As a nation that champions active lifestyles, and values personal wellbeing, Australia holds immense potential for aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to start a fitness business. With a market size of $1.9 billion and a growth rate of 4% per annum over the past five years in Australia, leading Self-Employment Assistance provider Asuria has confidence that the fitness industry is in good health, though that alone doesn’t guarantee the survival and success of any individual business.
The industry has seen significant dropout rates over the years. A survey conducted by Roy Morgan Research in 2018 highlighted the challenges faced by fitness centres in retaining members, indicating that the average length of a gym membership was only 14 months, with 57% of members remaining for less than a year.
A study conducted by Fitness Australia echoed these findings where the annual attrition rate for fitness businesses was estimated to be around 40% in 2019, meaning approximately four out of ten gym members discontinued their memberships within a year.
The main reasons given for discontinuing gym memberships and independent personal training services included financial constraints, lack of motivation, and difficulty in maintaining a regular exercise routine. Financial constraints can impact individuals' ability to continue personal training sessions, lack of motivation can make it challenging to stay committed to a trainer-client relationship, and difficulty in maintaining a regular exercise routine can hinder progress, which leads to a drop in interest.
As a result, entering into the world of fitness businesses can be daunting, especially when combined with financial constraints and a competitive market.
Realising the need to support fitness entrepreneurs into thriving ventures, and ensure their viability in the long run, Asuria has amped up its focus on Workforce Australia – Self-Employment Assistance program, a government-funded program, providing highly targeted, industry-specific business support to aspiring business owners.
As a provider of the program, Asuria's Self-Employment Assistance program offers all the necessary groundwork for new and existing small businesses and offers flexible services that best suit their needs, including Self-Employment workshops, small business training, developing a business plan, small business coaching, business health checks, and business advice sessions.
Asuria reached out to entrepreneurs in the fitness industry to organise its first-ever Fitness Business Bootcamp in Sydney, on 20-21 May. More than 20 aspiring entrepreneurs received free information and advice on how to set themselves up for growth and success. With 275 combined years of running their own businesses across 26 industries, Asuria Business Mentors shared their self-employment experiences with the participants, empowering them with the right tools and tips to strategically position their businesses for success. The attendees not only left the event with invaluable tips to help take their fitness business to the next level but also gained access to 12 months of one-on-one business coaching sessions and online workshops through Asuria’s Self-Employment Assistance program, at no cost.
At the event, Asuria Fitness Bootcamp Coach Rob Lyon, shared, “I’m a firm believer in accountability, enjoyment, and consistency. Find something to commit to, make it accessible and enjoyable, and stay on the path through both the good times and the bad. These are the true pillars to success.”
The skills and training that will be provided for these fitness owners in the upcoming months are aimed at increasing their revenue to industry-leading levels, generating new revenue streams for them, helping them build a brand and increase their operating efficiencies.
Dan Wortley, National Project Manager – Self-Employment Assistance, at Asuria, says of the program, “What unites fitness owners is a passion for helping people to live active healthy lifestyles, though what separates the business success stories from those who struggle are the tools to get ahead in a highly competitive marketplace. That’s where Asuria comes in.”
A participant at the event, Hannah Dence, who runs classes out of Bondi says of her experience at Asuria’s inaugural Fitness Business Bootcamp, "The entire weekend was extremely valuable. Receiving expert advice from someone with a wealth of experience and who knows how the industry works - you can't put a price on that! Taking these insights into my business and using everything I've learned to shape the future of my business is where the real gold is! I left the course feeling excited and driven, and I am truly thankful that I stumbled across it - it really could be the powerful framework that I need to ensure that my business succeeds."
Asuria currently delivers the Self-Employment Assistance program for eligible participants in employment regions across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania. With more than ten years of proven experience in Self-Employment Assistance service delivery, Asuria has provided business training and support from start-up concept to completion, helping more than 800 small businesses from diverse industries with training and mentoring during that time.
Once a participant commences with the Self-Employment Assistance program, a dedicated Asuria Business Mentor works with them to prepare business and financial plans. During this stage, the business will be able to reflect and review its business ideas and goals, such as Vision, Mission and Value statements, marketing and branding, financial and legal aspects, risk management and other managerial and operational issues. Once the business plan is approved, they will transition into coaching where they get tailored, personalised advice from Asuria Business Mentors who are mostly successful business owners themselves. This guidance enables them to develop a solid and bespoke business plan along with a strong foundation that aligns their fitness expertise with solid entrepreneurial skills, setting them apart in a competitive market.
Whether it’s a mobile or boutique gym with specialised classes, yoga or pilates studio, holistic wellness or mindful practice, virtual fitness class or nutritional guidance, Asuria’s Self-Employment Assistance program has these budding entrepreneurs covered to ensure they stay ahead of the curve. By embracing the resources and support provided, fitness entrepreneurs can overcome financial barriers, gain essential skills, and nurture sustainable growth.
So, seize the opportunity, explore Asuria’s Self-Employment Assistance program, and embark on a fulfilling entrepreneurial venture that promotes health, wellness, and a stronger, fitter Australia. If you would like to learn more about Self-Employment Assistance, click here.
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