Key Takeaways
- Owning the building your business operates from eliminates rent risk and builds long-term equity
- Former H-2B business owners can access business working capital from Bankable while pursuing commercial real estate financing
- SBA 504 loans for non-citizens were eliminated by the 2026 citizenship rule
- Bankable provides the working capital and equipment financing components — no green card required
- 48-hour decisions for business capital components
Buying the Building Your Business Operates From
Owning the commercial property your business operates from is one of the most powerful wealth-building moves available to small business owners. Instead of paying rent to a landlord — which builds no equity — you pay a mortgage that builds equity in an appreciating asset. For former H-2B entrepreneurs who have spent years building their businesses, buying their building is the natural next step.
The SBA 504 loan program was the primary financing mechanism for owner-occupied commercial real estate — and the 2026 citizenship rule eliminated all non-citizen business owners from this program. For the business working capital components — equipment, tenant improvements, and operating capital — Bankable provides private funding with no citizenship requirement.
Financing a Commercial Property Purchase: The Components
- Commercial mortgage: The property purchase itself typically requires a conventional commercial mortgage. Many community banks and credit unions offer these to non-citizens — the property serves as collateral regardless of citizenship. Ask specifically about portfolio commercial mortgages (not SBA-backed).
- Tenant improvements and equipment: Moving into a new building typically requires improvements and new equipment installation. Bankable funds this component.
- Working capital: The transition period between your current space and new building requires working capital to cover dual occupancy and move costs. Bankable funds this component.
- Down payment: Commercial mortgages typically require 20–35% down. Bankable can provide working capital that may free up cash for down payment purposes, depending on your overall financial picture.
Tenant Improvement Funding
Fund the improvements needed to occupy your purchased commercial property.
Apply →Equipment Financing
Finance equipment moves and new purchases for your owned property. Asset-secured.
Learn More →Working Capital
Cover transition costs and operating expenses during the property purchase process.
Apply Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Non-citizens can purchase commercial property in the U.S. Commercial mortgages are available from conventional lenders — the property itself is the collateral. The SBA 504 program is no longer available to non-citizens after the 2026 rule change, but conventional commercial mortgages remain accessible.
Bankable funds the business working capital components — tenant improvements, equipment, and transition working capital. For the property acquisition mortgage itself, we recommend working with community banks or credit unions that offer portfolio commercial mortgages.
The 2026 SBA rule requires 100% citizenship for all SBA programs including 504 commercial real estate loans. This eliminated non-citizen business owners from this program. Conventional commercial mortgages remain available.
Bankable provides business working capital. While it cannot be designated as a 'down payment' — most commercial lenders require equity injection from the borrower — improved business cash flow from working capital can free up personal resources for down payment purposes.
Small retail strip centers, office condominiums, light industrial spaces, warehouse units, and restaurant/food service spaces are the most common commercial property purchases by H-2B entrepreneur-background business owners.
Business capital for property-related improvement and equipment purposes ranges from $25,000 to $5,000,000 depending on your business's annual revenue and documented cash flow.
Six months of business bank statements, your EIN, business license, and personal identification. No green card required for Bankable's business capital products.
Most applications receive a decision within 48 hours. Funds are typically deposited within 3–5 business days.