Key Takeaways
- Buying an existing profitable business is often faster and lower-risk than starting from scratch
- Bankable funds business acquisitions for DACA buyers with no citizenship or green card requirement
- The acquired business's revenue history is the primary bankability evidence for acquisition funding
- SBA acquisition loans now closed to DACA buyers — Bankable is the direct, 48-hour alternative
- Your personal financial profile plus the target business's revenue determine your acquisition funding amount
Buying an existing business is one of the most powerful moves a DACA entrepreneur can make. You acquire an established customer base, trained employees, proven systems, and immediate revenue — rather than spending 2-3 years building all of those from scratch. The acquired business's track record also provides the bankability evidence that Bankable uses to structure your acquisition funding.
Why Business Acquisition Makes Sense for DACA Entrepreneurs
DACA recipients face unique uncertainty about the future. An existing business with established customers, long-term leases, and diversified revenue is inherently more stable than a startup. Many retiring business owners — restaurateurs, plumbers, auto shop owners, landscapers — are selling profitable operations to the right buyer. DACA entrepreneurs with industry experience and the capital to close the deal are strong buyers.
What Acquisition Funding Covers
- Purchase price: The majority of the acquisition cost — goodwill, equipment, customer relationships
- Working capital: 3-6 months of operating capital during transition to new ownership
- Transition costs: Training period, consultant fees for the selling owner, systems migration
- Improvements: Initial improvements or rebranding needed under new ownership
- Accounts receivable gap: The lag between closing and first full month of revenue under your ownership
Acquisition Funding Requirements
| Factor | Standard |
|---|---|
| Immigration | DACA with EAD + SSN — no citizenship required |
| Target Business Revenue | $20,000+ monthly from the business being acquired |
| Buyer Experience | Industry experience relevant to the acquired business |
| Equity Contribution | 10-20% of purchase price as buyer equity |
| Funding Range | $50K to $5M depending on business size and revenue |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. DACA recipients can purchase and own businesses in the United States. Your EAD provides work authorization, and your SSN allows you to operate as a business owner. No citizenship required.
Any legally operating US business. Restaurants, auto shops, cleaning companies, landscaping businesses, retail stores, medical practices, and service businesses are all common acquisition targets for DACA buyers.
Yes. Bankable funds the purchase price, working capital, and transition costs for business acquisitions where the target business has $20,000+ monthly revenue. No citizenship required.
We review the target business's 12-24 months of financial statements, tax returns, and bank statements alongside your personal financial profile and industry experience.
We typically look for 10-20% of the purchase price as buyer equity. This can come from personal savings, a business partner, or other sources. The target business's assets can sometimes serve as additional collateral.
Often yes. An existing business provides immediate cash flow, established customers, and a proven model. For DACA entrepreneurs who value stability, an acquisition is frequently lower risk than a startup.
Yes. Purchasing from a retiring owner is the most common acquisition scenario. Many retiring owners prefer to sell to a buyer they trust who will continue serving their customers — experience and character matter more than citizenship.
Service businesses with recurring customers — restaurants, auto shops, cleaning services, landscaping, and healthcare practices — are the most accessible. These businesses have verifiable revenue and don't require large capital equipment investments beyond what's already in place.
Bankable decisions arrive in 48 hours. Total acquisition timeline depends on legal due diligence, purchase agreement negotiation, and transition planning — typically 30-90 days from letter of intent to closing.
Yes. Business brokers often have listings of businesses for sale with detailed financials. Using a broker to identify the right target and then applying to Bankable for acquisition funding is a common and efficient approach.