How to Finance the Another Nine Franchise: 24/7 Golf Sim Suites
By Anthony Cornella
An Another Nine franchise loan funds a self-service indoor golf facility built around private simulator suites that guests book and access on their own, around the clock. With no on-site staff, no inventory and no food service, the model shifts most of the investment into the building, the suites and the technology, which shapes how lenders look at the deal.
This article explains what the franchisor publishes about costs and requirements, how an Another Nine franchise loan is usually structured, what the brand’s SBA Franchise Directory listing means and how lenders tend to evaluate a young, technology-driven concept.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Another Nine; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s website and disclosure document can change, loan programs vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice, and buyers should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Another Nine Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: 24/7, self-service indoor golf in private simulator suites, run through the brand’s own A9OS platform for booking, payments, memberships and access.
- Estimated initial investment: $310,205 to $797,010, according to the franchisor’s investment page.
- Liquid capital: $150,000, per the franchisor.
- Minimum net worth: $500,000, per the franchisor.
- Royalty: 7%, with a 1% brand and marketing fund contribution, per the franchisor.
- Franchise fee: not published on the investment page; see Item 5 of the FDD.
- Founded: 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the company is headquartered.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as “Another Nine” (code S8302), with a note on lease documents when real estate secures the loan.
What Is Another Nine?
Another Nine was founded in 2023 in Cincinnati by co-founders Ethan Grob and Brett Jewell, who describe themselves as two dads who wanted to play more golf. The company says it is family-owned and headquartered in Cincinnati, and it now awards franchise territories nationally.
The guest experience. Golfers reserve a private suite, then let themselves in at any hour. Suites include comfortable seating, TVs and audio, a mini fridge for guests’ own drinks and clubs included with bookings. The company says its simulators offer more than 300 courses, along with swing analytics and shot tracking for practice or full rounds.
The operating model. The franchisor describes the business as semi-passive: no employees are required, and its A9OS platform handles booking, payments, memberships, access control and monitoring, with a 24/7 guest services team supporting customers. The owner’s role, according to the company, centers on keeping the facility clean and inviting and driving local marketing.
Why lenders view it the way they do. Low labor needs and recurring membership revenue are attractive. But the brand is young, franchising began recently and much of the investment sits in specialized technology and leasehold improvements. Lenders will focus on the borrower’s capital, the site and conservative usage projections.
Another Nine Franchise Costs
The franchisor’s investment page lists an estimated total initial investment of $310,205 to $797,010. It does not break out the franchise fee or individual Item 7 line items there, so request the current FDD and size your loan from its tables.
Initial franchise fee. Paid at signing; the amount and any multi-unit terms appear in Item 5.
Lease and build-out. Locations generally occupy leased space that is divided into private suites. Build-out includes walls and soundproofing, ceiling height for full swings, lighting, electrical and data wiring, HVAC, restrooms, finishes and keyless entry. Suite count drives most of the cost range.
Simulators and technology. Each suite needs a simulator system, impact screen and enclosure, projector, cameras, hitting mats, TVs, audio and access hardware. The franchisor’s process page describes simulators, screens, cameras and access management as part of the technology installation.
Opening costs and working capital. Training at the Cincinnati headquarters, grand opening marketing, insurance, deposits, utilities and cash to carry the facility while memberships build.
What the total typically includes. Confirm each category against Item 7 of the FDD:
- Initial franchise fee: see Item 5.
- Leasehold improvements: suite construction, electrical, HVAC and finishes.
- Simulator systems and audio-visual equipment: per suite.
- Access control, security and network equipment.
- Furniture, décor and signage.
- Training, travel and professional fees.
- Grand opening marketing.
- Additional funds: working capital for the period stated in Item 7.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
The franchisor lists a 7% royalty and a 1% brand and marketing fund contribution. Item 6 of the FDD will show any technology, platform or other recurring fees.
Because the model has little payroll, these fees and rent are among the largest fixed costs after debt service. Lenders deduct them from projected revenue and test coverage under slower usage, so build projections on realistic suite utilization by hour and season rather than peak demand.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
Another Nine asks candidates to have at least $150,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $500,000. Because the model is semi-passive, the franchisor does not describe golf or hospitality experience as a requirement, but lenders will still want to see business or management background.
The company’s process runs from an information request and intro call to FDD review, a financial qualification, a discovery day at an existing location, a decision letter and signing the franchise agreement, plus a multi-unit development agreement where applicable. Territories are awarded on a first-qualified basis.
Ways to Own an Another Nine
A new location. The main route today: sign, secure a site, build out suites and install the technology. See our page on family entertainment start-up financing.
Buying an existing location. As the network matures, resales may become available. Lenders underwrite the facility’s membership and booking history; our page on family entertainment acquisition financing explains how.
Multi-unit development. The franchisor’s signing process includes a multi-unit development agreement where applicable. Our article on multi-unit franchise financing covers how lenders handle staged growth.
Financing Options for an Another Nine Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. A 7(a) loan can cover build-out, simulators, working capital and the franchise fee in one package. Learn more about SBA 7(a) loans.
SBA 504 loans. If you buy the building, an SBA 504 loan can finance the real estate and long-lived improvements.
Conventional term loans. Borrowers with strong liquidity and collateral may prefer conventional business loans for speed or flexibility.
Equipment financing. Simulators, screens, projectors and audio-visual systems are well suited to entertainment equipment financing, which can preserve cash for build-out.
Working capital and lines of credit. Indoor golf can swing with the seasons and the weather. A line for family entertainment working capital helps cover rent, utilities and marketing during slower months.
Seller financing on resales. When buying an existing location, a seller note can bridge part of the price. Lenders usually require it to be subordinate, and program rules can limit its terms.
SBA Loans for Another Nine Franchisees
The SBA guarantees loans made by participating lenders. Brands on the SBA Franchise Directory have had their documents reviewed for eligibility, which streamlines approval. Another Nine is listed under code S8302.
The listing includes one note: when the real estate where the business is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the Conditional Assignment and Assumption of Lease Agreement may not be executed. In plain terms, if you own the property and pledge it as collateral, the lease-assignment document the franchisor would normally require for a leased site does not apply.
The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. Model payments with our SBA loan calculator, and see our article on SBA loans for family entertainment centers for sector tips.
How Lenders Evaluate an Another Nine Deal
Credit, net worth and liquidity. Lenders confirm you meet the franchisor’s $150,000 liquidity and $500,000 net worth thresholds and still have reserves after your equity injection.
Management experience. A semi-passive model still needs an owner who can manage contractors, cleaning, marketing and finances. Show relevant business experience.
Business plan and projections. Build assumptions around suite count, hourly and membership pricing, utilization by daypart and season, and local golf participation. Use conservative ramp-up assumptions for a new market.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal, transfer rules and Item 6 fees, plus whether Item 19 includes financial performance representations.
Site and lease. Ceiling height, parking, visibility, after-hours access and lease length all matter. Our article on entertainment center leases explains what lenders look for.
Simulator Technology and Equipment
Technology is the heart of the concept. Each suite’s simulator, screen, cameras and audio-visual gear is a significant cost, and access control and monitoring allow the business to run without staff.
For financing, this equipment has a shorter useful life than the building improvements, so lenders may match it with shorter terms or separate equipment financing. Ask the franchisor about required upgrade cycles, since future technology refreshes should be planned in your cash flow.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Owners can sign multi-unit development agreements. Lenders usually finance each location separately and look for the first location to reach stable bookings before funding the next. Plan capital for each opening before committing to a development schedule.
Real-World Scenarios
The busy professional. A golfer with a full-time career opens a single location as a semi-passive investment, using an SBA 7(a) loan for build-out and technology.
The multi-unit developer. An investor signs for several territories and finances the first unit with an SBA loan, then uses its results to support financing for the next.
The property owner. A buyer purchases a small commercial building for the facility and uses an SBA 504 loan, where the directory note on lease documents applies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Projecting peak-hour utilization across every hour of the week.
- Ignoring seasonality in indoor golf demand.
- Underbudgeting for future simulator technology upgrades.
- Signing a lease shorter than the loan term.
- Committing to a development schedule without capital for each unit.
Read more in our article on entertainment center loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your Another Nine Franchise
Step 1: Request the FDD. Review Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19.
Step 2: Confirm your capital. Make sure you meet the liquidity and net worth thresholds with reserves to spare.
Step 3: Study your market. Look at golfer demographics, competing simulators and seasonal patterns.
Step 4: Build projections. Model suite utilization, memberships and fees conservatively.
Step 5: Line up a site. Confirm ceiling height, access and lease terms.
Step 6: Compare loan options. Weigh SBA 7(a), SBA 504, conventional and equipment financing.
Another Nine Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does an Another Nine franchise cost?
The franchisor estimates a total initial investment of $310,205 to $797,010. Confirm the current range in Item 7 of the FDD.
What royalty does Another Nine charge?
The franchisor lists a 7% royalty and a 1% brand and marketing fund contribution.
How much liquid capital do I need?
The franchisor requires $150,000 in liquid capital and a $500,000 minimum net worth.
Is Another Nine on the SBA Franchise Directory?
Yes, under code S8302, with a note on lease documents when real estate secures the loan.
Can I finance the simulators separately?
Yes. Equipment loans and leases can cover simulators and audio-visual systems.
Do I need staff to run a location?
The franchisor says no employees are required, since the platform handles bookings and access.
Can I own multiple locations?
Yes. The franchisor offers multi-unit development agreements.
Can a first-time business owner get an Another Nine franchise loan?
It is possible when they meet the franchisor’s capital thresholds and show sound management skills and a conservative plan. Extra liquidity helps offset limited ownership experience.
Does Another Nine offer financing?
Item 10 of the FDD discloses any direct or indirect financing.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 of the FDD lists the term, renewal and transfer conditions.
Final Thoughts
An Another Nine franchise loan finances a technology-driven, low-staff indoor golf business. Confirm the figures in the FDD, plan for seasonality and technology refreshes, and match each part of the investment to the right loan.
US Professional Funding helps franchise buyers compare options and prepare complete applications. Explore our franchise financing resources and our family entertainment financing solutions.
