How Much Does a Goldfish Swim School Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$1.7M – $3.7M
Franchise Fee
$50K
Royalty
the greater of $1,250 per month or 6% of gross sales for the 90-day period following opening; and the greater of $4,000 per month or 6% of gross sales thereafter.
Ad Fund
2.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Goldfish Swim School is $50K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Goldfish Swim School franchise requires a total investment of $1.7M – $3.7M. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $75K to $350K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Goldfish Swim School franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty structure is: the greater of $1,250 per month or 6% of gross sales for the 90-day period following opening; and the greater of $4,000 per month or 6% of gross sales thereafter.. The advertising or brand fund contribution is 2.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $1K.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Goldfish Swim School requires working capital of $75K – $350K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Goldfish Swim School's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $1.8M
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Goldfish Swim School?
SBA Loans Issued
106
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Goldfish Swim School has 106 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
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