How to Finance a Skatetime Franchise: Roller Skating in Schools
By Marc Cornella
A Skatetime franchise loan finances a business that brings roller skating programs to school physical education classes. Skatetime School Programs gives owners an exclusive territory, a complete operating system and a schedule that follows the school calendar, so the financing needs look very different from a storefront franchise.
This article explains how Skatetime works, what owners typically need to finance, how SBA and conventional loans fit and what lenders look for in a mobile, school-based business.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Skatetime School Programs; 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 lender review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice, and buyers should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
Skatetime Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: structured roller skating curricula delivered to schools and physical education programs.
- History: started in Northern Illinois in the early 1990s and grew into a nationwide program through franchising; the company promotes 30+ years in the business.
- Territory: each owner operates within a clearly defined, exclusive territory.
- Support: training in administration, marketing and sales, an operations manual, proprietary software, an equipment purchasing program and a week of on-site help at launch.
- Schedule: work follows the school calendar, with time off during school breaks.
- Fees and investment: not published on the franchisor’s pages; see Items 5, 6 and 7 of the current FDD.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as Skatetime School Programs (code S5213) with no additional notes.
What Is Skatetime?
Skatetime began in Northern Illinois in the early 1990s as a local idea and grew into a nationwide program through franchising. Co-founder Clint Briggs helped build the system, and the company says its primary focus for more than three decades has been schools and physical education programs.
How the business works. Skatetime describes its model as more than simply providing skates to schools. Owners organize, market and deliver a roller skating unit for physical education classes within their territory. The franchisor provides video training in two parts: one for instructors on operating procedures and one for students on safe skating technique.
Where it operates. The company’s site lists locations across the Midwest, the South and the Northeast, and offers franchise opportunities in the Mountain and Western states. Some owners hold master franchise rights covering larger regions.
A relationship-driven sale. Skatetime says there is no traditional selling. The franchisor helps set up marketing and introduces the program to physical education teachers, and the company says schools tend to renew the program each year.
How lenders see it. Lenders view Skatetime as a small, specialized service franchise with low occupancy costs and revenue tied to school contracts. They will focus on the owner’s ability to build and keep school relationships, the cost of skates and transport equipment, and how cash flow behaves across the school year.
Skatetime Franchise Costs
Skatetime does not publish its franchise fee or total investment on its franchise pages, so the current FDD is the only reliable source for loan numbers.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 discloses the fee and how it relates to the size of the territory. Ask how master franchise rights are priced if you are considering a larger region.
Skates and program equipment. The core asset is an inventory of skates and safety gear large enough to serve a full class. Franchisees can buy through Skatetime’s purchasing program, which the company says secures the best available prices.
Transport and storage. Moving equipment between schools requires a suitable vehicle or trailer, and many owners need warehouse or storage space for inventory between bookings.
Opening costs and working capital. Plan for training, software, insurance, marketing materials and living expenses while you book your first schools.
Total investment. Item 7 of the FDD will typically include categories such as:
- Initial franchise fee
- Skates, safety gear and program equipment
- Vehicle or trailer for transporting equipment
- Storage or warehouse space
- Software and office equipment
- Training travel and expenses
- Initial marketing and direct mail
- Insurance, licenses and professional fees
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 of the FDD lists ongoing fees such as royalties, marketing contributions, technology or software fees, and transfer and renewal fees. Read whether royalties are a percentage of revenue or a fixed amount, since a fixed fee weighs more heavily during summer and holiday breaks.
How lenders factor fees in. Lenders will model revenue from booked school programs, subtract royalties, equipment upkeep, insurance, vehicle and labor costs, and test whether the remaining cash flow covers loan payments. Because revenue pauses during school breaks, they will look at how monthly payments are covered when schools are closed.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
Skatetime does not publish minimum net worth or liquid capital requirements on its franchise pages. Ask the franchise team for current criteria and confirm them in the FDD.
The training covers administrative, marketing and sales techniques, so prior physical education experience is not described as a requirement. Lenders, however, will look for management, sales or education experience and enough personal liquidity to fund the equity injection and carry the business through its first school year.
Ways to Own a Skatetime
Starting a new territory. A new owner begins with an empty calendar, so financing focuses on equipment, vehicle and working capital while bookings build. See our page on educational business start-up financing.
Buying an existing territory. An established territory may come with returning schools, equipment and a booking history. Lenders can underwrite those results, and the buyer should confirm the condition of the inventory. Our educational business acquisition financing page explains how purchases are structured.
Master franchise rights. Some owners hold master franchise rights covering larger regions. Financing a larger territory usually requires more equipment, storage and staff, and lenders will want a clear plan for building bookings across the region.
Financing Options for a Skatetime Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because Skatetime School Programs is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, the SBA 7(a) loan program can finance the franchise fee, equipment, vehicles, working capital or the purchase of an existing territory.
SBA 504 loans. The 504 program targets owner-occupied real estate and long-lived assets. It may fit only if an owner buys a warehouse, which is uncommon for a new territory.
Conventional term loans. Owners with strong credit and collateral can consider a conventional business loan, especially when expanding an established territory.
Equipment financing. Skates, safety gear, trailers and vehicles can often be financed separately, with the equipment as collateral. Learn more about franchise equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. School bookings follow the academic year, and payments from schools and districts may arrive on their own schedules. A line of credit can bridge summer breaks and slow payments. See our educational business working capital options.
Seller financing on resales. A selling owner may carry part of the price for an existing territory. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the primary loan, and loan programs may limit them. Read more about seller financing for educational businesses.
SBA Loans for Skatetime Franchisees
The SBA Franchise Directory lists brands whose franchise agreements have been reviewed for SBA eligibility. SBA lenders generally require a brand to be listed before making an SBA-guaranteed loan to one of its franchisees. A listing does not approve any borrower.
Skatetime’s listing. The brand appears as Skatetime School Programs under code S5213 with no additional notes. In plain terms, no special addendum or extra condition is flagged beyond the standard SBA review.
Program limits and tips. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. Prepare a business plan that shows how you will book schools, a personal financial statement, tax returns, the FDD and the franchise agreement. Our article on SBA loans for educational businesses covers the process, and the SBA loan calculator can help with early payment estimates, which are for planning only.
How Lenders Evaluate a Skatetime Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, and typically require a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Reserves matter because revenue pauses during school breaks.
Experience. Sales, management, coaching or education experience strengthens a request.
Business plan and projections. Build projections around the number of schools in your territory, booking frequency, the school calendar, equipment replacement and vehicle costs.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal, transfer conditions and the territory definition.
Historical financials on resales. For an existing territory, lenders compare booking records, profit and loss statements and tax returns.
Equipment, Vehicles and Storage
Skates wear out, and schools expect clean, safe gear in a full range of sizes. Owners should plan for replacing inventory over time. Vehicles and trailers carry their own maintenance and insurance costs, and storage space adds rent. Financing these assets separately can keep working capital free for slower months.
Multi-Unit Growth
Growth for a Skatetime owner usually means adding territory or master franchise rights rather than opening new storefronts. Lenders will look at existing booking history and the cost of the added equipment and staff. Our article on multi-unit franchise financing explains how lenders handle expansion.
Real-World Scenarios
A former teacher starts a territory. A former physical education teacher buys a new territory and uses an SBA 7(a) loan for the franchise fee, skates and a trailer, keeping reserves for the first summer break.
A buyer acquires an established territory. A buyer purchases a territory with returning schools. The lender relies on booking history and the seller carries a small subordinate note.
An owner adds equipment. An owner with growing demand finances a second set of skates and a vehicle through equipment financing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring how school breaks affect cash flow and loan payments
- Underestimating skate replacement, vehicle and storage costs
- Assuming every school will rebook without confirming
- Overlooking territory boundaries in the franchise agreement
- Starting with too little working capital
For more pitfalls, read common educational business loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your Skatetime Franchise
Step 1: Request franchise information. Contact Skatetime and ask about available territories.
Step 2: Review the FDD. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 12, 17 and 19 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Research schools in your territory. Estimate how many schools could book the program each year.
Step 4: Talk with a financing specialist. Learn how a Skatetime franchise loan would be sized.
Step 5: Build your budget. Price skates, vehicles, storage and working capital.
Step 6: Apply and close. Submit your application, then coordinate training and your launch week.
Skatetime Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Skatetime franchise cost?
Skatetime does not publish its investment on its franchise pages. Item 7 of the FDD discloses the estimated initial investment.
What is the Skatetime franchise fee?
The fee is disclosed in Item 5 of the FDD.
Is Skatetime eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. Skatetime School Programs is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S5213 with no additional notes. Each borrower still needs approval.
Do I need a physical education background?
Skatetime provides training in administration, marketing and sales. Lenders still favor relevant management or sales experience.
Can I finance skates and a vehicle separately?
Yes. Equipment financing can often cover skates, trailers and vehicles.
Can I buy an existing Skatetime territory?
Yes, with franchisor approval. Lenders use the territory’s booking history to size the loan.
How does the school calendar affect my loan?
Revenue follows the school year, so lenders look at reserves or a line of credit to cover breaks.
Does Skatetime offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the FDD for any franchisor financing.
How long is the franchise term?
The term, renewal and transfer conditions are in Item 17 of the FDD.
Can a first-time owner get a Skatetime franchise loan?
Yes, with franchisor approval, solid credit and enough reserves to carry the business through its first school year.
Final Thoughts
A Skatetime franchise loan funds a mobile, school-based business with an exclusive territory and a calendar built around the academic year. Owners who verify costs in the FDD, plan for equipment replacement and keep reserves for school breaks put themselves in a strong position with lenders.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and educational services financing solutions.
