How Much Does a Starting Strength Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$237K – $713K
Franchise Fee
$40K
Royalty
8.0%
Ad Fund
2.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Starting Strength is $40K. 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 Starting Strength franchise requires a total investment of $237K – $713K. 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 $1K to $45K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Starting Strength franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 8.0% of gross sales (Percentage of Gross Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 2.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $408.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Starting Strength requires working capital of $1K – $45K 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?
Starting Strength does not disclose earnings data in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish financial performance representations, though this is a data point many prospective franchisees consider important.
How Do Banks View Starting Strength?
SBA Loans Issued
11
Default Rate
25.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Starting Strength has 11 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 25.0%, which is near the franchise industry average. 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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