Key Takeaways
- J-1 specialists and scholars commonly form consulting LLCs after their programs
- SBA loans require 100% US citizenship as of 2026 — Bankable is the alternative
- Revenue-based funding up to $5M based on consulting contract deposits
- 48-hour decisions — 6 months operating history and $25K/month revenue required
- J-2 EAD spouses can independently fund consulting businesses
Consulting Business Funding for J-1 Exchange Visitors
J-1 exchange visitors — particularly specialists, research scholars, and trainees — frequently develop expertise that translates directly into consulting businesses. A management consultant on a J-1 specialist program who completes their exchange and launches an independent firm, or a research scholar who begins consulting for industry clients on the strength of their academic work, represents a common and commercially successful pattern in the J-1 community.
Consulting businesses have relatively low overhead but face the perpetual challenge of cash flow gaps between project completion and invoice payment. Fortune 500 clients routinely pay on net-60 or net-90 terms. Bankable's revenue-based funding bridges those gaps based on your bank deposit history — no citizenship required.
Consulting Funding Use Cases
- Working capital bridge during net-60/90 invoice payment cycles
- Hiring senior consultants and subject matter experts
- Marketing and business development — conference sponsorships, content, paid search
- Technology infrastructure — CRM, project management, data analysis tools
- Office space — coworking memberships or dedicated office leases
- Travel costs for on-site client engagements
- Expanding into new service lines or geographic markets
- Research and development for proprietary frameworks or methodologies
How Bankable Underwrites Consulting Businesses
Consulting revenue is typically deposited as large lump sums (retainer payments, milestone invoices, project completion payments) rather than daily small transactions. Bankable reviews 4–6 months of bank statements to calculate average monthly deposits and build a trailing revenue picture. We account for payment irregularity — a month with one large $150,000 deposit is weighted appropriately against months with smaller payments.
Working Capital Line
Revolving capital for net-60/90 invoice gaps. Draw when you need, repay when clients pay.
Learn More →Business Line of Credit
Flexible revolving credit for consulting firms. Access capital as needed without re-applying.
Explore →SBA Alternative
No citizenship required. Bankable funds consulting businesses up to $5M on contract revenue.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. J-1 specialists who have completed their exchange program can start consulting firms. During the J-1 program period, active management of a separate business may require authorization from your sponsor. After program completion and with appropriate work authorization, you can fully operate a consulting business.
Bankable averages your trailing 6-month bank deposits and accounts for payment irregularity. Large retainer payments and milestone invoices are normalized across the deposit history. A consulting firm with $50,000 in one month and $200,000 the next is evaluated on the 6-month average.
Yes. J-2 EAD holders have full work authorization and can own and operate consulting businesses. Their Bankable funding eligibility is based on the consulting business's revenue history — not tied to the J-1 holder's visa status.
Bankable requires $25,000/month in average gross deposits from consulting contracts, retainers, and client payments over the trailing 6 months.
No. Section 212(e) has no effect on your current right to own and fund a consulting business. It affects only certain future visa transitions. Your consulting firm can be funded by Bankable regardless of your 212(e) status.
Bankable issues decisions within 48 hours of a complete application. Consulting firms with clean bank statements and 6+ months of revenue history often receive decisions within 24 hours. Funding disburses within 3–5 business days.
Management consulting, IT consulting, research consulting, engineering consulting, healthcare consulting, financial advisory, HR consulting, marketing consulting, and any other professional services business with verifiable bank deposit revenue.
Yes. Hiring is one of the most common uses of Bankable consulting funding. Adding senior consultants, project managers, or support staff typically requires 2–3 months of salary in working capital before new revenue from their client work materializes.
Revenue-based funding from Bankable is unsecured — no collateral required beyond a general business lien. Your consulting firm's revenue history is the primary underwriting factor.
You need 4–6 months of business bank statements, a valid government-issued ID (passport accepted), proof of business entity registration, and any engagement letters or contracts that document ongoing client relationships.