Key Takeaways
- Bankable funds H-1B childcare/daycare businesses up to $5M based on documented revenue
- No green card, no permanent residency, no citizenship required for funding
- SBA March 2026 rule eliminated H-1B owners from all SBA 7(a) loan access
- 48-hour funding decisions — faster than any bank or SBA lender
- Check your Bankability Score in 30 seconds — no SSN upload
Childcare is simultaneously one of the most community-essential and most capital-constrained businesses in America. A licensed daycare center for 40 children requires $80,000 to $250,000 in facility buildout, safety equipment, curriculum materials, and working capital during the enrollment ramp period. State licensing requirements, child-to-staff ratios, and facility standards create significant compliance capital needs.
H-1B holders who operate childcare businesses — particularly those who serve communities where language-concordant care (Hindi, Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog) is valued — have built businesses that address genuine community needs. The March 2026 SBA rule eliminated their access to SBA childcare loans that had historically supported facility expansion and startup costs.
The March 2026 SBA rule eliminated H-1B childcare/daycare businesses from all 7(a) access. Bankable provides a direct path to revenue-based funding without any citizenship test.
Capital Uses for H-1B Childcare/Daycare Operators
- Facility Buildout: Child safety fencing, age-appropriate furniture, classroom equipment, playground installation, and bathroom modifications required by state licensing.
- Curriculum and Supplies: Educational materials, toys, books, and learning supplies for each age cohort served.
- Staff Hiring and Training: Early childhood education staff require CPR certification, background checks, and state-required training before children can be served.
- Licensing and Compliance: State childcare licensing fees, fire inspection requirements, health department compliance, and food service licensing.
- Marketing and Enrollment Ramp: Building enrollment from 10 to 40 children requires marketing, tour events, and waiting list management during the ramp period.
| Funding Source | H-1B Eligible? | Max Amount | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) — March 2026+ | No — US citizens only | $5M | 30–90 days |
| Traditional Banks | Rarely | Varies | 3–6 weeks |
| Bankable | Always yes | $5M | 48 hours |
For the full SBA alternative landscape for H-1B business owners, see our SBA alternative guide. Check your Bankability Score in 30 seconds to see your preliminary funding range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable funds childcare/daycare businesses based on documented revenue. No green card or permanent residency required.
Effective March 1, 2026, the SBA requires 100% US citizen ownership. All H-1B business owners are excluded from SBA 7(a) loans.
Minimum $20,000 in monthly revenue for initial consideration. Businesses at qualifying revenue levels access initial tranches of $50K to $500K.
48-hour decision from completed application. The Bankability Assessment at /bankability-score/ gives a preliminary range in 30 seconds.
No. Bankable funds H-1B holders as sole applicants based on business revenue alone.
No. Bankable has zero residency requirements. H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visa holders all qualify for funding assessment based on business revenue alone.
Effective March 1, 2026, the SBA requires 100% US citizen or national ownership for all 7(a) and 504 programs. H-1B holders are completely excluded regardless of revenue or credit history.
48 hours from completed application. The Bankability Assessment at /bankability-score/ takes 30 seconds and gives a preliminary range immediately.