How to Write a Simple Business Plan for Your Kids' Fitness Business: 10 Key Things You Need to Do
Starting a kids’ fitness business is exciting, but the business side of things can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to start. A business plan doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be clear, simple, and actionable. A well-structured plan will give you confidence and help you take small, focused steps toward your goals.
Here are 10 key areas to include in your business plan to get your kids' fitness business up and running.
1. Executive Summary
The executive summary is a short overview of your business, and it should be concise but compelling. Think of this section as your elevator pitch—a quick snapshot of what your business is, what services you offer, and what makes you unique.
What to include:
A brief description of your kids' fitness business.
Your mission statement (e.g., “To inspire healthy habits and movement in children aged 3-12 through fun, engaging fitness programs”).
Your business goals (e.g., “To run 5 group classes per week in January 2025/Winter Season, or “To offer my programs in 10 local schools by the end of the 2024/25 school year”).
The goal of the executive summary is to give readers (and yourself!) a clear sense of what your business is all about.
2. Market Research
Market research helps you understand who your target audience is and where the opportunities lie in the kids' fitness market. By researching the local competition, demographics, and trends, you’ll have the information you need to make smart decisions about where and how to launch your business.
What to include:
Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach? Parents with kids aged 3-5? Schools? Homeschool groups?
Competitor Analysis: Who else is offering kids’ fitness in your area? What are they charging? What types of programs do they offer?
Industry Trends: Are parents looking for fitness classes that focus on physical literacy, confidence-building, social-emotional learning, sports-conditioning, or 1:1 training? What types of classes are popular in your community?
Market research will help you understand your audience and the local landscape, ensuring you tailor your business to meet real needs.
Interested in working with schools? Check out this free webinar and learn how you can charge up to $4,500/week when you offer curriculum-based programs.
3. Services and Programs
In this section, describe what specific services or programs you’ll offer. Whether it's kids' yoga, after-school sports conditioning, or dance-based movement classes, outlining your services will provide structure to your business plan.
What to include:
Types of Programs: What types of kids' fitness classes will you offer? Will they be age-specific? Seasonal (fall, winter, spring)? After-school or weekend-based?
Frequency of Classes: How often will classes be held? Will there be drop-in options or only pre-registered sessions?
Unique Value Proposition: What makes your programs different? Will you focus on physical literacy, fun, teamwork, or confidence-building? (Check out PL3Y Kids Fitness for a pre-packaged program and an award-winning brand parents and schools love!)
Be specific about what you’ll offer to show potential clients—and yourself—how your business will operate.
4. Business Model
Your business model outlines how your kids' fitness business will make money. Many fitness professionals are passionate about working with children but struggle with the financial side. A clear business model will give you confidence and direction.
What to include:
Pricing Structure: Will you charge per class, by session, or offer package deals? For example, many kids’ fitness programs charge by term (e.g., fall, winter, spring) or by an annual pass.
Revenue Streams: Besides group classes, could you offer private sessions, birthday parties, or holiday camps? Could you partner with local schools to offer PE programs?
Cost of Delivery: Estimate the costs involved in delivering your services, including rent for space, equipment, and marketing.
Understanding how your business will generate income—and what it will cost to run—gives you a strong foundation for success.
Read “How Much Can I Charge for Kids Fitness Classes?”
5. Marketing and Sales Plan
Your marketing plan outlines how you’ll attract clients. This is often where new business owners feel overwhelmed, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on a few key marketing strategies to get started.
What to include:
Targeted Marketing: Where do parents in your community go for information? Schools, community centers, Facebook groups? Make sure your marketing reaches these places.
Social Media Strategy: Use platforms like Instagram or Facebook to promote your kids' fitness business. Share fun videos, testimonials, or clips of your classes.
Referral Program: Consider offering discounts to parents who refer friends or siblings to your classes. Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to build your reputation.
By having a clear marketing plan, you’ll know exactly how to start spreading the word and filling your classes.
6. Operations Plan
The operations plan details how your business will run day-to-day. This includes scheduling, locations, equipment, and staffing if you need it. Even if you’re a solo entrepreneur, this section helps you think through the logistics.
What to include:
Class Schedule: When and where will your classes take place? Will you rent a community center, gym space, or work outdoors?
Equipment: What fitness or sports equipment will you need? How will you transport or store it?
Team: Will you hire assistants or work solo for now? If you’re planning to expand, when will you bring more instructors onboard?
Your operations plan should give you clarity on the logistics so your classes run smoothly from day one.
7. Financial Plan
This is the part of your business plan where the numbers come in. The financial plan outlines your revenue, expenses, and how much you expect to make. It might feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into small pieces will help you understand your business better.
What to include:
Startup Costs: How much will it cost to launch your business (e.g., renting space, marketing, equipment)?
Projected Revenue: Estimate how much you’ll make based on your pricing structure and how many classes you’ll run each week or month.
Cash Flow: When do you expect to start making a profit? How will you manage cash flow during quieter periods (e.g., summer break)?
Knowing your financials gives you confidence and clarity on what you need to reach your income goals.
8. Legal Structure
Every business needs a legal framework to operate smoothly. Deciding on your legal structure is important for liability protection, taxes, and overall management.
What to include:
Business Structure: Will you operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation? This impacts your taxes and personal liability.
Insurance: Kids' fitness businesses need liability insurance to protect against accidents or injuries. Make sure you have adequate coverage.
Permits and Licensing: Research local permits or licenses you may need to run fitness classes in community spaces or schools.
Getting your legal structure in place from the start will prevent headaches down the road.
9. Risk Management
Running a kids' fitness business comes with some risks, including injury, fluctuating enrollment, or space availability. Your risk management plan should help you identify potential issues and create solutions.
What to include:
Physical Risks: Ensure your classes are safe for all fitness levels, and always have a first aid kit and emergency procedures in place.
Business Risks: What happens if you have fewer clients than expected? Have a plan for marketing boosts or adjusting your schedule.
Contingency Plans: If your usual space is unavailable, do you have an alternative location in mind?
Risk management isn’t about expecting the worst but being prepared so your business stays strong.
10. Personal and Professional Goals
Finally, your business plan should include personal and professional goals. What do you want your business to achieve in 2025 and beyond? Think about how this business will impact your life—not just financially, but in terms of fulfillment and personal growth.
What to include:
Short-term Goals: What do you want to accomplish in the next 6-12 months? (e.g., run your first 10-week kids’ fitness class or secure partnerships with local schools).
Long-term Vision: Where do you see your business in 3-5 years? Do you want to expand to multiple locations or hire other instructors?
Personal Motivation: Why are you passionate about working with kids? Reflecting on your “why” will keep you motivated and focused when challenges arise.
Knowing your goals and staying connected to your personal motivation will give you the confidence to take action and grow your business.
By including these 10 key elements in your business plan, you’ll have the clarity and structure you need to get your kids’ fitness business off the ground. It’s not about having a perfect plan—it’s about setting yourself up for success, step by step.
Let’s make your dream of running a kids’ fitness business a reality!