Key Takeaways
- Auto repair revenue drives Bankable approval — immigration status not evaluated
- Fund shop equipment, lifts, and working capital for OPT auto repair founders
- SBA auto repair loans now require 100% citizen ownership — Bankable is the alternative
- 48-hour decisions for shops with $15K+ monthly repair revenue
Automotive engineering graduates and mechanical technology students on F-1 OPT are launching auto repair shops that combine technical precision with customer service excellence. Auto repair is a $116B industry with consistent demand — cars always need maintenance. Bankable evaluates your shop's repair invoice revenue to determine funding capacity.
Auto Repair Capital Uses
- Hydraulic lifts and shop equipment ($15K-$40K per lift)
- Diagnostic scan tools and specialty equipment
- Parts inventory pre-purchase for common repair categories
- Bay expansion and shop leasehold improvements
- Alignment machines, tire changers, and balancers
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since March 2026, SBA loans require 100% US citizen or national ownership. All F-1 OPT and STEM OPT founders are disqualified from SBA 7(a) and 504 programs. Bankable is a non-SBA lender — our approval is entirely revenue-based, with no citizenship requirement.
No. Bankable does not evaluate immigration status. We fund US-registered business entities based on their revenue. F-1 OPT and STEM OPT founders qualify on the same terms as any other business owner.
Your business entity continues operating and servicing the funding regardless of your personal immigration status. Bankable funds the LLC or corporation, not the individual. Immigration transitions — H-1B, O-1, departure — do not affect the business's obligation or ability to operate.
Yes. Auto repair shop ownership does not require a specific professional license for the owner — only that licensed mechanics perform the repairs. F-1 OPT founders can own and operate shops while employing licensed technicians.
$15,000+ in monthly repair revenue with 4+ months of operating history.
For newer shops, equipment financing using the equipment as collateral is available from the early stages of operation.
Yes. Parts inventory pre-purchase is a common working capital use for auto repair businesses.
Electric vehicle (EV) specialty repair shops qualify. EV-specific diagnostic equipment financing is available through Bankable's equipment financing program.