, and desired offerings.
  • Consider hiring a professional consultant who specializes in conducting feasibility studies to ensure a comprehensive analysis.
  • Regularly review and update your feasibility study as new information becomes available or market conditions change.

By conducting a thorough feasibility study, you will be able to make informed decisions about the viability of your recreation center business. The insights gained from this study will guide your business plan and help you create a successful and sustainable venture.

Formulate A Marketing And Promotional Strategy

Once you have determined your target customers and understand your competition, it's time to develop a marketing and promotional strategy that will effectively reach and engage your audience. A strong marketing strategy is crucial for driving awareness and attracting customers to your recreation center. Here are some key steps to help you formulate an effective marketing and promotional strategy:

  • Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) - Determine what sets your recreation center apart from the competition and use it as the foundation of your marketing strategy. Highlight the unique features and benefits that your facility offers, such as the wide range of activities, family-friendly environment, and additional services like food and birthday party packages.
  • Determine Your Target Audience - Clearly define the demographics and psychographics of your target customers. Are you targeting families, teenagers, or fitness enthusiasts? Understand their preferences, needs, and interests to tailor your marketing messages accordingly.
  • Create a Comprehensive Marketing Plan - Outline the specific tactics and channels you will use to promote your recreation center. This may include a mix of online and offline marketing strategies such as social media advertising, search engine optimization, email marketing, local newspaper ads, and community outreach initiatives.
  • Utilize Digital Marketing Tools - Leverage the power of digital marketing to reach a wider audience and engage with potential customers. Create a visually appealing website that showcases your facility and its offerings, implement search engine optimization techniques to improve your online visibility, and establish a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Tips for an Effective Marketing and Promotional Strategy:

  • Offer attractive introductory packages or discounted rates for new customers to encourage trial and generate word-of-mouth recommendations.
  • Partner with local schools, community organizations, and sports teams to sponsor events or offer special discounts, increasing your reach and establishing goodwill within the community.
  • Seek testimonials from satisfied customers and showcase them on your website and social media to build trust and credibility.
  • Create engaging and shareable content on your social media platforms to keep your audience entertained and interested.
  • Regularly analyze and measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts using tools like Google Analytics to refine your strategy and maximize return on investment.

The formulation of a marketing and promotional strategy is essential for your recreation center's success. By identifying your unique selling proposition, understanding your target audience, and utilizing various marketing channels, you can effectively promote your facility and attract customers who will enjoy all the exciting activities and amenities you have to offer.

Develop A Preliminary Outline Of The Business Plan

After conducting thorough research and analysis, it is time to develop a preliminary outline of your business plan for the recreation center. This outline will serve as a roadmap for your future endeavors and will guide you in presenting your ideas and strategies to potential investors or partners.

1. Executive Summary: Begin with a concise summary of your recreation center, highlighting its unique features, target market, and expected financial performance.

2. Company Description: Provide a detailed overview of your recreation center, including its name, location, legal structure, and mission statement.

3. Market Analysis: Present a thorough analysis of the market, including information about your target customers, competitors, and industry trends.

4. Organization and Management: Describe the organizational structure of your recreation center, outlining key roles and responsibilities of the management team.

5. Products and Services: List and describe the various recreational activities, amenities, and services your center will offer, emphasizing their unique value proposition.

6. Marketing and Sales Strategy: Detail your plans for promoting your recreation center and attracting customers, including pricing strategies, advertising campaigns, and partnerships.

7. Funding Request and Financial Projections: Clearly state the amount of funding you are seeking and provide financial projections, including revenue forecasts, expense estimates, and expected profitability.

8. Implementation Plan: Outline the steps and timelines for launching your recreation center, including securing necessary permits, hiring staff, and acquiring equipment.

9. Risk Management and Contingency Plan: Identify potential risks and challenges that may affect your recreation center and provide strategies for mitigating them.

10. Appendix: Include any supporting documents, such as market research reports, financial statements, partnership agreements, or permits.

  • Keep your business plan concise and focused, highlighting key information that will capture the attention of potential investors.
  • Ensure that your financial projections are realistic and based on thorough market research and analysis.
  • Continuously revise and update your business plan as new information or opportunities arise.

Developing a preliminary outline of your business plan is an essential step in realizing your vision for the recreation center. It will help you organize your thoughts, identify potential challenges, and present a clear and compelling case to stakeholders. Remember to continuously refine and tailor your business plan to align with the changing needs of your recreation center and the market it serves.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for a recreation center involves a series of essential steps to ensure its success. By thoroughly researching the market and identifying target customers, defining the center's mission and goals, analyzing the competition, determining funding, selecting a suitable location, and exploring potential partnerships, entrepreneurs can lay the groundwork for a thriving facility. Additionally, conducting a feasibility study, formulating a marketing strategy, and developing a preliminary outline of the business plan are crucial to attracting customers and effectively managing the center's operations. By following this checklist, aspiring recreation center owners can embark on a path towards creating a vibrant and inclusive space for people of all ages.

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Multi Sport Complex Business Plan

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The Supreme Courts

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

The Supreme Courts will be a full-service multisport complex situated along Boulder Highway in Henderson, Nevada. There are currently no other sports facilities like this one anywhere in the Las Vegas Valley. This plan will be used to define the scope of our services, as well as a means of gaining the necessary investments to open the facility. It will also be used on a continual basis in the evaluation of The Supreme Courts mission, goals, and objectives.

The keys to success for The Supreme Courts are our ability to market effectively, creating an unmatched “cool” atmosphere where people will like to be, and hiring qualified/certified and knowledgeable staff to aid in the running of our programs and leagues.

The sports and fitness club industry is a booming business that produced over $10.6 billion last year and is projected to continue its current trend according to **. The Supreme Courts is conservatively projecting a strong net profit in its first year of operation with this number increasing significantly by the end of year three.

** Confidential or proprietary information deleted.

1.1 Objectives

The main objectives for The Supreme Courts are as follows:

  • Sell 800 memberships in year one, 1,200 by the end of year two, and 1,600 by the end of year three.
  • Organize and develop various sports leagues and market them effectively so as to fill them to capacity (i.e. seven leagues running twice a year with 8 – 12 teams per league).
  • Show at least a 5% return to investors in the first year of operation.

1.2 Mission

The Supreme Courts is a multisport and fitness complex designed to be used by the residents of Henderson and the surrounding areas. It is our mission to provide the best programs, staff, and equipment, to fully meet the various sports and fitness needs of our members, while generating a profit for the owners and investors. Besides providing an excellent value to our customers, The Supreme Courts is determined to create an unmatched sporting atmosphere that will add to the enjoyment of every member and employee of the facility. Dedicated to the community, The Supreme Courts strives to support and sponsor community events, as well as host them whenever possible. Our hope is that through the use of our facility, members’ enjoyment and appreciation for sports, fitness, and for life will be enhanced.

Multi sport complex business plan, executive summary chart image

1.3 Keys to Success

The Keys to Success for The Supreme Courts are as follows:

  • Marketing : We must make The Supreme Courts a common name in the Las Vegas Valley and creatively market our services to each of our market segments.
  • Atmosphere of facility : By creating an unmatched “cool” atmosphere in The Supreme Courts through the use of first class equipment, floors, colors, and big screen TVs, people will want to frequent our facility often and our ability to retain members will be enhanced.
  • Knowledgeable/qualified staff and management : By providing the users of the facility with knowledgeable and qualified staff who show genuine concern for the patrons, people will feel comfortable and confident that The Supreme Courts can meet all of their sport and fitness needs.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

The Supreme Courts is a new multisport complex that will provide both members and casual users an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and leisure programs and activities.

2.1 Company Ownership

The Supreme Courts will be a Limited Partnership C corporation that will be privately owned. Brian Ehlert and Rich Bohne will own 26% of the company each, while 12 other limited partners will each own 4%.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Our start-up requirements come to $2,500,000. Included in these costs is the land, building, all development costs, equipment, and start-up capital. The assumptions are shown in the following table and chart.

Multi sport complex business plan, company summary chart image

The Supreme Courts will be a multisport complex that provides its users with various services. A first class fitness and lifestyle center, three full-size basketball courts that can also accommodate many other sports, a food and beverage/lounge area, a massage therapy clinic and other amenities such as offices, a conference room, a childcare center, and full-service locker rooms will all be available in the facility. Along with these amenities, The Supreme Courts will provide its users with qualified and knowledgeable people to make sure all of their sport and fitness needs are met.

3.1 Weights and Fitness

The Supreme Courts will house a large fitness and lifestyle center that will match or exceed any other in the city. This fitness and lifestyle center will include top-of-the-line equipment in free weights, machine weights, and aerobic machines. The majority of the lifestyle center will be located on the upper level of the complex that will surround the three basketball courts. This will allow the users the option of watching the activities going on down below, or to watch one of the many TVs that will be set up for their enjoyment.

This aspect of the facility will be run by a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) who will hire and train his/her staff to meet the demands of the members. This person will report to and work directly with the general partners of The Supreme Courts and his/her duties will include, but will not be limited to, general supervision, personalized training for members, program development for camps and clinics, and aiding in the marketing and promotional aspects of the facility.

Three full-size basketball courts and six volleyball courts will highlight the main floor of The Supreme Courts. Along with these two sports, the floors will be able to accommodate badminton, indoor soccer, indoor field hockey, touch football, gymnastics, dance, aerobics, and more. These hardwood courts will be manufactured and installed by the industry leader, Robbins Sport Surfaces, and will be the premier sports floors in all of Henderson. With the added attraction of world class portable basketball systems from Schelde North America or BPI, The Supreme Courts will quickly become known as the place to be for leagues, camps, or pick-up games.

With his education and vast experience in this area, the scheduling of events and activities on these floors will be done by Rich Bohne, one of the general partners of The Supreme Courts. The development of sports leagues, camps, and clinics, along with other various day-to-day operations of the facility will also be Rich’s responsibility.

3.3 Food Services

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A qualified, experienced person will be hired to run this aspect of the facility. He/she will have the responsibility to meet necessary standards and to report to, and work directly with the general partners of The Supreme Courts to make sure the needs of the users in this area are met. If additional staff are required, this person will hire and train those people in accordance with The Supreme Courts policies.

3.4 Massage Therapy

An area for a massage therapy clinic will be located on the main floor of the facility. This service will be available to both the general public and users of the facility at a cost reflective of the industry standard. This amenity will be an added bonus to the users of The Supreme Courts as it will be conveniently located right inside the complex.

At this time, The Supreme Courts is deciding on whether to hire their own massage therapists or to lease out the space to an already established massage therapy practice.

Other features and services The Supreme Courts will have include:

  • Full-service locker rooms for both men and women that will accommodate up to 120 lockers. Large shower areas, benches, sinks, and bathroom facilities will all be included as well.
  • A large childcare area that will allow users to access the facility at their convenience. The childcare will be on the first level of the complex and have a large play area that will be continuously monitored by our childcare staff. The staff will be responsible for the care and well-being of the children they are watching, along with providing a fun and interesting environment for the children. This service will be offered to the facility users for a very minimal fee.
  • An administrative area housing various offices and a conference room will be located on the main floor of the facility.
  • A pro shop will be strategically placed in The Supreme Courts to attract impulsive buyers. Users will pass through the pro shop upon entering and exiting the facility. The pro shop will sell sports shoes, and apparel and eventually our own line of products that will be available exclusively at The Supreme Courts. Brian Ehlert, one of the general partners, will be in charge of inventory for the pro shop, and general staff will be involved in the daily sales and service.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

The Supreme Courts will be the only multisport complex of its kind in all of the Las Vegas Valley. Some aspects of the facility will cater mainly to the City of Henderson residents. Other aspects however, will appeal to everyone in the valley.

Because of the diversity in the activities and programs available in The Supreme Courts, our market segments vary from dedicated workout junkies to people who just want a few hours of fun and recreation.

From 1990 to 1999, memberships at health clubs rose from 20.7 million to 30.6 million according to the latest statistics from **. This trend is projected to continue. Not only that, but frequent users of fitness clubs soared by 84% during the same period. From recent surveys of over 360 fitness clubs (conducted by **), the eight most profitable programs for fitness centers were identified. The Supreme Courts offers six of these eight, including the top three. Due to the market for fitness clubs in Henderson, The Supreme Courts has a very bright future.

The average number of members for multipurpose clubs registered with ** (The Supreme Courts will be a ** member) in 1999 was over 2,104. The total number of ** clubs in 1999 was 3,185, many of which were fitness only clubs which average just over 1,200 members.

4.1 Market Segmentation

  • Weekend Warriors : an important market segment for The Supreme Courts will be the weekend warriors. These people don’t like to be locked into long-term commitments but like the freedom to come and go when the opportunity presents itself. These people will be a target market for special promotions and periodic activities.
  • Hardcore Fitness Buffs : another market segment for our facility will be those who view themselves as dedicated fitness gurus. These people are very particular about the type of workout equipment they use, and usually enjoy the opportunity to be “looked at” by other users of the facility. As long as the right equipment is available, these people are willing to lock into long-term commitments with a facility.
  • Gym Rats : a third market segment for The Supreme Courts will be those people who love to be in a gym. Usually associated with basketball, gym rats seek to find places to play, practice, or just hang out, usually at a very reasonable price. The better the atmosphere, and the more people to watch them, the more gym rats are attracted to a facility. This is a very large market for The Supreme Courts.
  • Families : this is a smaller, but important market segment for our facility. We have “something for everyone” and that will attract families that want to become members of the facility as well as families who simply want a few hours of fun every now and again. These people will also be the main target for summer camps and activities that allow for fun and education for the children while the parents enjoy some relatively cheap babysitting.
  • Business Travelers : another small market segment, travelers to the City of Henderson will be attracted to use this facility for various purposes without the pressure or hassle of a required membership. The simple daily walk-in fee will make The Supreme Courts a very attractive place to workout for these people.
  • Tourists : another small market segment for The Supreme Courts will be the tourists who are attracted to the facility because of its size and appearance. Fabric structures often become tourist attractions because of their different and interesting appearance.

Multi sport complex business plan, market analysis summary chart image

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Due to the size and convenient location of our facility, many people will be attracted to The Supreme Courts to see what we have to offer. However, we will not be content to just wait for customers to come to us. Instead, we will focus our marketing strategies on those market segments who match our offerings. The great thing about marketing The Supreme Courts, is that each market segment relates, in certain ways, to all the others.

Our main objective with our early marketing strategy will be to get people into our facility. Once people see what we have to offer, and feel the atmosphere that will be created, they will want to return and participate in the many activities and programs that will be available to them.

  • Offering tours to junior and senior high schools during the building and early completion stages of the facility.
  • Having a large promotional event to open the facility that will be free to everyone.
  • Mailing out free day passes to all of the surrounding area.

Following the opening of The Supreme Courts, print and radio media will be used to promote both the facility and the programs that are being offered to attract new people from all over the Las Vegas Valley.

As a ** member, many resources are also available for marketing and promotional ideas that have been effective for other facilities.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

The sport and fitness business is a booming industry, with total revenues for 1999 over $10.6 billion. Because of this, fitness clubs are popping up all over the place, including airports and grocery stores! The size and scope of these clubs vary from small, individually owned workout facilities, to very elaborate, publicly owned franchises. According to statistics from **, as of July, 2000 there were 15,910 clubs in the USA with over 30 million total club members. That is an average of over 1,800 members per club. Multisport clubs, like The Supreme Courts, averaged over 2,800 members per club. One of The Supreme Courts challenges is to establish itself as a legitimate sport and fitness club that is appealing to each of its market segments, and position itself as a great deal for members and casual walk-ins alike.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

The competition for The Supreme Courts in Henderson include two ** clubs, **, **, and **. At all of these clubs, various types of memberships are available. Some require long-term commitments while other have a minimum commitment of at least one full month.

Potential fitness club members will usually compare clubs and find the one that fits their specific needs, or has the amenities that he/she wants. Value is usually very important to these potential members as most people want to get the best value for their dollar.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

The Supreme Courts has a very large potential market. Because of the small number of recreation and fitness facilities in the City of Henderson, we feel we will become the number one sports and fitness complex quickly. This will be accomplished by actively and continuously promoting The Supreme Courts through radio and media advertisements as well as through hosting and supporting various community events.

5.1 Competitive Edge

The Supreme Courts’ competitive edge is two fold. First, The Supreme Courts is the only multisport complex that offers three full-size basketball courts that are available for the members and the community to use and/or rent. On top of this, the scope and variation of the programs that will be run from this facility are unmatched by any other club in the area. The second part of our competitive edge is the location, size, and appearance of the facility that will attract many people into the complex.

By maintaining our focus in our strategy, marketing, program development, and fulfillment, The Supreme Courts will be known as the top sports and fitness club in Henderson. We should be aware, however, that our competitive edge may be diluted if we become complacent in our program development and implementation. It will be important for The Supreme Courts to keep up with the current trends in both sport and fitness programs.

5.2 Sales Strategy

Sales in the sport and fitness club business are based on the services and amenities provided by the facility. The “something for everyone” slogan fits perfectly with The Supreme Courts. All of the users of our facility must feel like they are getting the best possible value for their money. If there is a better value, for equal services, The Supreme Courts will match or beat that value for our customers.

Each person desiring a membership at The Supreme Courts will be able to sit down with a representative and be notified of all of their membership options. During this brief discussion, the person will be also be informed of all of the services, programs, and amenities The Supreme Courts has to offer. It will be important to establish a relationship of trust with our members as membership retainment is an important aspect in our business.

5.2.1 Sales Forecast

The following table and chart give a run-down on forecasted sales for each of our sources of revenue.

Multi sport complex business plan, strategy and implementation summary chart image

5.3 Milestones

The accompanying table lists important program milestones, with dates and managers in charge, and budgets for each. The milestone schedule indicates our emphasis on planning for implementation.

What the table doesn’t show is the commitment behind it. Our business plan includes complete provisions for plan-vs.-actual analysis, and we will hold monthly follow-up meetings to discuss the variance and course corrections.

Multi sport complex business plan, strategy and implementation summary chart image

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

The initial management team for The Supreme Courts depends mainly on the general partners. Rich Bohne and Brian Ehlert will stay within their expertise in running the day-to-day operations of the facility such as scheduling, marketing, and promotions, along with running and developing various leagues and programs for the community. Back-up for the general partners will include staff members who will compensate for the founders lack of experience in each area. For example, qualified personnel will be hired for the food and beverage, massage therapy, and fitness areas. General help staff will be hired on a need basis as the users of the facility increase. There will also be a janitor hired for basic cleanliness and maintenance of the complex.

6.1 Personnel Plan

See the following table for a more detailed list of The Supreme Courts personnel.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

We are assuming start-up capital of $336,500 and a long-term (20 year) bank loan of $1,250,000. The remainder of the necessary financing will come through investors.

7.1 Important Assumptions

The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in the following table as annual assumptions. The monthly assumptions are included in the appendix. From the beginning, we recognize that collection days are critical, but not a factor we can influence easily. At least we are planning on the problem, and dealing with it. Interest rates, tax rates, and personnel burden are based on conservative assumptions.

Some of the more important underlying assumptions are:

  • We assume a strong economy, without major recession.
  • We assume the rate of growth for the number of sport and fitness club memberships will continue.

7.2 Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart summarize our break-even analysis.

Multi sport complex business plan, financial plan chart image

7.3 Projected Profit and Loss

Our projected profit and loss is shown on the following table. We show a conservative estimate of net profits/sales, with that increasing each year. According to the research done through ** and **, these projections are very conservative and should be easily attained.

The detailed monthly projections are included in the appendix.

Multi sport complex business plan, financial plan chart image

7.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following cash flow projections show our annual amounts only. For more detailed monthly projections please see the appendix.

Cash flow projections are critical to our success. The monthly cash flow is shown in the illustration, with one bar representing the cash flow per month, and the other the monthly balance. The annual cash flow figures are included here and the more important detailed monthly numbers are included in the appendix.

Multi sport complex business plan, financial plan chart image

7.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The balance sheet in the following table shows managed but sufficient growth of net worth, and a sufficiently healthy financial position. The monthly estimates are included in the appendix.

7.6 Business Ratios

Business ratios for the years of this plan are shown below. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 7991, Sports Programs – Indoor Courts, are shown for comparison.

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Sports Complex Business Plan

recreation club business plan

Fitness courses, sports leagues, and camps are just a few of the activities that a sports complex can provide to boost profitability. Though the business of sports is really expensive, it is rewarding as well, but without accurate planning your business might fail.

Need help writing a business plan for your sports complex business? You’re at the right place. Our sports complex business plan template will help you get started.

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  • Fill in the blanks – Outline
  • Financial Tables

How to Write a Sports Complex Business Plan?

Writing a sports complex business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your business:

  • This section may include the name of your sports complex business, its location, when it was founded, etc.

Market opportunity:

Product & services:.

  • You may include services like swimming, personal training for sports, basketball court, fitness classes, spa services, sports equipment, etc.

Marketing & sales strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business description:

  • Multi sports complex
  • Indoor sports complex
  • Sports training facilities
  • Golf courses
  • Skate parks
  • Indoor trampoline
  • Describe the legal structure of your sports complex business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
  • Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission statement:

Business history:.

  • Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future goal:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

  • For instance, youth, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts can be your target market.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

  • For instance, diversification in sports services plus the trend for eco-friendly services are also increasing, mention how you will cope with that.

Regulatory environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your sports complex business plan:

  • Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
  • Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
  • Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
  • Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your services:

Mention the sports complex services your business will offer. This list may include services like,

  • Tournaments
  • Types of sports facilities will be there (basketball court, tennis, badminton, swimming, golf, etc)

Mention the facilities:

Mention your schedule list:.

In short, this section of your sports complex plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique selling proposition (USP):

  • For example, advanced equipment, more space, or amazing training courses can be your USP.

Pricing strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your sports complex business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your sports complex business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & training:

Operational process:.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your sports complex business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founder/CEO:

Key managers:.

  • It should include, key executives, senior management, and other sports managers including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

  • So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your sports complex business, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

  • This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

  • Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
  • In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
  • Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
  • Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
  • Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your sports complex business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

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This sample sports complex business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful sports complex plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our sports complex business plan pdf .

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Essential Elements of a Business Plan

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a sports complex business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful sports complex business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your sports complex company.

How to get funding for your sports complex business?

There are several ways to get funding for your sports complex business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your sports complex business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your sports complex business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your sports complex business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any sports complex business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

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Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers

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Starting and operating a recreation center can be an exciting but complex endeavor. As a real estate developer or entrepreneur, you need a solid roadmap to guide you towards success. That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers comes in!

With this template, you can easily outline your goals, strategies, financial projections, and operational plans in one organized and comprehensive document. Whether you're seeking funding or simply want to ensure smooth management of your recreation center, this template has got you covered.

  • Clearly define your mission, vision, and target audience
  • Create a detailed marketing and promotional plan to attract customers
  • Develop financial projections and budgets to secure funding
  • Outline operational processes to ensure efficient management

Don't let the complexities of starting a recreation center hold you back. Use ClickUp's Business Plan Template and bring your vision to life in the most organized and effective way possible!

Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers Benefits

A solid business plan is essential for any recreation center venture. With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers, you can reap the following benefits:

  • Clearly define your goals, strategies, and objectives to provide a roadmap for success
  • Secure funding by showcasing your vision, market analysis, and financial projections
  • Ensure efficient management of your recreation center by outlining operational plans and procedures
  • Identify potential risks and challenges, allowing you to develop contingency plans
  • Streamline communication and collaboration with stakeholders by easily sharing and updating your business plan in real-time.

Main Elements of Recreation Centers Business Plan Template

When starting a recreation center, having a solid business plan is crucial for success. ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers provides all the necessary elements to help you outline your goals, strategies, financial projections, and operational plans.

Here are the key elements included in this template:

  • Custom Statuses: Track the progress of different sections of your business plan with statuses such as Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
  • Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields like Reference, Approved, and Section to add specific details and organize your business plan effectively.
  • Custom Views: Access various views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to visualize and manage different aspects of your plan.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers, you can streamline your planning process, secure funding, and ensure the successful management of your recreation center.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers

If you're starting a recreation center and need help creating a business plan, don't worry - ClickUp has you covered! Just follow these steps to use the Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers:

1. Define your vision and mission

Start by clearly defining your vision and mission for the recreation center. What do you hope to achieve with your center? What values and principles will guide your operations? This step will help you set the foundation for your business plan.

Use a Doc in ClickUp to outline your vision and mission statement.

2. Identify your target market

Next, identify your target market for the recreation center. Who are your ideal customers? Are you targeting families, athletes, or a specific age group? Understanding your target market will help you tailor your services, marketing, and operations to meet their needs.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to gather demographic information and create customer profiles.

3. Analyze the competition

Conduct a thorough analysis of your competition in the recreation center industry. Identify other centers in your area and examine their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points. This analysis will help you position your center effectively and identify opportunities for differentiation.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to create a comparison chart of your competitors.

4. Develop your offerings and pricing strategy

Based on your target market and competitive analysis, develop a comprehensive list of the services and programs your recreation center will offer. Will you have fitness classes, sports leagues, or special events? Determine the pricing for each offering, ensuring that it aligns with your target market's expectations and your financial goals.

Create tasks in ClickUp to outline each offering and assign pricing to them.

5. Create a financial forecast

Finally, create a financial forecast for your recreation center. Estimate your revenue projections, expenses, and anticipated profits for the first few years of operation. This will help you determine the financial viability of your center and guide your decision-making.

Use Dashboards in ClickUp to track and visualize your financial forecast.

By following these steps and using the Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers in ClickUp, you'll be well on your way to creating a solid foundation for your recreation center business. Good luck!

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers

Real estate developers and entrepreneurs looking to start and operate a recreation center can use the ClickUp Business Plan Template to streamline their planning process and ensure a successful launch.

First, hit "Add Template" to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you'd like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a comprehensive business plan:

  • Use the Topics View to organize your business plan into different sections, such as Executive Summary, Market Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Financial Projections, and more.
  • The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
  • The Timeline View will provide a visual representation of your business plan's timeline, allowing you to set deadlines and milestones.
  • The Business Plan View will give you an overview of the entire plan, allowing you to easily navigate between sections and make updates.
  • The Getting Started Guide View will provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the template and customize it to fit your specific needs.
  • Utilize the custom fields Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and categorize your business plan.
  • Update statuses and custom fields as you work through each section to keep team members informed and ensure progress is on track.
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Home » Sample Business Plans » Sports

How to Write an Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a sports complex? If YES, here is a complete sample indoor sports complex business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE . The real deal in starting a sport facility business is securing a big facility that is large enough to contain a full sized soccer pitch including spectator’s stand, changing room, swimming pool, golf course, tennis court, basketball court, track and field facility and enough parking space.

Building a sport facility can be expensive but you can be rest assured that you will make your money within few years of launching your indoor soccer facility. The fact that you are going to secure a facility big enough to contain normal soccer pitch, spectator’s seats, changing room and parking means that you must truly be prepared for this business.

If your indoor soccer facility is of high quality and it is located close to hotels, you will attract people including local and international soccer clubs that are in your city to play soccer matches.

A Sample Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Building a sport facility can be expensive but you can be rest assured that you will make your money within few years of launching your facility. The fact that you are going to secure a facility big enough to contain normal soccer pitch, spectator’s seats, changing room and parking means that you must truly be prepared for this business.

If your sport facility is of high quality and it is located close to hotels, you will attract people including local and international soccer clubs that are in your city to play soccer matches. The Sports and Recreation Facilities Operation industry is indeed an active industry, players in the industry are basically involved in running indoor or outdoor sports and physical recreation venues, grounds and facilities et al.

It is important to state that the industry does not include businesses such as health centers, fitness centers or gyms et al. The industry is driven by increasing consumer spending on attending sports events and higher participation rates in organized sports especially at community levels.

In recent time, the industry has experienced steady growth in the last five years due to steadily rising consumer expenditure on recreation and culture, and growing spectator sport participation. Despite the fact that overall sport participation is currently at same level as it was in the last five years, participation in amateur sports peaked in 2012 and 2013, which boosted revenue for operators of local, community and grassroots facilities.

Government investment into large-scale sport infrastructure projects is a key source of revenue for industry participants and major redevelopments have also contributed to revenue growth over the last five years.

The Sports and Recreations Facility industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much thriving in all parts of the world – especially in developed countries such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Italy et al.

Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 1,579 licensed and registered sports and recreations facilities including those who are into franchising responsible for employing about 14,644 employees and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $1bn annually with an annual growth rate projected at 1.2 percent.

Over and above, starting a sport and recreation facility business in the United States of America can be some worth stressful, it requires enough cash to acquire land large enough to accommodate the sport complex and also cash required to equip the facility to meet the standard expected by potential users of sport complex.

2. Executive Summary

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is a standard and well equipped sports and recreations facility that will be located in a growing community in Asheville – North Carolina. Our basic aim of setting up the business is to contribute our quota in ensuring that people who live in Asheville have a capacity to participate in any sporting event or their choice, stay fit by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

We have been able to secure a standard in a central and easy to locate location in Asheville. Our sport complex facility has a standard soccer pitch, track and field facility and a standard Olympic size swimming pool and a standard indoor basketball court. We are well equipped to services the whole of the community as well as visitors and travelers.

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is going to become the number one family – focused sports and recreation facility in the whole of Asheville – North Carolina and we will work hard to build our facility to match the needs of the average family in the community. Our sport complex has enough parking space to accommodate more than the numbers of customers (sports participants and spectators) we will accommodate per time.

We undertook a thorough research and feasibility studies and we were able to come to the conclusion that Asheville community is the right place to start our sport and recreation facility. As a matter of fact, our major aim of starting Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is to encourage people to participate in sports and also to encourage families in the community to cultivate the habit of regularly exercising and to stay healthy.

Our sport complex is specifically designed and built to take care of adults and children, we have active childcare services for toddlers and we have membership packages that are highly discounted for families that enrolled in our fitness center or groups who would want to make use of our sport complex for trainings and games.

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex will be opened 24 hours in a day during weekends (Fridays to Sundays) and from 6:00 am to 12 midnight from Mondays to Thursdays in order for us to be able to accommodate people with different time preference.

Which is why we have made provisions effective floodlight system and also to recruit enough staff and to run shift amongst our workforce. We will go out of our way to acquire standard cardiovascular and weight training equipment for our gym and fitness center.

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is a family owned business with support from the State of North Carolina. The business will be managed by Mike Clarkson, he has well over 15 years of experience as a leading community athletics coach in the United States of America working with top athletes who have gone ahead to win Olympic medals for the United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is in the sports business to provide sports and recreation facility for residence of Asheville – North Carolina which is why we have been able to put up a facility that can help us achieve the goal. We are optimistic that everyone who make use of our sport complex or enrolled in our gym and fitness center will definitely derive huge value for their money.

These are the services and amenities that will be made available to our clients;

  • Oval ground operation
  • Athletic field, football field, cricket ground and stadium operation
  • Basketball and netball court and arena operation
  • Bowling alley operation
  • Bowling green operation
  • Golf course and practice range operation
  • Ice-skating and roller – skating rink operation
  • Squash court operation
  • Swimming pool operation
  • Tennis court operation
  • Rectangular field operation
  • Golf course operation
  • Indoor facility operation
  • Other facility operation

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our Vision of starting Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is to build a world – class sports and recreations facility and also to contribute our quota in encourage families and residence in Asheville to actively engage in sporting activities and also to stay healthy and fit by engaging in regularly exercising of their body.
  • Our mission for establishing Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is to create a movement in the community that supports total engagement in sporting activities, health and fitness and to fight against obesity and unhealthy lifestyle.
  • We want to contribute our quota towards ensuring that Ashville community produce top athletes that can go ahead to represent United States in the Olympics and other sports competitions.

Our Business Structure

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is in business to become the leading private sports and recreation facility in the whole of Asheville – North Carolina and we are fully aware that it will take the right facility, management and organization – structure to achieve our goal.

We will ensure that we recruit only the best hands that can help us achieve all that we are set to achieve. Our business will not be built only for the purpose of giving our members / customers value for their money, but also we will ensure that we make our work environment highly conducive for all our employees.

We will provide them with facilities that will help them stay motivated and deliver on their various tasks and goals et al. In view of that, we have made provisions for the following positions to be occupied by highly qualified and experienced staff;

  • Sport Complex Manager (Owner)
  • Accountant/Cashier
  • Marketing and Sales Officer
  • Exercise Physiologists
  • Fitness Instructor (5)
  • Training Assistants (10)
  • Customer Care Executive/Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Sport Complex Manager (Owner):

  • Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
  • Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
  • Responsible for providing direction for the business
  • Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
  • Evaluates the success of the organization
  • Carrying out staff induction for new team members

Fitness Instructors (5)

  • Creates training rosters for members
  • Assists members during exercise session
  • Guides members on how to make use of gym and fitness equipment

Marketing and Sales Officer (2)

  • Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
  • Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of projects.
  • Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
  • Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
  • Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
  • Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
  • Documents all customer contact and information
  • Represents Mike Clarkson Sport Complex in strategic meetings
  • Helps to increase sales and growth for Mike Clarkson Sport Complex

Accountant/Cashier:

  • Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
  • Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
  • Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
  • Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for the organization
  • Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
  • Responsible for administering payrolls
  • Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
  • Handles all financial transactions for Mike Clarkson Sport Complex
  • Serves as internal auditor for Mike Clarkson Sport Complex.

Exercise Physiologist

  • Responsible for evaluating, researching, and provide advice on coaching.
  • Responsible for training
  • Engages in recovery practices in all areas of exercise and rehabilitation
  • Provides timely information and support on injury prevention, technique analysis, and nutrition.
  • Handles any other duty as assigned by the fitness center manager

Client Service Executive

  • Welcomes clients and potential clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
  • Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
  • Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
  • Manages administrative duties assigned by the creative director in an effective and timely manner
  • Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

Cleaners (3):

  • Responsible for cleaning in and around the sport facility
  • Cleans up after customers and clean work area.
  • Clears ashtrays as and when required.
  • Washes glassware and utensils after each use.
  • Maintains a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
  • Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
  • Handles any other duty as assigned by the sport complex manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is in business to provide sport and recreation facility for sports lovers in Ashville – North Carolina and also help its clients achieve their health and fitness goals and at the same time to make profits. We are aware that there is competition in the sports and recreations facility industry which is why we took out time to conduct an effective SWOT Analysis before investing our hard earned money into the business.

We know that if we get things right before starting our sports and recreation facility, we will not have to struggle before attract loyal clients and building our membership base to a level where we can easily breakeven in record time.

We hired the services of Dr. Garry Larson, an HR and Business consultant with bias in business structuring to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our company and he did a pretty good job for us. Here is a of the result we got from the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Mike Clarkson Sport Complex, Asheville – North Carolina;

One of the obvious strength that will definitely stand as a plus for Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is the fact that our facility is centrally located in a densely populated – residential area in Asheville – North Carolina; our location is in fact one of our major strength couple with the support from the State of North Carolina.

We equally have a team of highly qualified professionals who will work with all our clients to achieve their aims or enrolling in our sports and recreation facility and lastly our membership package is one of the best that anybody living in Asheville – North Carolina can get; it is cheap and affordable.

We critically looked into our Business model and we were able to identify two major weakness. One is the fact that we are a new business and the second is the fact that we may not have the financial resources required to match up with existing sports and recreation facilities and even government own sports and recreation facilities in North Carolina when it comes to acquiring latest gym and fitness equipment and generating the needed hypes that can drive traffic towards our facility.

  • Opportunities:

We are centrally located in one of the busiest area and densely populated area in Ashville – North Carolina and we are open to all the available opportunities that the city has to offer. We will be open 24 hours in a day during weekends (Fridays to Sundays) and from 6:00 am to 12 midnight from Mondays to Thursdays giving us the advantage to leverage on any available opportunity.

Some of the threats that are likely going to confront Mike Clarkson Sport Complex are unfavorable government policies, demographic/social factors, downturn in the economy which is likely going to affect consumers spending and lastly, the emergence of new competitors within the same location where our sports and recreation facility is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

There are several trends controlling different industries. The Sports and Recreation Facility industry has indeed benefited from recent marketing campaigns which is targeted towards encourage people to participate in sports and also to fighting obesity which is becoming rampant, as well as consumer trends toward healthy living.

Going forward, many people who are part of the baby boomers generation are expected to sign up for health and fitness club memberships or make use of sports and recreation facilities in their communities, as they become more health- conscious as they grow older. However, patrons of gyms and fitness centers are anticipated to increasingly pick up membership from less expensive gym and fitness centers as against expensive all-inclusive clubs.

The trend in the sports and recreation facility industry is such that if a sport complex is well positioned in a residential area or a place where people can easily access without much stress, there is the likelihood that the sports and recreation facility will enjoy high patronage.

Just like in other business ventures, the owner of sports and recreation facilities are always looking for ways to increase their market share; they go as far as signing deals with high schools and also community based soccer clubs et al to make use of their facility. Some even go as far as organizing sports competitions on a regular basis.

It is a common trend that as a sports and recreation facility grows, it becomes necessary for them to develop new service offerings or install new facilities that will help them attract more people.

Little wonder some sports and recreation facility now have juice bar within their facility to encourage people towards healthy drinking. In order words, it is very important for sports and recreation facilities to continue to improvise if they want to grow their business and generate their target revenues.

8. Our Target Market

We will leave no stone unturned in seeing to it that we attract all that may be in need of ours services at all times. The target market for sports and recreation facilities cuts across people of different walks of life. The fact that people register in sports and recreation facilities cum gyms and fitness centers for various reasons makes marketing the business interesting.

The target market for sports and recreation facilities can be categorized into three various groups. The first group are the people who are looking towards shedding weights and stay health and fit through proper exercising and under the guidance of a qualified fitness instructor.

The other group of people are those who are interested in engaging in one sporting activities or the other either for fun or to compete at a national or international level and the last group of people are those ( schools and sports clubs ) who don’t have the required sports facilities for their students and sports club and would need a standard facility for trainings.

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex will work towards providing services, facilities and environment that will help us reach out to our target market. These are the category of people that we intend marketing our gym and fitness center to;

  • Working Class Adults/Corporate Executives
  • Sport Clubs (soccer team, athletics team, Cheerleaders and choreographers et al)
  • Community an Cooperate organization
  • Business People/Entrepreneurs
  • Government Officials
  • Celebrities
  • Religious centers
  • Applicants/School Leavers
  • Sports Men and Women
  • College Students

Our Competitive Advantage

People are so in love with sports and keeping feet, as such there are various sports services available to people .No doubt, the Sports and Recreation industry is indeed a prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients will only enroll in your sports and recreation facility if they know that you can successfully help them achieve their health and fitness goals or provide the enabling environment and facility for them to achieve their sports goals.

It is the practice for gym and fitness instructors, coaches and trainers to acquire as much certifications as it relates to their area of specialization; it is part of what will make them stay competitive in the industry

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is centrally located in a densely populated – residential area in Asheville – North Carolina; this is obviously going to give us an edge amongst our competitive.

We equally have a team of highly qualified professionals who will work with all our clients to achieve their aims or enrolling in our sports and recreation facility cum gym and fitness center and lastly our membership package is one of the best that anybody living in North Carolina can get; it is cheap and affordable.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups sports and recreation facility businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

  • Sources of Income

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Sports and Recreation Facility industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract both individual clients and corporate clients on a regular basis.

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex will generate income by offering the following services;

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field. It would be hard to create a sales forecast with a newly opened business like sports and recreation facility. This is simply because the statistics that will be provided will be on a short term basis.

Experts said that usually a business should be in operation for at least one year before they can generate the statistics that will be need to help in accurate forecasting; statistics should be at least one year old in order to show the trends and pattern in consumer spending.

We expect to register a minimum of 500 active members within our first year of operations and then in subsequent year we will grow our membership. Below are the sales projection for Mike Clarkson Sport Complex, it is based on the location of our facility and the services and products that we will be offering to our clients (members);

  • First Year-: $200,000
  • Second Year-: $450,000
  • Third Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within 4.5 miles radius from our sports and recreation facility.

  • Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Our marketing strategies will be directed towards achieving specific objectives that support the strategic goals of the organization. The truth is that all we do will be geared towards creating new market channels, increasing sales and increase our market share.

We will leverage on improving on our services and facility to ensure that we win new clients and retain old members. At Mike Clarkson Sport Complex, our marketing strategies will be consistent throughout the marketing mix and we will take into consideration product improvement, promotion, and price.

As part of our sales and marketing strategies, we will pay attention to the promotion of our sports and recreation facility so as to attract people to enroll and become members of our gym and fitness center. Our unique selling proposition is that we are well positioned and people can easily access our facility, our prices are affordable and we have a complete package for families, schools and sport clubs.

Part of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

  • Open our sports and recreation facility with a big party in the n.
  • Advertise our sports and recreation facility on national dailies, local TV stations and local radio station
  • Promote our sports and recreation facility online via our official website and all available social media platforms
  • Introduce our sports and recreation facility by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to sports clubs, schools, corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in Asheville – North Carolina
  • Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
  • Delivering consistent customer experiences to all our members; making our first impression count positively to those making use of our sports and recreation facility for the first time
  • Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness and also to give direction to our sports and recreation facility
  • Adopt direct mailing coupon marketing approach
  • Position our signage/flexi banners at strategic places in and around Ashville – North Carolina
  • Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our consistent members especially those that registered as a family
  • Engage on road shows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our sports and recreation facility.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our branding and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and individual clients in the whole of Asheville – North Carolina which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our sports and recreation facility.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Mike Clarkson Sport Complex;

  • Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
  • Sponsor relevant community based sport events and competitions
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
  • Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Asheville – North Carolina.
  • Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
  • Contact corporate organizations and schools by calling them up and informing them of Mike Clarkson Sport Complex and the services we offer
  • List Mike Clarkson Sport Complex on local directories/yellow pages
  • Advertise our gym and fitness center in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
  • Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our corporate logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Our pricing system is going to be based on what is obtainable in the industry, we don’t intend to charge more (except for premium and customized services) and we don’t intend to charge less than what our competitors are charging their members in Asheville – North Carolina.

Be that as it may, we have put plans in place to offer discount services once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers especially when they refer clients to us or when they register as a family or a sports club and schools. The prices of our services will be same as what is obtainable in the United States’ open market.

  • Payment Options

At Mike Clarkson Sport Complex, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different clients would prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

  • Payment by via bank transfer
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via bank draft
  • Payment via mobile money
  • Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a sports and recreation facility; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to set up Mike Clarkson Sport Complex in the United of America. This is the key areas where we will spend our start – up capital on;

  • The Total Fee for Registering the Business in North Carolina – $750.
  • Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,500.
  • Marketing promotion expenses (8,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $10,000.
  • Cost for hiring Business Consultant – $5,000.
  • Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,800.
  • Cost of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
  • Cost for leasing facility for the sport and recreation facility – $500,000.
  • Cost for facility remodeling – $250,000.
  • Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
  • Phone and utility deposits – $3,500
  • Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $40,000
  • The cost for Start-up inventory – $15,000
  • Cost for acquiring gym and fitness equipment or other sports wares – $200,000
  • The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, snooker board, clippers, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
  • The cost of Launching a Website – $600
  • The cost for our grand opening party – $15,000
  • Miscellaneous – $15,000

We would need an estimate of $1.5 million to successfully launch a standard and well – equipped sports and recreations facilities in Asheville – North Carolina.

It is important to state that the testing and evaluating expenses would be high because of the large amount of equipment needed to start up a sports and recreations facility and also the sophistication of the technology used in gyms and fitness centers.

Generating Funding/Startup Capital for Mike Clarkson Sport Complex

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is a business that will be owned and managed by Mike Clarkson and family. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

  • Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
  • Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
  • Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $500,000 (Personal savings $350,000 and soft loan from family members $150,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $1 M from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Mike Clarkson Sport Complex is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to pick up membership in our sports and recreation facility cum gym and fitness center is to equip our facility with state of the art gym and fitness equipment et al.

Mike Clarkson Sport Complex will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
  • Business Registration: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
  • Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
  • Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Acquiring facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Generating capital from family members: Completed
  • Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
  • Writing of Business Plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents:  Completed
  • Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
  • Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of the Needed gym and fitness equipment, electronic appliances, office appliances and suppliers: In progress
  • Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
  • Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
  • Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress

More on Sports

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Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Indoor Sports Complex business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Indoor Sports Complexes.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Indoor Sports Complex business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Elite Sports Indoor Complex is a startup indoor sports complex located in Fairbanks, Alaska. The company is founded by Thom Goodson and Nate Gregory, business owners of a former outdoor basketball court complex located in Annapolis, Maryland. Thom Goodson and Nate Gregory formed their basketball business in 2002 and sold it at a profit in 2019. The outdoor basketball court complex was a strong business that conformed to the needs of the community; however, the weather was often inclement, which would shut the complex for days at a time.

With this background in mind, Thom and Nate studied the most advantageous places in the U.S. to start an indoor sports complex and realized that Fairbanks, Alaska, with freezing temperatures most of the year, would be the perfect location for their new venture. Elite Sports Indoor Complex was formed in 2022 and is in the final six months of preparation prior to launch.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Elite Sports Indoor Complex will provide:

  • Climate-controlled environment for a wide range of sports
  • Advanced sports-training programs
  • Mom workout sessions: free childcare
  • Recreational activities for children ages 4-12
  • Free use of facilities for customers ages 60+
  • Swimming pools and spas with heated water
  • Family packages at yearly discounts
  • Available for private parties and events

Customer Focus

Elite Sports Indoor Complex will target residents and families in Fairbanks, Alaska. They will also target private and public sports teams. They will target individuals looking for sports training. They will target women with children. They will target families and seniors. They will target swimmers and those who use spas for health and healing purposes. They will target party planners and event coordinators. They will target those who live within a 30-mile radius of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Management Team

Elite Sports Indoor Complex is a startup indoor sports complex located in Fairbanks, Alaska. The company is founded by Thom Goodson and Nate Gregory, business owners of a former outdoor basketball court complex located in Annapolis, Maryland. Thom Goodson and Nate Gregory formed their basketball business in 2002 and sold it at a profit in 2019. They have recruited Ellie Nielson to be the Administrative Director for the Elite Sports Indoor Complex.

Thom Goodson graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Business Finance and Law. He will co-own the Elite Sports Indoor Complex with Nate Gregory, a former business partner in an outdoor basketball court complex in Annapolis, Maryland. Thom will be the President of the Elite Sports Indoor Complex and will oversee client relations and new business development.

Nate Gregory is a co-owner of the Elite Sports Indoor Complex with Thom Goodson. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Business Management. His role will be the Vice President of the Elite Sports Indoor Complex and will oversee operations and human resources for the company.

Ellie Nielson, a graduate of University of Alaska, will take on the role of Administrative Director for the Elite Sports Indoor Complex, where she will schedule all classes, events, trainings, and private venue engagements. She will set the times/dates for all classes and oversee the physical condition of the complex.

Success Factors

Elite Sports Indoor Complex will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of Elite Sports Indoor Complex
  • Full and varied sports courts, including soccer arena and baseball/football fields
  • Comprehensive array of services available for individual or family members.
  • Reasonable pricing of packages and discounts for families
  • Advanced technology-driven sports equipment and security systems

Financial Highlights

Elite Sports Indoor Complex is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its Elite Sports Indoor Complex. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the brochures and membership drive. The breakout of the funding is below:

  • Office space build-out: $20,000
  • Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
  • Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
  • Marketing costs: $10,000
  • Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Elite Sports Indoor Complex.

Elite Sports Indoor Complex Pro Forma Projections

Company Overview

Who is elite sports indoor complex.

Elite Sports Indoor Complex is a newly established, full-service indoor sports complex in Fairbanks, Alaska. Elite Sports Indoor Complex will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and efficient choice for residents in Fairbanks and the surrounding communities. Elite Sports Indoor Complex will provide a comprehensive menu of sports courts, games, and recreational services for any resident to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive array of sports choices and recreational activities.

  Elite Sports Indoor Complex will be able to serve hundreds of residents in Fairbanks. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in sports, games and sports training. Elite Sports Indoor Complex removes all the headaches and issues of attempting to play sports outdoors in the Fairbanks weather, while ensuring all the solutions are effectively captured within the Elite Sports Indoor Complex.

Elite Sports Indoor Complex History

Since incorporation, Elite Sports Indoor Complex has achieved the following milestones:

  • Registered Elite Sports Indoor Complex, LLC to transact business in the state of Alaska.
  • Has a contract in place at one of the offices near the courts and will set up its 10,000 square foot office space.
  • Reached out to numerous contacts to include Elite Sports Indoor Complex in their memberships.
  • Began recruiting a staff of twenty and additional office personnel to work at the Elite Sports Indoor Complex.

Elite Sports Indoor Complex Services

The following will be the services Elite Sports Indoor Complex will provide:

Industry Analysis

The indoor sports complex industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $2.5 billion. The growth will be driven by an increased number of users who choose to play sports in inclement winter or summer weather. The growth will be driven by individuals who choose to play sports after normal work hours. The growth will be driven by individuals who are conscientious about healthy living and activities. The growth will also be driven by the amenities offered, such as spas and childcare services. Costs will likely be reduced as solar paneling contributes to much lower utility charges. Costs will likely be reduced via sustainability practices that result in lower garbage costs.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

Elite Sports Indoor Complex will primarily target the following customer profiles:

  • Residents of Fairbanks, Alaska
  • Public and private sports teams
  • Families seeking memberships
  • Party planners and event coordinators

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Elite Sports Indoor Complex will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

University of Alaska – Indoor Swimming Pools

The University of Alaska is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. The university decided to add an indoor swimming pool complex in 1988, due to the increased need for swim teams and swim practice during freezing weather conditions that limited availability to the outdoor pools. The university has since opened the pools to the public during the hours the teams are not using the pools.

The three indoor swimming pools include two heated spas in a climate-controlled environment. One swimming pool is an Olympic-sized pool with lane indicators, one is a pool designed for pool training and activities, and one is designated as a lap pool. The family memberships available are very reasonably-priced, with the only drawback of the pools being closed for public use during competition swimming and during practices for the various swim teams.

Fairbanks Parks & Recreation Indoor Courts

The Fairbanks Parks & Recreation panel determined in 2006 that indoor tennis, squash, and racquetball courts would be advantageous to the community overall. As a result, eight tennis courts, 4 squash courts and 6 racquetball courts were built for public use. The courts are available 24 hours a day for a nominal fee per play. The sports courts do not include locker or shower rooms, nor are there other facilities other than the check-in counter.

Residents and families are encouraged to use the indoor courts, although in 2022 repair and replacement of the tennis courts was initiated due to deterioration of the surface, and the replacements are not yet complete. The racquetball courts remain in use and, although the surface flooring is in good condition, the majority of tennis players have reverted to racquetball while waiting for the flooring to be replaced; therefore, there are only a limited number of reservations available on the crowded court schedules.

Recreation Island Ultimate Sports

The tropic-themed Recreation Island Ultimate Sports company is owned and operated by Lance Baker, a former National Football League player. His staff of ten employees oversees the football, baseball and other fields and courts. Included in the family area is a frisbee course, volleyball courts and other activities, along with sports training equipment and sports classes. The private membership fees at the Recreation Island Ultimate Sports are reasonable; however, the fields are outdoors, allowing for limited play during the winter months, if at all. The popular fields are highly utilized during the summer months and are open 24-hours per day with the sun exposure continuing through almost a full 24-hours. Recreation Island Ultimate Sports offers classes for children and team sports for the entire family. Childcare is included for ages through 5 years old.

Competitive Advantage

Elite Sports Indoor Complex will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Elite Sports Indoor Complex will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

  • Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who are able to provide a comprehensive array of classes, services and training courses.
  • Unbeatable pricing for memberships; they will offer the most reasonable pricing in Fairbanks.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Elite Sports Indoor Complex is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Elite Sports Indoor Complex is an exciting, new concept for the city of Fairbanks and its residents. As such, word of mouth information has followed the complex since before construction commenced, with excited potential members waiting for the complex to be built to completion. Residents of Fairbanks are spreading the word of Elite Sports Indoor Complex beyond the city and into the outlying regions.

Print Advertising

One month prior to launch, Elite Sports Indoor Complex will send a brochure to every resident and business within the city of Fairbanks. The brochure will outline all the services, classes, amenities and sports available within the private club and will also detail the discounted pricing offered during the first two months. The regular pricing will resume after the initial two months of business.

Website/SEO Marketing

Elite Sports Indoor Complex will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the fields, courses, classes and services that Elite Sports Indoor Complex provides. The website will also list their contact information and list their available membership packages and rates. The website presence will be enhanced with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “indoor sports” or “sports courts near me”, Elite Sports Indoor Complex will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Elite Sports Indoor Complex will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Elite Sports Indoor Complex. Operation Functions:

  • Thom Goodson will be the co-owner and President of the company. He will oversee all new business development and manage client relations.
  • Nate Gregory will be the co-owner and Vice president of the company. His role will be to oversee operations and the human resources department of the sports complex. Jay and Nate have spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
  • Ellie Nielson will take on the role of Administrative Director for the complex. She will schedule all classes, events, training, and private venue engagements. She will set the times/dates for all classes and oversee the physical condition of the complex.

Milestones:

Elite Sports Indoor Complex will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

  • 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
  • 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Elite Sports Indoor Complex
  • 6/1/202X – Build list for prospective memberships at Elite Sports Indoor Complex
  • 6/15/202X – Begin networking at community events
  • 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Elite Sports Indoor Complex
  • 7/1/202X – Elite Sports Indoor Complex opens its doors for business

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Elite Sports Indoor Complex are the fees they will charge to members for their use of the indoor sports complex and the services provided.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Elite Sports Indoor Complex. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Elite Sports Indoor Complex is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its indoor sports complex. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the brochures and membership drive. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

  • Number of Members Per Month: 650
  • Average Revenue per Month: $195,000
  • Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, indoor sports complex business plan faqs, what is an indoor sports complex business plan.

An indoor sports complex business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your indoor sports complex business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Indoor Sports Complex business plan using our Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Indoor Sports Complex Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of indoor sports complex businesses , some examples include: Indoor sport courts, Indoor field arenas, Indoor pool and water play parks, and Indoor gymnastics complex.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan?

Indoor Sports Complex businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start an Indoor Sports Complex Business?

Starting an indoor sports complex business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop An Indoor Sports Complex Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed indoor sports complex business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your indoor sports complex business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your indoor sports complex business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Indoor Sports Complex Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your indoor sports complex business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your indoor sports complex business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Indoor Sports Complex Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your indoor sports complex business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your indoor sports complex business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

How to Start a Profitable Sports Club Business [11 Steps]

Nick

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 02, 2024

image of a sports club business

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a sports club business plan., 3. develop a sports club brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for sports club., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for sports club services., 8. acquire sports club equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for sports club, if required., 10. begin marketing your sports club services., 11. expand your sports club business..

Embarking on the journey of starting a sports club business demands a comprehensive understanding of the current market landscape. A meticulous market analysis will provide valuable insights into the demand for sports services, the competition, and potential customer base. Below are critical steps to guide you in performing an effective market analysis:

  • Research the local demographics to identify the age, income, and interests of your potential customer base, focusing on those who are likely to join a sports club.
  • Analyze competitors by visiting their facilities, reviewing their services, pricing structures, and identifying any gaps in the market that your sports club could fill.
  • Assess the demand for different sports and activities in your area through surveys, community forums, and social media to determine which offerings are most likely to attract members.
  • Examine trends in the health and fitness industry to understand how emerging sports and wellness practices can be integrated into your business model.
  • Identify potential partnerships with local schools, businesses, and organizations that could lead to joint ventures or sponsorship opportunities.

image of a sports club business

Are sports club businesses profitable?

Yes, sports club businesses can be profitable. Many sports clubs charge memberships fees and have additional income streams through merchandise sales, venue rentals, advertising, and events. With careful planning and management of finances, a successful sports club can generate significant profits.

Creating a robust business plan is essential for the success of a new sports club. It outlines your vision, strategy, and the practical steps needed to turn your sports dream into a thriving business. Here's a guide to drafting your sports club business plan:

  • Define your mission statement and objectives, clarifying the purpose and goals of your sports club.
  • Conduct market research to understand your target audience and the competitive landscape.
  • Choose the sports and services you will offer, considering the preferences of your target demographic.
  • Develop a marketing plan to attract and retain members, considering both online and offline strategies.
  • Outline your organizational structure, detailing the roles and responsibilities of your team members.
  • Prepare financial projections, including startup costs, operating expenses, revenue streams, and break-even analysis.
  • Identify potential risks and challenges, and create strategies to mitigate them.
  • Establish a pricing model for membership and services that ensures profitability while remaining competitive.
  • Include an operations plan that covers the day-to-day running of your club, from facility management to staffing and member services.

How does a sports club business make money?

A sports club business can make money by charging customers a monthly or yearly fee for access to their facilities and services. They can also generate revenue through the sale of merchandise, concessions, and sponsorships. Additionally, they can offer services such as personal training and nutrition consultations. An example of a target audience for this business would be young adults and families looking to join a club that offers recreational activities in their local area.

Creating a strong brand for your sports club is essential as it reflects the club's identity, values, and mission. It is the cornerstone of your marketing efforts and helps to distinguish your club from competitors. Here are some key steps to help you develop a compelling sports club brand:

  • Define Your Brand Identity: Establish a clear brand identity that includes your club's name, logo, colors, and mascot that represents your club's ethos and spirit.
  • Know Your Audience: Understand the demographics and psychographics of your target members to tailor your branding to their interests and values.
  • Create a Brand Message: Craft a memorable and impactful brand message or slogan that communicates your club's unique value proposition and mission.
  • Consistent Branding: Ensure consistency across all channels and touchpoints, from your website to your club's uniforms and merchandise, to reinforce brand recognition.
  • Engage with Community: Build relationships with the local community and involve them in your branding process, which can help foster loyalty and support for your club.
  • Monitor and Evolve: Regularly review and refine your brand to keep it relevant and appealing as your club grows and the market changes.

How to come up with a name for your sports club business?

Coming up with a great name for any business can be a difficult and daunting task. To come up with an ideal name for your sports club business, start by taking some time to brainstorm different ideas. Consider words that capture the spirit of both the sport(s) you will offer and your desired target audience. Additionally, research how to create a memorable brand identity and how to avoid trademark infringement. Researching popular clubs in the area can also give insight into what names are used in the community and what may be an original name in comparison. With these tips, you should be able to come up with an ideal name for your sports club business.

image of ZenBusiness logo

Formalizing your business registration is a crucial step in launching your sports club. It gives your venture legal recognition and helps protect your personal assets. Below are the key steps to ensure your business is properly registered and compliant with local laws:

  • Choose a Business Structure: Decide whether your sports club will be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. Each structure has different legal and tax implications.
  • Register Your Business Name: Pick a unique name for your club and register it with the appropriate state agency. Consider registering a trademark if you want nationwide protection.
  • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Apply for an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes, especially if you plan to hire employees.
  • Register for State and Local Taxes: Depending on your location, register for state and local taxes to ensure you're in compliance with tax laws.
  • Secure Permits and Licenses: Obtain all necessary permits and licenses that are required for operating a sports club in your area. This can include zoning permits, health department permits, and more.
  • Understand Ongoing Compliance: Be aware of the ongoing reporting and renewal requirements to keep your business registration in good standing.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore critical resources designed to support sports club entrepreneurs with market trend analysis, operational excellence, and strategic growth insights:

  • Sports Business Journal: Offers in-depth analysis on the business side of sports, including facility operations and member engagement strategies. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com
  • IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association) Reports: Provides comprehensive industry data, including annual reports on health and sports club performance metrics. https://www.ihrsa.org
  • Club Industry Newsletter: Delivers the latest news, trends, and advice for fitness club operators, including marketing and management tips. https://www.clubindustry.com
  • Sports Club Advisors: Offers consultancy services, whitepapers, and webinars on buying, selling, and managing sports clubs effectively. https://www.sportsclubadvisors.net
  • Fitness Business Podcast: Features interviews with leading experts in the sports and fitness industry, covering a wide range of topics from digital marketing strategies to customer retention techniques. https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com

Opening a sports club can be an exciting venture, but it requires careful attention to legal and regulatory requirements to ensure safety and compliance. Necessary steps include:

  • Business License: Obtain a general business license from your city or county.
  • Health and Safety Permits: Ensure compliance with local health and safety regulations, especially if your club includes a gym or pool.
  • Zoning Permits: Verify that your location is zoned for a sports club and obtain any necessary special permits.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a sports club business?

Depending on the specific type of sports club business, you may need a variety of licenses and permits. Generally, any business that involves serving alcohol, collecting money for membership or admission fees, or renting facilities will require some kind of permit or license. Additionally, businesses that offer activities such as golf courses or ski resorts will require additional permits from the local government. It's important to ensure that you check with your local governing body for the specific permits and licenses required for your type of sports club.

Opening a business bank account and securing funding are crucial steps in establishing a solid financial foundation for your new sports club business. A dedicated business account will help you manage finances effectively, while the right funding can provide the capital needed to cover startup costs and ensure smooth operations. Follow these tips to get started:

  • Choose the Right Bank: Research banks to find one that offers favorable terms and services for small businesses, such as low fees, online banking, and good customer support.
  • Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents such as your business license, EIN, ownership agreements, and personal identification to open your business bank account.
  • Understand Your Funding Needs: Determine how much capital you need to start and maintain your sports club, including facility rental, equipment, and staff salaries.
  • Explore Funding Options: Look into various funding sources such as bank loans, investors, crowdfunding, or grants specifically available for sports and community projects.
  • Prepare a Pitch: If seeking investors or loans, create a compelling business plan and pitch that outlines the potential for success and growth of your sports club.
  • Consider Future Growth: Choose funding options that not only cover initial costs but also allow for scalability as your club grows.

Setting the right pricing for your sports club services is crucial in balancing affordability for members and sustainability for your business. Consider the costs, market rates, and value offered to ensure that your pricing strategy attracts and retains members while supporting your club's financial health. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Cost Analysis: Calculate your overhead costs, including facility maintenance, staff salaries, equipment, and utilities, to determine the minimum price needed to break even.
  • Market Research: Investigate local competitors' pricing to ensure your rates are competitive. Adjust for any additional value or unique services your club provides.
  • Value-Based Pricing: Price services based on the value perceived by your members. Premium services or specialized training can command higher fees.
  • Membership Tiers: Offer different membership levels (e.g., basic, premium) to cater to varying budgets and preferences, providing options for everyone.
  • Discounts and Promotions: Implement introductory offers, family discounts, or loyalty programs to encourage sign-ups and long-term commitment.
  • Dynamic Pricing: Consider seasonal pricing or off-peak discounts to manage facility capacity and maximize revenue.
  • Financial Aid: Offer scholarship programs or sliding scale fees to ensure inclusivity for all income levels.

What does it cost to start a sports club business?

Initiating a sports club business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $46200 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your sports club business.

Starting a sports club requires not only enthusiasm and members but also the right equipment and supplies to ensure safe and enjoyable activities. It's crucial to invest wisely in high-quality gear that will withstand regular use and cater to the needs of your club members. Here's a guide to help you with Step 8 of starting your sports club:

  • Research the specific equipment needs for the sports your club will offer, considering both essential and optional items.
  • Consider purchasing durable, high-quality equipment that may have a higher upfront cost but will last longer and be more cost-effective in the long run.
  • Explore various suppliers and compare prices to get the best deals. Look for bulk purchase discounts or wholesale options to save money.
  • Think about safety equipment, such as helmets, pads, and first aid kits, which are crucial for protecting participants.
  • Don't forget about administrative and operational supplies, like scoreboards, timers, cones, and markers for organizing games and training sessions.
  • Invest in storage solutions to keep your equipment organized and in good condition when not in use.
  • Include maintenance tools and cleaning supplies in your budget to ensure that the equipment is always safe and ready for use.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a sports club business:

  • PC or Mac Computer: $500-$3000 depending on configuration
  • Accounting Software: $50-$300 depending on version
  • Website Builder: $50-$150 depending on version
  • Promotional Materials (business cards, flyers/posters, brochures): $100 - $300
  • Business Plan Software: $50 - $100
  • Sports Uniforms: $150 - $400 depending on quantity and type of material
  • Sports Equipment (balls, nets, bats etc): $50 - $200 depending on type and quantity
  • Sports Venue: Varies greatly by size and complexity
  • Insurance Policies: Varies by type and amount of coverage
  • Fundraising Supplies (t-shirts, hats etc.): $50 -$200 depending on type and quantity

Securing the right business insurance is a crucial step in protecting your sports club. It helps mitigate risks associated with accidents, injuries, and other unforeseen events. Below are key points to consider when obtaining business insurance:

  • Assess Risks: Evaluate the types of risks associated with your sports club, such as equipment damage, member injuries, or liability issues.
  • Consult Professionals: Seek advice from insurance agents who specialize in sports businesses to ensure you get coverage tailored to your specific needs.
  • Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates and coverage options for your club.
  • Choose Appropriate Coverage: Common insurance types for sports clubs include general liability, property insurance, professional liability, and workers' compensation.
  • Review Policies Annually: Insurance needs may change as your sports club grows, so it's important to review and update your policies regularly.

Marketing your sports club services is crucial for attracting members and establishing your brand in the community. A strategic marketing approach can help you reach potential clients and communicate the unique benefits of your club. Below are some essential steps to begin marketing your sports club effectively:

  • Develop a strong brand identity: Create a memorable logo, slogan, and consistent color scheme that represents your sports club's values and mission. Use this branding across all marketing materials.
  • Build an online presence: Launch a professional website with information about your services, schedule, and fees. Utilize social media platforms to engage with your audience and share updates, events, and promotions.
  • Community engagement: Host free events, workshops, or clinics to introduce your club to the local community. Partner with schools, businesses, and other organizations for cross-promotion opportunities.
  • Offer promotions and memberships: Attract new members with introductory offers, discounts for referrals, or tiered membership packages that provide added value.
  • Encourage word-of-mouth: Leverage the power of personal recommendations by encouraging your satisfied members to spread the word about your club.
  • Invest in advertising: Consider using both online and offline advertising channels such as Google Ads, local newspapers, and community bulletin boards to reach a wider audience.

Once your sports club has laid a strong foundation and established a loyal member base, expanding your business is the next logical step. This phase involves broadening your services, reaching new markets, and enhancing your club's offerings. Here's how you can take your sports club to the next level:

  • Assess the Market: Research to find gaps in the market that your sports club can fill, or new locations that have a demand for your services.
  • Diversify Offerings: Introduce new sports, fitness classes, or amenities to attract a wider audience and cater to diverse preferences.
  • Upgrade Facilities: Invest in high-quality equipment and consider expanding your physical space to accommodate more members and activities.
  • Forge Partnerships: Collaborate with schools, local businesses, and sports organizations to offer exclusive services and gain referrals.
  • Enhance Marketing Strategies: Utilize social media, content marketing, and community events to increase brand visibility and attract new members.
  • Develop a Membership Program: Create tiered membership options with incentives to encourage loyalty and long-term commitment from members.
  • Invest in Technology: Use management software for seamless operations and implement apps for member engagement and retention.
  • Train Staff: Ensure your team is well-trained and knowledgeable to provide the best experience to your members, encouraging positive word-of-mouth.
  • Seek Feedback: Regularly gather member feedback to make informed decisions and continuous improvements to your services.

Entrepreneurs Gateway

Opening an Outdoor Activity Center?

How to write an outdoor activity center business plan (fast), step by step (actionable) case study.

If you’re looking to set up a new venture in the outdoor recreational/sports industry, this detailed Outdoor Activity Center business plan is a great place to start.

Our Team at EntrepreneursGateway.com have left no stone unturned in putting together this detailed business plan example.

Bottom Line…

If you’re looking for help and guidance on writing an Outdoor Activity Center business plan…

Then you’ll love this!

  • 10 FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY

#1 Activity Centre Business Plan Executive Summary Section

The Executive Summary section of your business plan outlines what your business does. It summarizes the company’s key points and introduces the rest of the business plan content.

The Executive Summary is incredibly important because it might be the only section a busy person reads; so it should always include:

  • Who the company is – In the Company section of the executive summary, we’ve talked about the key staff member and the expertise and experience he brings to the table, as well as the proposed project and the opportunities it will bring to the local area.
  • What we sell – What the problem is and how your business will solve it.
  • Target Market – Who your customers are going to be.

Check it out and feel free to lift any of it that you want.

My name is Mr Activity, Director of Activities R Us Activity Centre. My home and the surrounding area is where I will operate the business. My premises are situated next to Lake Erie in North America. The Lake is approx. 7 miles long and nestles in beautiful surrounding scenic beauty and is steeped in history and myths. The area at the top of the lake is one of the few barren areas left in Canada with approx. 25 miles’ square area which has no human habitation what so ever. The lake is a free lake, which can be fished for Brown Trout, Perch and Char for free.

What We Sell

We aim to provide most outdoor and adventure pursuits such as hill walking, fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, canoeing, wind surfing, boat fishing (fly fishing), mountain and quad biking, orienteering, bird watching, star gazing, water balling, basic camping and glamping for 2, 3 or 4 days.

recreation club business plan

Who We Sell To

Our audience will be corporate groups, families from the Armed Forces, youth groups, schools, individuals as well as tourists either from USA or overseas and stag and hen parties.

Investment Opportunity

Activities R Us is seeking investment of $650,000 for a new site at Lake Erie. The investment required is to purchase 2 houses and an outbuilding to create accommodation blocks and cabins to house up to 60 people at any one time.  Customers can then experience all the outdoor pursuits on offer while staying in comfort.

This beautiful area with breath-taking views and surroundings is situated in one of the last remote places of North America which is easily accessible by road. 

The scenic beauty combined with life-long experiences in outdoor pursuits and activities has the potential of being a leading resort throughout

The investment will be secured on property and allows working capital to purchase all requirements of equipment and goods to ensure a quick turn into profit from a start-up company. This fantastic offer will go from strength to strength with the right marketing and management; and Activities R Us would be open to any input that could be provided to ensuring success through your investment.

The #Executive #Summary outlines what your business does, summarizes your key points, and prepares investors for the rest of your #businessplan. It’s vital you provide a solid case for your business idea, which is why your #executive #summary is so important! Tweet

#2 Activity Centre Business Plan Company Profile Section

The Company Profile in your Outdoor Activity Center Business Plan is also known as the Company Description.

If it’s well written, your potential investors will find easy to understand your business model, your mission and goals, and how it’s going to meet the needs of your target market.

So whether it’s an activity center business plan, an indoor playground business plan or a soft play business plan that you’re after, we hope you find the following information useful.

For the purpose of this business plan, we’ve included the following:

  • The Company and Management Team
  • Location and Facilities

Mission Statement

Company overview.

This is a startup company, although formed a few years ago. Due to other business interests, it has been put on the back burner. The premises is owned by myself and Mrs Activity, my partner for 23 years. We have a daughter of 19 years who can also assist in operations.

Management Team

I am Mr Activity, and am presently serving as a Director of our family-owned company, which serves the whole of Canada for training purposes. I have been employed within the family businesses in many roles from Directing, Administrating, Supervision and Sales for approx. 26 years.

Mr Fitness is my father, and is acting as advisor. He has a wealth of knowledge having been in charge of many companies over the past 40 years. His portfolio of companies ranges from Security, Training, Property, Public Houses, Bookmakers, Welding Factories, and Clubs.

Having served Canada for training purposes, we have trained our staff to oversee the project. This therefore puts us in a prime position as we have a bank of qualified trainers who are available to assist us with this venture.

Locations and Facilities

Activities R Us is located at Lake Erie, Canada

Lake Erie is situated approximately 5 miles from the village of Little Erie. It is approximately 7 miles long and 1 mile broad at its widest. The Lake  is steeped in history and Myths.

Lake Erie Castle is believed to have been erected in the 13th century. The Castle, which was located in the middle of the Lake survived assaults by the Army and is believed to have been one of the last resting places of a queen on her journey from America to be exiled in Canada.

The castle was moved to the shores of the Lake as the Lake was raised to provide Hydro-Power. This was achieved by building a dam at the foot of the Lake. Many other stories and myths exist about the Lake and will be freely available in our brochures promoting the Centre.

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To deliver quality and professional performances at all times and always ensure that our customers requirements are met. We believe that communication is key in business and that one should never underestimate an understanding. Health and Safety measures are also always paramount. With civility, honesty and performance we can nurture the acorn to the oak tree.

A #mission #statement is a short statement of an organization's purpose and shows the goal of its operations: what kind of product or service it provides, its primary customers or market, and its geographical region of operation. Tweet

#3 Activity Center Business Plan Products & Services Section

The Products and Services section needs to be much more than simply a list of what your new business is going to provide.

This is especially important if you’re looking to get funding; so make sure that you showcase the value, the quality, and the benefits of your business.

Ask yoursel f:

  • What sets you apart from your competitors?
  • Why would people come to you as opposed to your competitors?

Here’s the example.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

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Activities R Us Activity Centre will offer all kinds of outdoor adventure pursuits such as quad biking, mountain biking, archery, clay shooting, sailing, kayaking, fishing boat fly fishing, fishing shore, orienteering, basic camping and fishing skills, bird watching, star gazing, hill walking, zorbing and mountain balling.

Quad Biking

The participants will feel the adrenaline flow as they ride the quads down the trails through the forest, hillsides, open fields and rough terrain.

Mountain Biking

Riding a bike through mountains and hillsides while admiring the beauty of the surroundings. There are trails of varying levels of difficulty for people all ages (recommended for children aged 7 and upwards) and skills. It’s an effective and enjoyable way of working on your stamina, coordination, and fitness.

The participants will have a chance to try their hand at this ancient skill. As a one-time experience, it can be great fun and a way to check your focus, balance, and mental fitness.

Clay Shooting

It is suitable for both men and women, adults and youngsters (14 and upwards) of all skill levels. Depending on th package, the participants will shoot at a varying number of targets.

There are several courses and packages to choose from, aimed at both advanced sailors and newbies. The proximity of the Lake Erie makes our center a perfect place to start with the adventure of sailing. We provide a number of all kinds of boats including lasers and toppers.

It’s a perfect activity to improve your fitness and stamina, as well as admiring the beautiful views and sinking in the wonderful atmosphere of Lake Erie. We are providing the paddlers with an opportunity to learn all they need to enjoy the experience and improve upon their skills.

Hill Walking

This is by far one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the area, with networks of paths providing access to a range of environments.

Fishing Shore

Anyone who wants to fish can learn how. Shore fishing is an enjoyable sport for the whole family. It provides quality time with the added excitement of feeling a bite on your line.

Orienteering

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport which involves walking or running whilst navigating around a course using a detailed map and sometimes a compass.  The aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace.

Bird Watching

Canada is a fantastic destination for birders, with a wealth of specialty species and an ever changing avifauna to match the seasons.

 The night skies here are some of the best in the world, equal to dark sky in Arizona. With countless stars and the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon, shooting stars, planets, comets, and the Northern Lights are all visible.

Zorbing and Mountain Balling

Sphering (AKA Zorbing) is right at the heart of adventure. Bounce down a hill in a massive inflatable ball with you secured inside! Seriously good fun!

Basic Camping and Fishing Skills

We cater to beginners as well, and welcome all ages and abilities.

COMPETITORS

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While the popularity of outdoor activity centers is on the rise all over the US, there is no direct competition that is situated within a close proximity of Lake Erie.

There are two competitors in Canada, which are Active Mania and Outdoor Pursuits. However, they are situated in different areas in Canada and do not pose an immediate threat.

Product & Service Development

At the moment, we are planning to purchase or lease 6 luxury cabins near Lake Erie. These will be 10-metre square wooden camping cabins of hexagonal shape, able to accommodate between 2-6 people.

With time, we are hoping to be able to develop and increase the number of accommodation services and increase the turnover.

This is a family business endeavor and initially we are planning to use the help of Mr Activity’s father, Mr Fitness. All the administration and marketing activities will be dealt with from his company office

#4 Activity Center Business Plan Situation & Market Analysis Section

This section of a business plan is very often glossed over because, more often than not, the business owner is so involved within their business that it doesn’t occur to them that they can learn something by writing this down!

This section is one of the most important aspects of your Activity Center marketing plan.

In fact, it defines where you are currently in terms of your market, product, customer, and competition. It also allows you to look at both internal and external factors and to review and document the strengths and weaknesses of your business, as well as identifying any opportunities and threats within your marketplace.

It can include:

Market Overview

Market needs, market trends, market growth, industry analysis, key customers.

  • SWOT analysis

TARGET MARKET

Our product appeals to all ages and genders, individual and group clients, families and corporate teams.

Adventure excitement experience, meet new friends and learn new pursuits. Enjoyable way for weight loss and skills.

The demand for outdoor activity centers continues to rise with more and more people looking for engaging and thrilling ways to spend their leisure time. People are increasingly interested in various survival academies, wilderness courses and extreme adventure camps, as evidenced by the popularity of adventurers like Bear Grylls.

Our activity center can also cater for the needs of solders coming home from military operations and missions. Taking part in outdoor activities is a perfect way to wind down, deal with stress and release pent-up energy.

Outdoor activities are also a perfect solution to people who are trying to lose weight and get in shape, but are bored with standard gym routine and mundane exercises. Our offer will give them a wide range of activities to choose from that will both give them a good workout and provide some challenge and excitement.

Your #Market #Analysis section of a business plan is one of the most important aspects of your marketing plan. It defines where you are currently in terms of your market, product, customer and competition. Check out this example in our #BusinessPlan! Tweet

Nowadays people are more afraid to travel to the Continent or any further because of the unstable situation and rise of terrorism, bombing attacks, suicide bombers. In the past the attacks were less frequent, and they were primarily limited to certain regions of conflict, but now it’s more unpredictable.

The attacks mean that people tend to avoid certain regions, change destinations; e.g. France used to be one of the most frequently visited holiday destination in Europe, but as a result of the recent attacks in Paris, the occupancy rate at hotels dropped significantly to 67% (The Nice incident probably had a similar effect). The same could be said about other once popular destinations, such as Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia.

Unsurprisingly, the trend is also visible in the US. American holidaymakers tended to choose “safer” options. A survey conducted by Travelzoo found that approximately 1 in 3 travelers from the US perceives the safety of their holiday destination as the most important factor when choosing where to go.

It is a high-growth business area in which investors will be interested. There are numerous tourist companies that are buying businesses like this to offer holidays.

We would like to work in conjunction with Forestry Commission to build our brand and help preserve the unique nature of the area, as we believe that location in a barren area with unspoiled surroundings is one of our biggest assets.

We are also interested in cooperation with Visit Canada, as we are planning to apply for their funding program aimed at tourism businesses supporting the development of local tourism.

In our industry, reputation is extremely crucial. There are many companies offering similar attractions, as the popularity of various survival and extreme adventure camps is on the rise. Therefore we cannot afford bad pressing. It is extremely important to carefully watch the market trends as well as the activity of other players on the market, in order to stay competitive and cater to the needs of the customers.

Our offer will be presented to the public via our website. We are also planning to build our online presence by means of social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter.

Our offer is aimed at both individual holidaymakers, families, corporate directors interested in all sorts of team building activities. We believe, that the wide range of activities will also appeal to individuals struggling to lose weight, soldiers wanting to wind down after challenging military operations or just anyone interested in sports, wishing to become stronger or more confident.

Engaging in outdoor activities is also a nice idea for an original stag or hen party for people who are fond of active leisure and would like to spend that special day in an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable way.

SWOT Analysis

Our undeniable strength is the fact that we have no direct competitors in the area. Other major players on the market are operating in other parts of Canada. What is more, we are based in a secluded area, where there aren’t many people living, which is also a plus because more and more people are looking for peace and quiet as they are trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city life.

Our possible weakness is the fact that we do not have a well-established brand name and people do not know about us, nor do they associate Lake Erie area with outdoor activities. We intend to deal with this problem by means of well-prepared promotional activity.

Opportunities

We believe we have the potential to become one of Canada’s premier outdoor activity centers. In order to achieve this, we will start a marketing campaign and advertise on our website and social media channels, as we believe it is the most powerful form of selling your services, and the quickest way to reach masses.

Competitive Edge

We are competing against other activity centers with already established brands, but our main asset is that we are located in a secluded area of outstanding beauty, where no one lives. Through our offer we will be presenting people with an opportunity not only to engage in physical activity, but also to experience nature and admire its unspoilt beauty. And with more and more people being relocated north of Canada, our location gives us a great advantage, as there isn’t any outdoor activity center like this in the area.

#5 Activity Center Business Plan Marketing Strategy & Implementation Section

The marketing strategy section of your business plan describes who your customers are going to be and how you plan to communicate to them the services or goods you are offering.

If your potential customers are not made aware of your business, you are not going to stay in business for very long!

Defining a marketing strategy in your business plan highlights your understanding and knowledge and emphasizes what makes your business concept compelling. It also outlines how you plan to attract and maintain a customer/client base.

Ask yourself:

  • How are you planning to advertise to your market?
  • What is your competitive edge?
  • What is your sales strategy?

So, without further ado…

Let’s look at the following example.

STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION

Initially, we are planning to focus on promoting the center among the local citizens to gain recognition and popularity. We would like the local schools and business to get interested in our offer. We believe it to be a perfect spot for all kinds of corporate team building events, stag and hen parties or just spending time with your family in an active way. We will also address our offer to the armed forces, as we believe engaging soldiers in such outdoor activities helps them cope with stress and helps them wind down after difficult military operations.

Our website will be the main channel through which we would like to promote the center. We are also planning to use social media channels to provide information about the kinds of activities we offer and possibly build a community of outdoor activity enthusiasts.

Apart from building an online presence, we would like to reach to various councils and tourist information centers.

recreation club business plan

Our first milestone would be the purchase of the 6 accommodation cabins to open the business to the public and start selling our services. The center already has outdoor showers and toilets setup, but we still need to build outdoor cooking facilities.

Afterwards, we will engage in promotional activities to popularize the center and get people interested in coming here and purchasing our services. With time, we are hoping to be able to develop and increase the number of accommodation services as well as increasing the turnover.

Promotional Activity

We will focus primarily on building our online presence through our website and social media channels. Apart from that, we would like to contact all the tourist information centers, government schemes and local authorities to interest them in our offer.

Sales Administration

Giving a good service.

Our potential clients will be able to browse through our offer on our website and have access to all the relevant information. They will be able to check the availability of the cabins and make bookings.

Strategic Alliances

We are hoping to be able to create a strategic alliance with Visit Canada. The portal provides interesting funding opportunities that could help us develop and market our business.

We would also like to contact Forestry Commission and interest them in cooperating with us to work for the local area.

Exit Strategy

It is anticipated that there will be a refinancing after year 5 and that a multiplier of 7 will be achieved. It is anticipated that bank borrowings of 60% can be injected along with new equity.

The anticipated value is as below.

recreation club business plan

Ensuring that you have a COMPLETE #financial #plan within your business plan will DOUBLE your chances of #investment and future growth of your business! Tweet

#6 Activity Center Business Plan Financial Section

Ensuring that you have a COMPLETE financial plan within your business plan will DOUBLE your chances of investment as well as the future growth of your business.

A lot of small businesses don’t have a financial plan and it’s essential to your long-term success and business growth.

We’ve listed here the key elements you need to have in a successful financial section:

  • Initial Start Up Expenses – Especially if this is a start-up idea, it’s essential that you have a description of what you need for investment purposes.
  • Sales Forecast – It’s essential to have an estimate of your monthly sales revenue as well as annual. This helps you understand your business and plan out any marketing and growth strategies.
  • Direct cost of sales – Measures the amount of cash the company will have to spend to produce the goods or services sold by the company. The direct cost of sales only includes the expenses directly associated to production.
  • Profit and Loss Forecast – This is a statement summarizing the revenues, costs and expenses incurred during a specific period.
  • Balance Sheet – This is the financial position of the company and states its assets, liabilities and owners’ equity at a particular point in time. It illustrates the business’s net worth.
  • Loan Repayment – This shows the lender or potential investor the act of paying back any monies.

So… Are you ready to look at some figures?

Sales Forecast 2018

recreation club business plan

Sales Forecast 3 Years

recreation club business plan

Personnel Plan

recreation club business plan

Projected Personnel Plan 3 years

recreation club business plan

Budget 2018

recreation club business plan

Budget for 3 Years

recreation club business plan

Profit & Loss 2018

recreation club business plan

Profit & Loss for 3 Years

recreation club business plan

Balance Sheet 2018

recreation club business plan

Projected Balance Sheet

recreation club business plan

Projected Cash Flow

recreation club business plan

  • Ecommerce Business Plan sample
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  • Real Estate Business Plan Sample

Additional Resources:

  • 40 Common Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid when Writing your Plan
  • What is a Business plan and why do you need one?
  • How to Write a Business Proposal in 5 Easy Steps
  • 10 FREE Business Name Generator Tools to find your perfect business name

Now, over to you...

Now I’d love to hear from you:

Are you going to start up your own outdoor activity business, or have you recently written a business plan?

We’d love to know what you thought about our outdoor activity business plan example.

Feel free to leave any comments below and I will be sure to answer them as soon as they come in.

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  14. How to write an Outdoor Activity Center Business Plan (Step by Step

    Activities R Us is seeking investment of $650,000 for a new site at Lake Erie. The investment required is to purchase 2 houses and an outbuilding to create accommodation blocks and cabins to house up to 60 people at any one time. Customers can then experience all the outdoor pursuits on offer while staying in comfort.

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