Key Takeaways
- Non-citizen construction owners used SBA 7(a) for equipment, bonding support, and working capital
- TPS holders from El Salvador and Honduras own a significant portion of US construction subcontracting
- Equipment financing covers tools and machinery without citizenship requirements
- Bankable provides working capital for payroll bridges, bonding, and bid-to-close gaps
- Contract-based revenue is ideal for Bankable's tranche funding model—consistent payment streams qualify easily
Construction and contracting businesses are among the most common enterprises in immigrant-heavy communities. TPS holders from El Salvador and Honduras constitute a significant portion of US residential and commercial construction subcontracting. H-1B engineers have launched architecture and engineering firms. Mexican-American construction entrepreneurs run some of the largest regional contracting operations in the Southwest. These businesses employ thousands and build the physical infrastructure of American communities.
SBA 7(a) loans supported construction businesses with equipment purchases, working capital for payroll during the bid-to-close gap, bonding assistance, and expansion capital. The March 2026 rule change closed that window entirely for non-citizen construction business owners.
SBA vs. Alternatives: 2026 Comparison
| Option | Citizenship | Max Amount | Decision | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | 100% citizen (March 2026) | $5M | 30-90 days | Blocked for non-citizens |
| Traditional Banks | Usually required | Varies | 30-60 days | ~20% non-citizens |
| CDFIs | No | $250K | 2-4 weeks | 50-60% |
| Bankable | No requirement | $5M | 48 hours | 92% revenue-qualified |
Construction Capital Needs and Bankable Solutions
Equipment Financing
Excavators, skid steers, lifts, compactors, and commercial vehicles—all are fundable through equipment financing without citizenship requirements. The equipment itself is the collateral. Bankable's equipment financing program serves non-citizen construction operators. Explore equipment financing here.
Working Capital for Payroll and Materials
The gap between project award and first payment draw is a perpetual cash flow challenge in construction. Non-citizen contractors who previously used SBA-backed lines of credit for this purpose now need alternatives. Bankable's tranche funding covers payroll bridges and materials costs for construction businesses with $150K+ in annual contract revenue.
Bonding Support
Some construction contracts require performance and payment bonds. Surety bonding depends on financial strength. Non-citizen contractors building their bonding capacity can use Bankable's working capital to strengthen their balance sheet and support bonding applications.
How Bankable Evaluates Construction Businesses
We look at: total contract revenue over the trailing 12 months, mix of residential versus commercial work, client concentration (diversified vs. single-client dependent), and project completion history. Established contractors with multiple active contracts and strong completion records are excellent candidates. Apply in 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Equipment financing and Bankable's revenue-based tranche funding are the primary alternatives. No citizenship required for either option.
SBA 7(a) for working capital, equipment, and expansion. SBA 504 for commercial real estate including company yards and office buildings. Both are now blocked for non-citizens.
We analyze your trailing 12-month contract revenue history, completion rates, client mix, and cash flow patterns. Consistent contract revenue from established clients is the strongest qualification factor.
Yes. Bankable's funding is available to TPS holder-owned construction businesses with $150K+ annual revenue and 12+ months of operating history.
Based on contract revenue. Smaller subcontractors ($150K-$500K revenue) can access $25K-$150K. General contractors with $1M+ revenue can access $200K-$1M+.
For equipment purchases, equipment financing is better because the asset serves as collateral at lower effective cost. For working capital needs like payroll and materials, Bankable's revenue-based tranche is the appropriate structure.
Bankable's working capital can strengthen your balance sheet, which supports bonding applications. We are not a surety company but can provide the capital that helps you qualify for bonding.
Yes. Bankable's funding is available to DACA recipient-owned construction businesses on the same revenue-based criteria as any other non-citizen business owner.
3 months of business bank statements, EIN, and basic business information. We may review contract documentation for larger funding requests.
48-hour decision from application submission. Funds typically available within 5-7 business days after approval.