Key Takeaways
- Revenue-based funding (Bankable) is the best option for businesses with $10K+/month revenue
- CDFIs are the best option for early-stage businesses and small amounts
- Equipment financing is ideal for specific asset purchases
- Invoice factoring is best for B2B businesses with slow-paying clients
- No option requires a green card
With the SBA closed to asylees in 2026, the landscape of available funding has shifted significantly. This guide ranks the best options for asylee business owners based on amount, speed, accessibility, and cost.
Tier 1: Best for Established Businesses with Revenue
Bankable Revenue-Based Funding — $25,000 to $5,000,000. 48-hour decision. Revenue-based repayment. No green card, no collateral, no fixed monthly payment. Best for businesses with $10,000+/month in revenue and 6 months of operating history. The most flexible and fastest option available to asylee business owners.
Tier 2: Best for Early-Stage and Small Businesses
CDFI Microloans — $500 to $250,000. 2-6 week decision. Below-market rates. Most CDFIs accept EAD and do not require citizenship. Best for businesses under $10,000/month in revenue or startups needing their first capital. Key CDFIs: ACCION Opportunity Fund, Grameen America, Kiva US (interest-free up to $15,000), LiftFund, local community CDFIs.
Tier 3: Best for Specific Equipment Purchases
Equipment Financing — $5,000 to $2,000,000. 3-7 day decision. Equipment serves as collateral, reducing rate and easing approval. Best for trucks, machinery, medical equipment, restaurant equipment, and other specific assets. Available to asylees without citizenship requirement.
Tier 4: Best for B2B Invoice Float
Invoice Factoring — Immediate cash against outstanding invoices. 1-3 days after setup. 1-5% cost per 30 days. No immigration restriction. Best for service businesses, contractors, and staffing firms with Net 30/60/90 invoicing to corporate or government clients.
Tier 5: Best for Real Estate-Backed Needs
Private and Hard Money Lenders — $50,000 to $10,000,000+. Asset-based underwriting with fewer immigration restrictions. Higher rates and shorter terms than SBA. Best for commercial property purchase and real estate investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
For established businesses with revenue, Bankable revenue-based funding is the best option: largest amounts, fastest timeline, most flexibility, no green card required.
CDFI microloans — particularly Kiva US (interest-free) and ACCION Opportunity Fund — are the best startup options. Once you have 6 months of revenue, transition to Bankable for growth capital.
Small grants exist through foundations and some CDFIs. They are typically $1,000-$25,000, highly competitive, and should be treated as supplemental rather than primary capital. Search Candid.org and GrantWatch.com.
Yes. Many asylee businesses combine Bankable working capital, equipment financing for specific assets, and CDFI relationship lending simultaneously.
CDFI loans typically have the lowest rates (sometimes 0% for Kiva). Equipment financing is cheaper than unsecured working capital. Bankable's factor rates are transparent and market-competitive.
Call Bankable directly at (786) 443-5511 for urgent situations. For immediate small amounts, personal savings or family capital may be needed. No institutional lender can reliably fund within 24 hours.
Bankable offers different working capital structures. Your account representative can help you find the right combination for your needs.
If you're buying a specific piece of equipment, equipment financing with the equipment as collateral is typically cheaper. If you need general operating capital, revenue-based funding is more flexible.