Focusing on the needs of women in sports and healthy living, bfit continues to grow with 21 years of experience and new targets. Currently operating 46 branches with two more preparing to open, the brand is maintaining its growth in Türkiye while turning its sights toward Europe.
bfit CEO Burcu Topal, who began her journey as a franchise entrepreneur and today leads the headquarters, shared bfit’s vision for the future – ranging from its business model supporting female entrepreneurs to brand transformation, franchise systems, and European targets.
Ms. Topal, bfit is a brand today that brings together numerous female entrepreneurs under one roof. What was the main motivation that brought you to the helm of bfit and drove you to grow this brand?
My journey with bfit started as a franchise entrepreneur. While running my own branch, I had the opportunity to closely experience the business model and observe the positive impact it created in women’s lives. When the opportunity arose to take over the headquarters, I decided to step up and take responsibility, firmly believing that this valuable model needed to continue and evolve.
Today, one of my most important goals is to create a community of women under the bfit umbrella where entrepreneurs, employees, and members empower each other. Because bfit is not just a sports brand; it is a community where women grow stronger together.
A new era began at bfit in 2023. What did you change with this transformation, and what did you consciously choose to preserve?
When I took over bfit, it was a brand with a deep history and strong values. While preserving our female-focused approach and our business model supporting women’s entrepreneurship and employment, we focused on preparing the brand for today’s needs.
For me, true success is not measured solely by financial growth, but by how much value we create along the way and the lasting impact we leave on women’s lives.
We renewed our corporate identity and expanded our concept of a sports and lifestyle center. We introduced significant innovations in training, operations, digitalization, and service standards. Our goal is to preserve our core values while building a stronger, modern, and sustainable structure.
Female entrepreneurs play a key role in bfit’s growth model. In your opinion, what does a female entrepreneur need most today when starting her own business?
I think what she needs most is courage. Above all, she must believe in her own power and capabilities. Most of the time, we wait until we feel completely ready. Yet, entrepreneurship largely involves learning and growing along the way.
Being able to make our own decisions and take responsibility for their outcomes is also crucial. Of course, courage alone is not enough; one also needs the right knowledge, financial resources, and a reliable support mechanism. However, as you take responsibility for your own life, you become stronger.
What process awaits an entrepreneur who wants to open a bfit branch? What support and training do you provide to your investors?
We do not view the franchise process merely as granting brand usage rights. The process begins with mutual introduction and evaluation. In addition to financial suitability, we place great importance on our candidates’ entrepreneurial motivation and their alignment with our business model.
Following the agreement, we guide them through location selection, architectural planning, equipment, installation, and grand opening preparations. Prior to opening, we conduct a four-week training program. The first three weeks cover business management, finance, sales/marketing, member experience, and operations; the final week features practical training in interval training and Pilates.
Our support does not end with the opening. We continue to stand by our entrepreneurs with operational support, ongoing training, digital infrastructure, and marketing efforts.
Competition in the fitness industry is constantly increasing. What sets bfit apart from other brands?
Our most distinct feature is our 30-minute interval training system, which combines cardio and strength exercises. It provides an efficient workout in a short time, while its group format enables women to socialize and motivate one another.
What a woman entrepreneur needs most today is courage. Entrepreneurship is largely about learning along the way and growing stronger as you take responsibility for your own life.
In addition, we have 21 years of experience, a strong training infrastructure, and established operating systems. However, what truly differentiates bfit is our approach of creating a community where women feel comfortable while exercising and gain strength from one another.
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“The New Generation of Turks Naturally Bridges Two Cultures”Women’s expectations from a fitness center have also changed. What changes have you observed in recent years regarding women’s needs in fitness and healthy living?
Women no longer exercise just to lose weight or look fit; they exercise to feel strong, healthy, and energized. In particular, interest in healthy aging, preserving muscle strength, and enhancing quality of life is growing.
At the same time, they are looking for programs that allow them to use their time efficiently, along with qualified trainers, and clean, comfortable environments. While maintaining our interval training system, we have diversified our services by adding Pilates and various other disciplines. Our goal is to make sports a sustainable part of women’s lives.
For a franchise brand to grow, not only the number of branches matters, but also their sustainability. How do you support the long-term success of bfit investors?
For us, success is not defined solely by the number of open branches, but by whether those branches are profitable and sustainable. That is why our relationship with our entrepreneurs by no means ends with the opening.
Our operational team regularly monitors the branches; we support them with training, digital infrastructure, marketing, and operational standards. We also place great value on sharing knowledge and experience between branches. Long-term success requires both the support of the brand and the entrepreneur’s ownership of her business.
Female entrepreneurship is widely discussed in Türkiye. Do you see real results on the ground? What do you think is the biggest obstacle facing women when starting a business?
I see a growing interest in female entrepreneurship. There are many women who want to start their own business and gain economic independence. However, this desire does not always translate into actual ventures.
The most common obstacles we encounter on the ground are access to finance, insufficient support from family and immediate social circles, and hesitation in decision-making. Therefore, supporting female entrepreneurship requires strengthening access to capital alongside training, mentorship, and networks of solidarity.
How do you measure bfit’s impact on female employment and entrepreneurship? Do you define success purely through financial growth?
For me, success is not measured solely by financial growth. I evaluate bfit’s social impact through our contribution to female entrepreneurship, female employment, and women’s overall well-being.
bfit is not just a brand where people work out, but a dynamic women’s community where entrepreneurs, employees, and members empower one another.
Through our branches, women establish their own businesses, create employment, and participate in economic life. In addition, we care deeply about the development of our employees and helping our members build regular exercise habits.
In the upcoming period, measuring this social impact with more systematic and concrete indicators is among our targets. Because real success is also about how much value we create as we grow.
How do you see the future of the franchise sector in Türkiye? How do you expect investors’ expectations from a brand to change in the near future?
I believe the franchise sector will continue to develop in Türkiye. However, investors no longer look only at brand recognition; they also evaluate the investment size, payback period, operating expenses, profitability, and the support offered by the brand.
At bfit, we prioritize keeping the investment accessible. Success in a franchise model requires mutual responsibility: the brand must provide a strong system and support, while the entrepreneur must take ownership and manage the business properly. In the coming period, trust, transparency, and sustainability will be even more decisive.
bfit plans to expand abroad. Which markets are you prioritizing, and what criteria do you consider when selecting these markets?
Making bfit an international brand is among our long-term goals. In the initial phase, we are focusing on Europe, with Germany being one of our primary markets.
When evaluating Germany, we take into account the sports and wellness culture, women’s needs, entrepreneurial potential, competition, and legal requirements. We believe that, in particular, Turkish-origin entrepreneurs born and raised in Germany who know both cultures can be key business partners.
However, our target is not only to reach Turkish women; we aim to make bfit a brand in Germany that is favored by women from diverse cultures and well-integrated into the local market.
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“Technological Transformation is No Longer Measured in Years, but in Months”Adapting a franchise model that is successful in Türkiye to Europe – what different preparations do you think this requires?
One should not assume that a business model successful in Türkiye will work in the exact same way in another country. Every market has different consumer habits, competitive landscapes, cost structures, and legal regulations.
With our 21 years of experience, we are ready to share the success model we created in Turkey with women across Europe, starting with Germany.
For us, the priority is to maintain bfit’s values and service quality while adapting to local needs. Therefore, as we expand into Europe, we plan to structure our training and operational standards in accordance with local conditions.
What potential do you see for bfit specifically in European markets like Germany, where there are many Turkish entrepreneurs?
I see significant potential for bfit in Germany. In particular, I believe our 30-minute interval training model – which combines cardio and strength training – can be a strong alternative for women who want to manage their time efficiently.
There are also opportunities in Pilates. We can benefit from Türkiye’s expertise in equipment and training in this area. By establishing strong partnerships with entrepreneurs in Germany who understand the local culture and business practices, we aim to become a brand that reaches women from various backgrounds.
When expanding the bfit brand in Europe, what profile will you look for in a franchise investor?
Having financial resources alone is not enough. We want to work with entrepreneurs who embrace our brand’s values, take ownership of their business, and think long-term.
In Europe, it is also essential to know the language, culture, consumer expectations, and business norms of the respective country. We aim to establish long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs who possess strong communication skills, are eager to learn, can manage teams, and understand the local market.
What advice do you have for prospective entrepreneurs in Europe who are considering opening a bfit branch?
First, get to know bfit’s business model and your local market thoroughly. Research the sports habits of women in your region, competitive conditions, and suitable location options.
Prepare a realistic financial plan that accounts not only for the initial setup costs, but also for operational expenses, required working capital, and the return on investment period.
For us, success is not just the number of branches opened, but ensuring those branches are profitable, sustainable, and self-sufficient businesses.
If possible, visit existing bfit branches and learn from our entrepreneurs’ experiences. The franchise system provides you with training and support; however, success requires aligning with the brand’s values, taking ownership of the business, and remaining open to growth.
Where would you like to see bfit in the coming years?
I want to bring bfit to a stronger position both in Türkiye and in international markets. While opening new branches in Türkiye, we aim to strengthen the profitability, service quality, and sustainability of our existing locations.
As we develop our renewed sports and lifestyle center concept, we will continue enhancing our training, digitalization, and operational systems. Internationally, we want to take our first steps in Europe, starting primarily with Germany.
Regardless of the number of new branches, what is the milestone that would make you say, “When bfit reaches this point, we will have achieved true success”?
bfit’s vision is to contribute to an egalitarian and inspiring world where women can freely unlock their potential.
We strive to be part of this transformation by supporting women’s participation in economic and social life, creating entrepreneurial opportunities, and generating employment. For me, true success lies in making this positive impact that bfit creates in women’s lives permanent.
And finally, as Burcu Topal, what is the biggest project or goal you wish to achieve in the upcoming period?
I want to expand the value bfit provides to women in entrepreneurship, employment, sports, and healthy living—both in Türkiye and globally. To this end, we are developing collaborations and projects with women-focused NGOs.
Additionally, creating a sustainable organization with strong teams and effective systems that does not depend on specific individuals is one of my most important goals. I want bfit to remain a stand-alone brand in the future that continues to generate value for women.
