How to Finance a HAVEN Club Franchise: Childcare Meets Coworking
By Marc Cornella
A HAVEN Club franchise loan finances something few lenders see every day: a licensed childcare center, a shared workspace and a fitness studio operating under one roof as a membership club for families. Each of those pieces has its own build-out, equipment and staffing needs, so the financing has to account for all three at once.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by HAVEN Club or HAVEN; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice. Review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant before you sign or borrow.
HAVEN Club Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: a family club combining fully licensed childcare for young children, flexible workspace for parents and fitness amenities
- Origin: the first club opened in Rhode Island in 2019
- Company locations: clubs in Rhode Island and in Gladstone, New Jersey
- Franchising: the company announced a nationwide franchise program in January 2025
- Fees and investment: not published on pages we could verify; request the current FDD for Items 5, 6 and 7
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as HAVEN Club, HAVEN under code S8175, with a note about the Lease Rider
What Is HAVEN Club?
HAVEN was founded by a mother who wanted childcare, a place to work and a place to exercise in the same building. The first club opened in Rhode Island in 2019, followed by a second Rhode Island club and a club in Gladstone, New Jersey. The company describes HAVEN as a fully licensed daycare offering flexible childcare, workspace and fitness to member families.
HAVEN calls itself a club rather than a daycare or a coworking space. Families join as members, children attend a licensed program with a play-based curriculum, and parents can work in shared or private workspace, take a fitness class or leave the building while their children stay in care. The model also allows for corporate packages for employers.
In January 2025 the company announced that it was franchising nationwide and said it was looking for community-minded club owners. Under the franchise model, the company focuses on training, curriculum and technology, while franchisees handle hiring and on-site operations.
Why lenders view HAVEN the way they do. A lender sees a regulated childcare business with recurring membership revenue, plus a newer franchise system with limited franchised operating history. That makes the borrower’s experience, equity, staffing plan and site analysis especially important. Our article on financing an emerging franchise brand explains what changes when a system is young.
Three Businesses Under One Roof
For financing, a HAVEN club is easiest to understand as three operations that share one lease, one staff and one membership base.
Licensed childcare. This is the regulated core. State licensing rules typically govern staff-to-child ratios, background checks, classroom space, restrooms, food handling, outdoor play and fire safety. Licensing must be in place before children can enroll, so it sits on the critical path of the opening schedule. Our article on childcare licensing, ratios and inspections covers what lenders look for.
Workspace. Shared desks, private offices or phone rooms, meeting space, furniture, Wi-Fi and access control turn part of the club into a coworking floor.
Fitness. A studio with flooring, mirrors, sound and equipment for classes adds another build-out and equipment line.
Because all three are bundled into one membership, projections should model membership growth and childcare enrollment together, along with the staffing each requires.
HAVEN Club Franchise Costs
HAVEN’s fees and investment range were not posted on pages we could verify, so the current FDD is your primary source.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 states the fee, when it is due, whether any part is refundable and whether multi-unit or development fees apply.
Real estate and build-out. A club needs a large space that can be built out for licensed childcare, workspace and fitness. Expect classroom and nap areas, child-sized restrooms and sinks, a food preparation area, secure entry, sound separation between the childcare and work areas, a fitness studio and, where required, an outdoor play area. Build-out is likely the largest cost.
Furniture, fixtures and equipment. Classroom furniture and learning materials, cribs and cots, office furniture and technology, fitness equipment, security cameras and access control.
Opening costs and working capital. Licensing and permits, pre-opening hiring and training, marketing to build a founding membership, insurance, deposits and funds to cover payroll while enrollment ramps.
Total investment. Item 7 lists the estimated initial investment. When you receive it, map each line item to a funding source:
- Initial franchise fee
- Leasehold improvements and construction
- Childcare furniture, equipment and curriculum materials
- Workspace furniture and technology
- Fitness equipment
- Signage, security and access control
- Licenses, permits and professional fees
- Insurance and deposits
- Grand opening and membership marketing
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Confirm that the line items add up to the stated total and note how many months the additional funds are meant to cover.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 of the FDD lists recurring fees, typically including a royalty, a brand or marketing fund contribution, technology or software fees, and transfer and renewal fees.
Lenders subtract these fees from projected revenue before calculating debt service coverage. In a childcare business, payroll is usually the largest expense, and staff-to-child ratios set a floor on staffing regardless of enrollment. Lenders will test whether the club can cover rent, payroll, fees and loan payments at a slower ramp than you expect.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
HAVEN’s minimum net worth, liquidity and experience requirements were not available on pages we could verify; request them during the discovery process. The company has said it seeks owners who share its mission and are committed to the local community, and that a background in education or childcare is not required.
Lenders apply their own standards. Without childcare experience, a strong, licensed center director and a clear staffing plan will be central to your loan request.
Ways to Own a HAVEN Club
A new club. As a young franchise system, most owners will open a new location. Lenders underwrite these deals on projections, the site, the franchisee’s management plan and the equity injected.
Buying an existing club. If a franchised club is sold, the buyer can show actual membership and enrollment history. The transfer requires franchisor approval under Item 17, and the childcare license may need to be reissued in the new owner’s name.
Multiple clubs. Owners who want a territory may discuss a development agreement. Each club is typically financed separately once the prior one is stable.
Financing Options for a HAVEN Club Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because HAVEN is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan can combine build-out, equipment, the franchise fee and working capital in a single loan. Lenders still review the borrower’s credit, equity, experience and projections.
SBA 504 loans. If you buy or build the club’s building, an SBA 504 loan can finance owner-occupied real estate and long-lived equipment. Owning the real estate also changes which lease documents apply, as explained below. See our page on franchise real estate financing.
Conventional term loans. A conventional business loan may suit experienced, well-capitalized owners, especially for additional clubs.
Equipment financing. Fitness machines, classroom furniture, office furniture, technology and security systems can be financed or leased separately. See our franchise equipment financing and leasing options.
Working capital and lines of credit. Enrollment and memberships build over time while payroll begins before opening. A working capital reserve or line of credit helps cover that gap. Learn more about franchise working capital.
Seller financing on resales. In a resale, part of the price may be carried by the seller. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA program rules may limit how they can be structured.
SBA Loans for HAVEN Club Franchisees
SBA lenders use the SBA Franchise Directory to confirm that a brand’s franchise agreement is eligible for SBA financing. A listing does not approve any borrower; it clears the franchise relationship for SBA review.
HAVEN is listed. The directory shows HAVEN Club, HAVEN under code S8175 with this note: when the real estate where the franchise business is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the Lease Rider may not be executed.
What the note means. A lease rider is a franchisor document attached to a location lease that gives the franchisor certain rights in that lease. If you own the club’s property and pledge it as collateral for the SBA loan, there is no third-party lease, so the Lease Rider should not be signed. In a leased location, your lender will review the lease and rider at closing.
Program limits and tips. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, and program rules can change. Bring the FDD, franchise agreement, site letter of intent or lease, contractor estimates, equipment quotes, licensing timeline, staffing plan and monthly projections. Our SBA loan calculator can help you estimate payments for planning; results are not an offer or approval.
How Lenders Evaluate a HAVEN Club Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Expect a review of credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, plus a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders look at the equity you contribute and the reserves left after opening. A club pays rent and staff before memberships are full, so liquidity matters.
Industry and management experience. Business management, multi-site operations, childcare, fitness or hospitality experience all help. A qualified center director strengthens the request.
Business plan and projections. Model membership sales, childcare enrollment by age group, staffing by ratio, rent, fees and a realistic ramp-up. Show how corporate memberships, if any, fit in.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review Items 5, 6, 7, 17 and 19. Check whether Item 19 includes financial performance representations. Our guide to how lenders read a Franchise Disclosure Document explains which items matter.
Site, lease and licensing. Lenders want a lease that outlasts the loan, landlord consent to the build-out and franchise documents, and confidence that the site can be licensed for childcare.
For resales, historical financials. Expect several years of profit and loss statements, membership and enrollment reports and tax returns.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
In a new system, growth is typically one club at a time. If you sign a development agreement, review the schedule, fees and what happens if you miss a deadline.
Lenders generally want the first club stable before financing the next, and its cash flow can then support additional loans. Our article on multi-unit franchise financing explains how lenders look at a growing portfolio.
Real-World Scenarios
A corporate professional opening a first club. A parent with a management background signs for a club in a suburb with many remote workers. She hires an experienced childcare director, uses an SBA 7(a) loan for build-out and equipment, and keeps reserves for the enrollment ramp.
A former childcare owner adding a new model. Someone who previously ran a licensed center opens a club and uses that experience to support a conventional loan.
A buyer purchasing the building. A franchisee buys a freestanding building and finances it with an SBA 504 loan. Because the real estate secures the loan, the Lease Rider is not executed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing a lease before confirming the site can be licensed for childcare
- Underestimating the build-out for classrooms, restrooms and sound separation
- Projecting full enrollment too quickly
- Overlooking staffing ratios when modeling payroll
- Leaving too little working capital for the ramp-up
- Ignoring the Lease Rider note when planning to buy real estate
Read more in common franchise loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your HAVEN Club Franchise
Step 1: Request the FDD. Review Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 with your attorney and accountant.
Step 2: Confirm the franchisor’s requirements. Ask about net worth, liquidity, experience and territory availability.
Step 3: Research licensing. Learn your state’s childcare rules and how they affect site selection and staffing.
Step 4: Find a site. Get a letter of intent, contractor estimates and equipment quotes.
Step 5: Build your loan package. Prepare projections, a staffing plan, personal financials and franchise documents.
Step 6: Apply and coordinate closing. Align the loan, lease, licensing and construction schedule.
HAVEN Club Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a HAVEN Club franchise cost?
The estimated initial investment is listed in Item 7 of the FDD. Build-out for childcare, workspace and fitness is likely the largest cost.
What is the HAVEN franchise fee and royalty?
The initial fee is in Item 5 and recurring fees, including royalty, are in Item 6 of the FDD.
Can I get an SBA loan for a HAVEN Club?
Yes, if you qualify for an SBA-backed HAVEN Club franchise loan. The brand is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S8175.
What does the SBA directory note mean?
If the real estate where the club operates will secure the SBA loan, the franchisor’s Lease Rider should not be executed.
Do I need childcare experience?
The company has said a background in education or childcare is not required. Lenders will still want a qualified director and a solid staffing plan.
Can I finance fitness and classroom equipment separately?
Yes. Equipment loans or leases can cover fitness machines, furniture and technology.
Does HAVEN offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the FDD for any franchisor financing. If none is offered, you arrange your own loan.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 of the FDD sets the term, renewal and transfer conditions.
Can a first-time business owner get a HAVEN Club franchise loan?
It is possible with sufficient equity, a strong management team and realistic projections.
Can I buy an existing HAVEN club?
If a franchised club is offered for sale, it can be financed with its historical results, subject to franchisor approval and licensing in the buyer’s name.
Final Thoughts
HAVEN brings childcare, workspace and fitness together in a membership model, which makes the build-out, licensing and staffing plan central to any HAVEN Club franchise loan. Start with the FDD, confirm your site can be licensed and plan enough working capital for the enrollment ramp.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing solutions, including franchise start-up loans.
