A buried provision in California's 2026 budget bill offers direct grant funding for business consulting—and most fitness studio owners don't know it exists.
Most gym and fitness studio owners in California have never heard of the $23 million technical assistance grant program quietly embedded in AB113, the state's 2026 Budget Act. Yet it may be one of the most direct forms of state support available to small fitness businesses right now.
Here's what's actually in the bill, and why it matters to your business.
Section 6 of AB113 (Item 0509-001-0001, Provision 2) appropriates $23 million specifically for the California Small Business Development Technical Assistance Expansion Program. Unlike many budget provisions that are vague or indirect, this one is straightforward: it funds grants for consulting, training, and advisory services delivered through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network.
For gym owners and fitness studio operators, this means access to grant-funded expert help on real business problems—accounting, marketing strategy, staffing, lease negotiation, financial planning, or operational efficiency. You don't pay for the consulting directly; the state covers it through the SBDC network.
The SBDC network already operates in every California county. This $23 million expansion is designed to increase capacity and reach, making services available to more small businesses than before.
The program targets small businesses. Fitness studios, independent gyms, and boutique fitness operations—especially those with fewer than 100 employees—are squarely in the intended audience. Franchise locations may also qualify depending on ownership structure; it's worth asking your local SBDC.
The services are available through your regional Small Business Development Center. You can find your local center at the California SBDC website or by searching your county name plus "SBDC."
The $23 million is available for encumbrance or expenditure until June 30, 2028. That's the deadline. After that date, unspent funds revert to the state.
In practical terms: if you're thinking about using this program, the window is roughly two years. That's enough time to access services, but it's not indefinite. The sooner you connect with your local SBDC, the better your chances of getting on their schedule and maximizing the benefit.
Fitness businesses face specific challenges: high fixed costs, staffing turnover, seasonal revenue swings, and evolving member retention strategies. Many owners run lean and don't have budget for outside consulting. This program removes that barrier.
Whether you need help with pricing strategy, labor cost management, marketing on a tight budget, or financial forecasting, the SBDC can connect you with advisors—at no direct cost to you, thanks to this appropriation.
The provision exists. The money is allocated. The deadline is June 30, 2028. The next step is reaching out to your local SBDC to ask what services are available and how to apply.
Source: California AB113, Budget Act of 2026, SEC. 6, Item 0509-001-0001, Provision 2.