Here at The Little Gym Franchise, we just got one more reason to “flip” for joy — we were ranked #1 Children’s Fitness Franchise in Entrepreneur magazine’s 41st annual Franchise 500®.
Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500®
It’s been more than 40 years since the very first Franchise 500 ranking was released, and the franchise industry is still stronger and more competitive than ever. Each year, Entrepreneur magazine publishes the world’s first, best, and most comprehensive franchise ranking.
This past year, more than 1,100 companies applied for a coveted spot on this year’s ranking, however only 500 made the list.
As a highly coveted and sought-after position, placement on the Franchise 500 is an invaluable resource for potential franchisees.
"The 500 companies on this list all have something in common: They understand what consumers want now," says Entrepreneur editor in chief Jason Feifer. "...making our list means they're forward-thinking, nimble, and closely in touch with their customers' needs—because in an ever-changing business environment, that's what a franchise must do to thrive."
The Little Gym Ranked #1
In 2019, The Little Gym Franchise ranked #1 in the Children's Fitness Programs category (for the 2nd year in a row) for Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500®. We were also ranked #179 in outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.
"This recognition is due in large part to the hard work and dedication that every one of our franchise owners puts into the growth and success of The Little Gym Franchise," said Alex Bingham, President and CEO of The Little Gym Franchise. "We want to thank them for making The Little Gym Franchise the widely-adored brand it has become and for helping us to continue sharing our mission globally."
Determining the Ranking
Determining where each business ranks is a complicated process that takes multiple factors into consideration. Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® looks at:
- Costs and fees
- Size and growth
- Support
- Brand strength
- Financial strength and stability
- Social media presence
Ultimately, more than 150 data points are analyzed and scored before the ranking is decided. Then, the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® list in ranking order.
“As we celebrate 40 years of producing the Franchise 500, it’s a good opportunity to step back and look at how much has changed since that first ranking in 1980,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “While the franchise business model has changed little, the strongest franchise brands are constantly evolving and innovating to keep up with changing trends and technology.”
Joining The Little Gym Family
Are you ready to take control of your future and franchise with The Little Gym Franchise? If so, there’s no time like the New Year to challenge yourself with a new business venture and improve the lives of children in your community.
With over 400 locations in more than 30 countries, we provide unmatched customer service and support, and invest heavily in our programs to ensure we stay ahead of the competition. From franchise owners and their teams to our customers, our goal is always to provide an exceptional experience for everyone involved.
If you want to know more about our children’s gym franchise opportunity, check out our Steps to Ownership page to learn about our process.
Visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500 to view The Little Gym Franchise in the full ranking. The results can also be seen in the January/February 2020 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands as of January 14th.
