Key Takeaways
- Construction companies connected to R-1 holders qualify for up to $5M
- Equipment, bonding, and working capital all fundable
- Many immigrant faith communities have significant construction trades representation
- No green card requirement — evaluated on contract revenue
- 48-hour preliminary decisions
Construction and trades businesses are a major employment sector for immigrant faith communities in the United States. Nigerian and Ghanaian Pentecostal communities have significant representation in masonry, concrete, and general contracting. Mexican Catholic communities dominate residential construction trades in many markets. Filipino communities have strong representation in electrical and HVAC trades. Many of these tradespeople build their own businesses — and need capital to grow them.
Construction Business Capital Needs
- Equipment financing: Excavators, bulldozers, lifts, trucks, trailers, tools
- Performance bond support: Bonding capacity for public contracts and larger private projects
- Working capital: Bridging the gap between project mobilization and first draw payment
- Material purchasing: Lumber, concrete, steel, and specialty materials for project mobilization
- Payroll bridge: Covering crew payroll during slow payment cycles from general contractors
- Bid bonds: Securing bid capacity for larger project opportunities
Construction Revenue Documentation
Construction businesses typically receive revenue in irregular large payments — project draws, lump sum completions, and milestone payments. Bankable works with this payment pattern. Signed contracts, AIA draw schedules, and bank statements showing project deposits are all accepted. For subcontractors, GC payment records and lien waivers can supplement bank statement documentation.
| Construction Type | Typical Monthly Revenue | Funding Range |
|---|---|---|
| Residential general contractor | $30K–$200K | $75K–$500K |
| Commercial subcontractor | $50K–$500K | $100K–$1.5M |
| Specialty trades (electrical, HVAC) | $20K–$150K | $50K–$400K |
| Landscaping / site work | $15K–$100K | $40K–$300K |
Faith Community Construction Projects
An overlooked niche: construction companies that specialize in religious facility construction and renovation. Korean church buildouts, mosque construction, Hindu temple construction, and synagogue renovation projects are often executed by contractors who share the community's faith background and understand the specific requirements — prayer hall acoustic standards, halal certification for facilities, mechitzah requirements. These specialized contractors often operate on community-supported revenue with loyal repeat clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Family members of R-1 holders with separate immigration and work authorization status can own and operate construction companies. Bankable funds these businesses based on contract revenue and equipment value, without citizenship requirements.
Signed contracts, AIA draw schedules, project completion certificates, bank statements showing project deposits, and subcontractor payment records are all accepted. We understand that construction revenue comes in irregular large payments rather than consistent monthly amounts.
Yes. Equipment financing is one of the most efficient funding paths for construction operators — the equipment serves as collateral, often allowing access to larger amounts at better terms than unsecured working capital. Excavators, trucks, trailers, and specialty tools all qualify.
Most programs require $15,000+ in average monthly revenue, calculated over a 6-month period. Given construction's lumpy revenue pattern, we typically average your revenue over 6 months rather than requiring consistent monthly minimums.
Bankable's capital improves your financial profile, which in turn improves your bonding capacity. Directly obtaining performance or payment bonds requires working with a surety company — Bankable can refer you to surety specialists who work with immigrant-owned construction companies.
Yes. Contractors specializing in church, mosque, synagogue, or temple construction qualify for Bankable funding just like any other general contractor. Your specialized market niche — faith facility construction — is a positive differentiator that demonstrates a loyal, repeat client base.
Preliminary decisions in 48 hours. Full funding typically takes 5–10 business days for construction companies, slightly longer than other industries due to the documentation review of project contracts and draw schedules. Equipment financing can sometimes be faster.
Having a valid general contractor or specialty trades license strengthens your application significantly. Bankable does not require a specific license as a condition of funding, but unlicensed contractors have a harder time demonstrating legitimate business revenue.