Business Plan 101: How to Develop a Business Plan for Your Fitness Business

The process of constructing a business plan is a necessary reality check for fitness professionals wanting to go into business for themselves. Among other things, the completed business plan provides the necessary foundation for obtaining financing. By taking an objective look at your business plans, identifying areas of weakness and strength become much clearer and easier to acknowledge. You will realize critical components that may have been overlooked, realize problems and establish plans to meet business objectives.

Ninety percent of new businesses fail in the first two years. Failure is often attributed to a lack of planning and objective review. To enhance your success, it is important that you utilize your business plan. A well-constructed business plan can turn a failing operation into a success.

"The business plan is a necessity. If a Fitness Professional cannot outline the objectives
clearly enough to organize a business plan, he or she is already behind when getting started."

-Samuel F. Hirschberg, Director of Business Development
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

Despite the critical importance of a business plan, many fitness professionals drag their feet when it comes to preparing one. They argue that they just don't have enough time. But just as a builder won't begin construction without a blueprint, an eager fitness professional with a great business idea shouldn't rush into new ventures without a business plan. Before you begin writing your business plan, consider four important core questions:

1. What service or product does your business provide and what needs does it fill?

2. Who are the potential customers for your product or service and why will they purchase it from you?

3. How will you reach your potential customers?

4. Where will you get the financial resources to start your business?

This course includes:
Chapter 1: Why Write a Business Plan?

Chapter 2: Business Plan Basics

Chapter 3: Writing the Plan

Chapter 4: Sample Business Plan

Chapter 5: Using and Implementing the Business Plan

Additional Resources

Final Examination

Bonus: QuickStart Checklist for Launching Your Fitness Business

13-page text in digital PDF format. Includes sample business plan titled: Corporate Fitness: Health/Fitness Program Business Plan. Features online enrollment, online exam and instant grading as well as automatic certificate generation upon completion of course.

Please note: This CEU course is online only. There is no curriculum material shipped.