FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for Goldfish Swim School using its latest 2026 FDD coverage.
Based on 2026 FDD · 6 filings in corpus · Latest FDD: 2026
Cost and profit at a glance
Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a Goldfish Swim School franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $2.6M – $6.0M. Reported owner economics show $181K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.
Quick fee read: $50K franchise fee · 9% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.
Goldfish Swim School requires a total initial investment of $2.6M to $6.0M (midpoint approximately $4.3M), with an initial franchise fee of $50K. The ongoing fee burden is 9% (6% royalty plus 3% advertising fund). This is below the industry average of approximately 18.1%, leaving more margin for the operator.
According to Item 19 of the 2026 FDD, the median revenue for Goldfish Swim School locations is $1.4M. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $181K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 4.2% with a payback period of approximately 23.7 years.
Goldfish Swim School operates approximately 18 franchised units. The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 0.0% is well below the industry average of approximately 3.8%, indicating strong franchisee financial outcomes.
Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.
Analysis based on 2026 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology
Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.
Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.
Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2011-2025). 120 loans across 29 states.
Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.
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