Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity firms connected to R-1 holders qualify for up to $3M
- Security assessments, managed security, and consulting all qualify
- Many immigrant faith communities have cybersecurity-specialized professionals
- No green card requirement — evaluated on contract revenue
- 48-hour decisions
The Cybersecurity sector has significant representation among R-1 visa holder communities and their families across the United States. Cybersecurity firms operated by R-1-connected entrepreneurs often serve both corporate clients and faith-community institutions. Churches, mosques, and other religious organizations increasingly face sophisticated cyber threats — phishing attacks targeting donation systems, ransomware targeting membership databases — and seek cybersecurity services from vendors they trust. Bankable provides revenue-based funding up to $5M without citizenship or green card requirements, evaluated entirely on your business's revenue performance.
Capital Needs in Cybersecurity
- Security tools: SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanners, penetration testing software
- Certifications: CISSP, CEH, CISM, SOC 2 audit costs
- Team expansion: Security analysts, penetration testers, incident response specialists
- Marketing: Website, conference attendance, thought leadership content
- Working capital: Analyst payroll between large consulting engagements
- Insurance: Cyber liability, professional liability (E&O) insurance
Funding Ranges by Business Size
| Business Scale | Monthly Revenue | Funding Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo security consultant | $10K–$30K | $30K–$90K |
| Small cybersecurity firm | $30K–$120K | $90K–$360K |
| Established MSSP | $120K–$500K | $360K–$1.5M |
The SBA Gap and Bankable's Role
The March 2026 SBA rule requiring 100% US citizenship eliminated most R-1 visa-connected business owners from SBA loan programs. Bankable fills this gap with revenue-based funding that evaluates your business on its economic merits. Learn more about SBA alternatives for R-1 holders.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US economy, with demand consistently outpacing supply of qualified professionals. R-1-connected cybersecurity entrepreneurs — often family members of religious workers who have advanced degrees in computer science or information security — are well-positioned to build successful security consulting businesses with Bankable's non-citizenship-based funding.
How to Qualify
Your cybersecurity business needs: at least 6 months of operating history, $10,000–$15,000 or more in monthly revenue (depending on program), a valid US business entity (LLC or corporation), and a US business bank account. Your R-1 visa status, ITIN status, or non-citizen status does not disqualify you. See the full documentation checklist.
Bankable makes its funding decisions based on your business's revenue history, not on immigration paperwork. Apply online, receive a preliminary decision within 48 hours, and access funds within 3–5 business days of approval. Check your Bankability Score to see your personalized funding options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. R-1 visa holders can own cybersecurity businesses as passive owners, or their family members with appropriate work authorization can operate them. Bankable funds these businesses based on revenue history and does not require citizenship or permanent residency.
Most Bankable programs require $10,000–$15,000 per month in documented business revenue. Higher-revenue businesses qualify for proportionally larger funding amounts, up to $5M.
No. Bankable does not require a green card, permanent residency, or US citizenship. Your immigration status is not an eligibility factor. We evaluate your business's revenue and financial performance.
Preliminary decisions arrive within 48 hours. After approval and document verification, funds typically arrive within 3–5 business days.
You need 6 months of business bank statements, business formation documents (LLC or corporation papers), a valid government-issued ID (passport accepted), and basic revenue information. Citizenship documents are not required.
For equipment financing, the equipment itself serves as primary collateral. For revenue-based working capital, a general business lien is the primary security. No personal real estate pledge is required.
The SBA implemented a 100% citizenship/national status rule in March 2026, effectively eliminating R-1 holders and non-citizens from SBA loan eligibility. Bankable's revenue-based funding is the primary alternative.
Businesses with at least 6 months of operating history and consistent monthly revenue can qualify. Very new businesses may qualify for equipment financing secured by business assets, with smaller funding amounts available before the 6-month mark.