Key Takeaways
- Independent car dealerships with 6+ months of sales revenue qualify for Bankable
- Vehicle inventory working capital is the primary automotive funding use case
- SBA auto dealer loans unavailable to E-3 holders
- F&I revenue, service department, and vehicle sales all evaluated in underwriting
- 48-hour decisions up to $5M
Independent car dealerships operated by E-3 holders serve local automotive markets with a customer service approach that often exceeds franchise dealership standards. Australian business culture emphasises transparency and customer relationship — values that translate well into automotive retail where consumer trust is a significant competitive differentiator.
Dealership capital needs are primarily for vehicle inventory — cars must be purchased before they can be sold, and floor plan financing is the standard mechanism. SBA dealer loans are unavailable to E-3 holders. Bankable provides inventory-supporting working capital and operational financing for established dealerships based on monthly sales revenue.
The E-3 Funding Barrier
The SBA's 100% citizen/national ownership rule disqualifies every E-3 holder from government-backed loans — regardless of how long you've been in the US, how profitable your business is, or how strong your credit score is. Banks that primarily originate SBA loans have no viable product to offer you. That's not a reflection of your business quality; it's a policy gap that Bankable was built to bridge.
Revenue-based funding through Bankable requires no green card, no citizenship, and no SBA involvement. What matters: your business generates consistent revenue, has been operating for at least 6 months, and has a US business bank account. That's the core of what we evaluate. Check your Bankability Score to see your options in minutes.
Challenges in This Sector
- Vehicle inventory must be purchased or floor-planned before sale generates revenue
- Wholesale vehicle acquisition requires working capital for auction purchases
- Insurance, licensing, and dealer bond requirements are ongoing costs
- Service department staffing and parts inventory require consistent working capital
- Seasonal demand (spring buying season vs. winter) creates revenue variability
- Used vehicle price volatility affects inventory valuations
Funding Solutions for E-3 Holders
- Inventory Working Capital: Fund vehicle acquisition through auction and wholesale purchases.
- Service Department: Parts inventory and technician staffing capital.
- Working Capital: Cover overhead during slow sales periods.
- Second Location: Fund additional dealership lot based on existing sales performance.
- Digital Marketing: Online listing, advertising, and digital presence investment.
Dealership Revenue at Bankable
An independent used car dealership selling 20–30 vehicles per month at $2,000–$4,000 gross profit per vehicle generates $40K–$120K/month in sales revenue. F&I (finance and insurance) products add 20–30% to gross revenue. Service department revenue further diversifies the income stream. Bankable evaluates total dealership revenue across all profit centers.
Capital Products Available
Revenue-Based Funding
Up to $5M based on your monthly revenue. No green card, no SBA. 48-hour decisions.
Apply Now →Equipment Financing
Asset-backed funding for equipment — available to non-citizen business owners.
Check Eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Car dealership ownership is not restricted by E-3 status. State dealer licensing requirements apply.
Bankable provides working capital that can support vehicle acquisition — we're not a traditional floor plan lender, but our working capital product funds inventory.
Independent used car dealerships, franchise dealerships (in some cases), specialty vehicle dealers, and powersports dealers.
Typically $30K+/month in consistent vehicle sales and service revenue.
Yes. Auction and wholesale vehicle acquisition is a primary use case.
Yes. Parts working capital for the service department is supported.
We evaluate trailing 6-month averages. Spring/summer peaks are balanced against winter slowdowns.
Yes. Online listing services, digital advertising, and social media marketing are valid uses.
48-hour decisions. Funds in 3–5 business days.
Yes. Second lot expansion based on existing dealership revenue is supported.