Back-to-School Season: How Climbing Gyms Can Stay Front and Center

Turning Climbers into Lifelong Members

At Approach, everything we build is guided by a simple belief: when climbing gyms succeed, the climbing industry thrives. That belief is at the core of our latest offering, Approach Capital,: a new way for gyms to access fast, flexible funding directly through our platform. Whether launching a brand-new facility, renovating an existing space, or investing in programs, Approach Capital gives our customers access to the capital they need, when they need it, without the complexity of traditional loans. No banks. No paperwork marathons. Just a few clicks, and funds can be accessible in as little as 1–2 business days. How It Works Approach Capital is a capital advance program that allows gyms to borrow against future payment processing revenue. It’s seamlessly integrated into our embedded payment system, Approach Pay, that powers the gym's day-to-day transactions. That means: No disruption to operations Simple repayment structure integrated as the gym processes payments No lengthy credit checks or personal guarantees required Repayment happens automatically, based on a small percentage of your daily revenue. So you’re never hit with a surprise bill or forced to choose between making a payment and making payroll. An Industry First Approach Capital isn’t just a new feature. It’s a new mindset. Approach strives to be more than just a technology provider. By reinvesting in the industry with innovations like this, we’re providing resources to help gyms grow. This program is made possible through our parent company, Fullsteam, whose extensive resources and infrastructure allow us to offer something that’s simply not available anywhere else in the climbing space. Through Fullsteam, we’re able to deliver financial backing and technology under one roof, allowing gyms to do more, faster—and with less stress. Why This Matters for the Climbing Industry Climbing gyms are community hubs, cultural centers, and launch pads for the next generation of climbers. Yet, access to funding has historically been a significant hurdle, especially for independent gym owners and facilities in underserved markets. Approach Capital is here to change that. By offering accessible, embedded funding directly through the tools you already use, we’re lowering the barrier to entry, reducing operational friction, and helping climbing businesses build stronger foundations. It’s part of our broader mission to be more than a software vendor and instead a true partner in the growth of the climbing industry. Your Ascent Starts Here If you’re ready to make your next move--whether it’s a renovation, expansion, or just some breathing room during a seasonal lull, Approach Capital is ready to help.