THE GLOBAL BRAND THAT’S CHANGING THE WORLD
If working with kids in dynamic and inspiring ways excites you, then read on! The Little Gym is a global brand with 36 gyms, 17,000+ members across Europe, and 400+ branches worldwide.
Our franchise offers you the chance to work in the growing area of child development (four-month-old babies to twelve-year-olds) with all the franchise support you need to hit the ground running.
Every child is different, but they all have one thing in common: potential. At The Little Gym, we unleash that potential through a gymnastics-based, non-competitive curriculum. We’re passionate about helping children develop life skills they can use at school, with family and friends, playing sports, and later on in their chosen careers.
FUN LEARNING
We believe fun learning is the most powerful learning method. From this starting point, we have designed our unique model that develops physical, mental, and social skills in a fun way. Every lesson is set to original music produced by founder Robin Wes. The Little Gym program allows children to progress at their own pace, and their confidence grows with their skills. Children are encouraged to try their best, not be the best.
After decades of research and hands-on experience, we set the standard for high-quality child development programs in 400+ locations across the globe!
Lesson plans and music have been created for each class. These are the keys to establishing your reputation as a distinctive, professional, high-quality program. The structured curriculum provides parents with a clear idea of what their children will be doing upon enrolment.
Our Curriculum Department runs R&D into new programs, music, themes and activities to keep lessons fresh and encourage children to return season after season. You’ll receive all the necessary tools, including curriculum manuals, lesson plans, tutorial skills videos, teaching aids and music downloads. We’ve designed these tools to help you save time and stay focused on building membership, increasing revenues – and changing lives!
ACHIEVEMENTS
The Little Gym Europe opened its first The Little Gym in Waterloo, Belgium, in 2000, with The Little Gym Wandsworth, UK, opening in 2003. Both are still going strong and have been joined by a further 35 TLGs, with totals of 15 in the UK (and two more targeted to open this year) and 22 across Europe, plus a minimum of two more this year.
The Little Gym Europe is growing in both its number of units and revenue. We’re also seeing owners reinvest in new territories; four have done so in the last nine months alone.
The Little Gym is proud to be an Established Member of the British Franchising Association, which champions ethical franchising and has ongoing partnerships with the European Franchise Federation and World Franchise Council.
GROWTH:
2024 year to date 7% growth on same period last year (All calendar years, Network as a whole)
2023 over 2022 15% growth
2022 over 2019 18% growth - (2020 and 2021 excluded for these purposes due to Covid lock down impacted periods)
THE LITTLE GYM THAT’S A GIANT IN THE MARKET
The Little Gym is a brand leader in child development programmes recommended by physicians, occupational therapists, and parents around the world. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been unlocking potential in generations of children.
At The Little Gym, our environment is fun but our purpose is serious. We embrace a proprietary philosophy known as Three-Dimensional Learning, where physical activity is a conduit for nurturing the whole child. The Three-Dimensional Learning approach means every class we offer fosters growth in three holistic dimensions:
- Get Moving!: Develops flexibility, strength, balance and coordination through varied physical activities.
- Brain Boost!: Nurtures listening skills, concentration and decision-making that benefit your child beyond the gym.
- Life Skills!: Promoting sharing, teamwork, cooperation and leadership through spending time with friends and peers.
TRAINING…
A business start-up is enough to tie anyone up in knots, but our Training Department will be there for you every step of the way. We conduct hands-on training, real-life in-gym sessions and online refresher courses.
In the months before your opening, our trainers will prep you and your key team members with a week-long training session at The Little Gym International Home Office in Bedford, Texas. You’ll also complete a week-long internship to practice your skills in an open gym.
Prior to opening, you’ll be introduced to our Instructor Training System, “The Vault,” which provides the tools to train and develop your staff. It takes them from Beginning Instructor to Master-Level Instructor. This proprietary system ensures quality and continuity among franchisees.
…AND SUPPORT
Once your gym is open, we continue to help through yearly training sessions that offer fresh innovative ideas and methods.
How would you like skilled professionals to help you develop your entrepreneurial muscles, build your confidence, and lower your stress? That’s our Consultant Team, the lifeline during your pre-opening phase who will guide you through the whole process, including finance and training.
Our Business Advisors will be your guide to help fast-track your business growth. Their goal is to ensure you work out all the kinks in your operational and financial systems. They’ll also mentor you for the first five years of your TLG journey.
As your business matures, you’ll need practical advice and best practices. Our Business Advisors are current owners with exceptional track records and invaluable insights who stay in touch to review day-to-day operations.
PROOF OF SUCCESS
“This programme is unique! I knew this, the moment I set foot in the first The Little Gym I visited. On a day-to-day basis I am reminded that I made the right decision 20 years ago”
- Peter-Paul Van Reenen – Franchise Owner, The Little Gym, Amsterdam, NL
“As a parent with an educational background (I’m a high school teacher) I found the very well-structured and well-planned training sessions to be optimal and fell in love with the concept of The Little Gym. As a new owner I see The Little Gym bringing the much sought-after independence that will significantly benefit my family.”
- Luisa Da Silva – New Franchise Owner, The Little Gym, Bonn, DE
“We fell in love with The Little Gym immediately after becoming members of The Little Gym Amsterdam with our son. From the owner, we learned that it was also a nice business opportunity that we were very excited about bringing to our country.”
- David Masat and Jana Masatova – Master Franchise Owners, The Little Gym, Czech Republic & Slovakia
FRANCHISEE REQUIREMENTS
At The Little Gym, we don’t simply sell franchises; we award them!
We’re highly selective about those we believe share our mission and will effectively deliver our brand promise. Once we find a great match and award a territory, we’re committed to their success and do all we can to help.
The Little Gym owners come from various professional backgrounds, but they all share the same goal: To become successful business owners while making a difference in the lives of children in their communities.
Our franchisees’ passions include:
- Children
- Community
- Legacy building
- Wealth building
Their motivations include:
- Having flexibility over their schedule
- Bringing enrichment opportunities into their community
- Building a business for themselves
The Little Gym owners are active owners. They spend time in their gyms orchestrating their team and facility into a successful, profitable business. They are the true key to a successful The Little Gym.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Franchise Fee: £40,000 for the UK
Minimum Investment: £285,000 for the UK
Minimum Liquid Capital: £100,000 for the UK
