Key Takeaways
- Parolees can acquire existing US businesses using revenue-based acquisition funding
- Bankable evaluates the target business's revenue, not your visa category
- Funding up to $500K for acquisitions; larger deals reviewed case-by-case
- EAD accepted — no green card, no SBA citizenship requirement
- Close faster than bank-financed deals: decisions in 48–72 hours
Why Buying an Existing Business Makes Sense for Parolees
Starting a business from scratch is hard for anyone. For humanitarian parolees, the additional uncertainty of immigration status makes the launch period even more stressful. Buying an existing business solves many of these problems: you acquire customers, cash flow, staff, and systems on day one. The business generates revenue immediately, which supports both operations and loan repayment.
This is why business acquisition is an increasingly popular path for U4U, CHNV, and Afghan parolees who have the capital or financing to execute a deal. The challenge has been accessing that financing — until now.
How Bankable Finances Business Acquisitions for Parolees
Traditional SBA 7(a) loans, the most common vehicle for business acquisition financing, require borrowers to be U.S. citizens or nationals as of March 2026. Parolees are excluded. Private banks typically follow similar citizenship requirements.
Bankable evaluates acquisition funding differently. The primary underwriting input is the revenue history of the business being acquired — typically the last 12–24 months of P&L statements and bank deposits. If the target business generates consistent revenue, Bankable can advance the acquisition capital and structure repayment against that same revenue stream once you take ownership.
What Types of Businesses Can Be Acquired
Bankable has financed acquisitions across industries that align with parole community strengths:
- Restaurants and food service (popular among Cuban and Haitian buyers)
- Cleaning and janitorial services (strong recurring revenue, low inventory risk)
- E-commerce stores and Amazon FBA businesses (favored by Ukrainian entrepreneurs)
- Auto repair and detailing shops
- Transportation and logistics companies (owner-operator trucking routes)
- Retail stores (convenience, specialty food, beauty supply)
- Service businesses (accounting practices, insurance agencies, consulting firms)
The Acquisition Process With Bankable
Once you identify a target business, Bankable reviews the financials — typically the last 12–24 months of revenue data, tax returns if available, and any existing debt. You provide your EAD and a brief overview of your background in the industry. Decisions are typically made within 48 to 72 hours. If approved, funds are available to close the deal quickly — faster than most bank-financed transactions, which gives you a negotiating advantage with sellers who want certainty.
Start by checking your Bankability Score and reviewing why SBA 7(a) is not available to parolees — then come to Bankable with your target deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There is no law preventing parolees from owning US businesses. The challenge is financing, which Bankable solves with revenue-based acquisition capital that doesn't require citizenship.
No. As of March 2026, the SBA requires borrowers to be U.S. citizens or nationals. Humanitarian parolees are excluded from SBA 7(a) and 504 acquisition loans.
Bankable can finance up to $500,000 for business acquisitions. Larger deals are reviewed individually based on the target company's revenue and asset base.
You need your EAD, the target business's last 12–24 months of bank statements or P&L, and a brief description of the deal structure (purchase price, seller terms, etc.).
Bankable typically issues a decision within 48–72 hours of receiving complete documentation. Funding can be wired within a few business days after approval.
Partnerships are fine. If a co-owner is a US citizen, SBA options may open up for the citizen partner. Bankable can also finance multi-owner acquisitions where at least one owner has an EAD.
Yes. Once you obtain a green card or citizenship, you may qualify for SBA or conventional bank refinancing at lower rates. Bankable has no prepayment penalty.
Bankable does not provide legal or accounting services, but your team can help you understand what revenue metrics make a deal fundable before you invest time in due diligence.