Founded by Bedriye Hülya, B-Fit is a chain of fitness gyms and a social enterprise with over 200 locations. It is currently one of the biggest start-ups in Turkey. It is currently supported by Endeavor, an organization that works to expand small businesses in various countries and has been working in Istanbul since 2006.
You may have heard of Hülya and her small business because in 2011, Joe Biden mentioned her at the Global Entrepreneurship summit in Instanbul. "The gyms act as social centers for the 130,000 members, holding events like book clubs or breakfasts that don’t always have much to do with exercising," writes Quartz on the reach of the chain.
Contact Information
B-Fit website
B-Fit on Facebook
B-Fit on Twitter
Women-Only Fitness Chains
'B-Fit' is a Turkish Gym and Social Enterprise
Trend Themes
1. Social Fitness - The rise of women-only fitness chains like B-Fit showcases the trend of gyms acting as social centers, providing a platform for community engagement and events beyond exercising.
2. Entrepreneurship - B-Fit's success as one of the biggest start-ups in Turkey highlights the trend of women entrepreneurs making strides in the fitness industry, opening up opportunities for others to follow suit.
3. Community-based Fitness - Women-only fitness chains, such as B-Fit, are disrupting the fitness industry by creating a sense of community and belonging for members, fostering stronger connections among women seeking a supportive environment for health and wellness.
Industry Implications
1. Fitness - The fitness industry can leverage the success of women-only fitness chains like B-Fit to explore new business models that prioritize community engagement and provide a space for social and fitness activities.
2. Entrepreneurship - The rise of women entrepreneurs in the fitness industry, exemplified by B-Fit, presents opportunities for further growth and innovation in the field, empowering aspiring female business owners to enter the market.
3. Social Enterprise - The success of B-Fit as a social enterprise highlights the potential for combining business and social impact, encouraging other businesses to integrate social initiatives into their models and create a positive societal change.