Key Takeaways
- Salvadoran Americans are among the largest TPS-holding populations—all now blocked from SBA loans
- Salvadoran entrepreneurs concentrate in construction, landscaping, food service, and cleaning services
- Large concentrations in Los Angeles, Washington DC, Houston, New York, and Dallas support strong Bankable markets
- Bankable's revenue evaluation ignores TPS status and instead focuses purely on business performance
- CDFI programs specifically serving Central American entrepreneurs remain fully open to Salvadoran business owners
El Salvador has one of the largest Temporary Protected Status populations in the United States. Salvadoran Americans on TPS have built businesses, raised families, and contributed to American communities for decades. The March 2026 SBA rule change effectively removes a critical financial tool from an already economically vulnerable community.
The Salvadoran business community is particularly concentrated in construction, landscaping, food service, and personal care services. These are cash-flow-intensive businesses with demonstrable revenue—precisely the kind of businesses Bankable serves.
SBA vs. Alternatives: 2026 Comparison
| Option | Citizenship | Max | Decision | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | 100% required | $5M | 30-90 days | Blocked for non-citizens |
| CDFIs | No | $250K | 2-4 weeks | Open, limited capacity |
| Bankable | No requirement | $5M | 48 hours | Fully open, 92% approval |
Salvadoran Business Sectors Funded by Bankable
- Construction and General Contracting: Salvadoran entrepreneurs are a backbone of the US construction workforce, with many owning contracting businesses
- Landscaping and Tree Services: A major sector for Salvadoran American business owners, requiring equipment capital
- Cleaning and Janitorial Services: Commercial and residential cleaning companies are frequent Salvadoran-owned businesses
- Restaurants and Pupuserias: Salvadoran cuisine restaurants and catering businesses serve both community and mainstream markets
- Auto Repair and Transportation: Mechanics, auto body shops, and transportation businesses are well-represented
Community Resources for Salvadoran Business Owners
- CARECEN (Central American Resource Center): Provides immigration legal services and community support with business referrals
- Salvadoran American Chamber of Commerce: Business networking and advocacy for Salvadoran entrepreneurs
- Accion Opportunity Fund: CDFI providing loans up to $250K for Central American and other underserved businesses
- Inclusiv Credit Unions: Network of credit unions serving Latino communities including Salvadoran Americans
Salvadoran entrepreneurs built this economy. Bankable builds on that foundation. Check your Bankability Score today.
Your TPS status is your legal right to be here. Your business revenue is your qualification for Bankable. Apply in 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. TPS status does not meet the SBA's new 100% US citizenship requirement. Salvadoran Americans on TPS are now excluded from all SBA loan programs. Bankable has no TPS restriction.
Los Angeles has the largest Salvadoran American population and business community, followed by Washington DC metro area, Houston, New York, and Dallas. Bankable serves businesses nationwide.
Yes. Landscaping businesses with $150K+ annual revenue qualify for Bankable's funding, which can be used for equipment (mowers, trucks, trailers). This is one of the most common use cases for Salvadoran-owned businesses.
Accion Opportunity Fund serves all underserved entrepreneurs including Salvadoran Americans. CAMACOL (Latin Chamber of Commerce) in Florida and Latino Economic Development Center in DC specifically serve Central American entrepreneurs.
Bankable does not collect or evaluate TPS status. Our application asks for business information and bank statements only. We make funding decisions based on revenue—period.
Yes. Restaurant businesses with $150K+ annual revenue qualify. Salvadoran pupuserias, restaurants, and catering businesses are eligible for Bankable's revenue-based funding.
TPS termination would create significant legal challenges, but Bankable's funding relationship is based on business revenue, not immigration status. Contact Bankable immediately if TPS status changes significantly to discuss your situation.
Accion Opportunity Fund, CARECEN, and many local CDFIs provide Spanish-language support. Contact Bankable at (786) 443-5511 for assistance in your application process.
Construction businesses with $200K-$500K annual revenue typically access $40K-$150K in Bankable's first tranche. Larger contractors can access more. Revenue and operating history are the primary factors.
Bankable requires $150,000 in annual revenue and 12 months of operating history. Salvadoran-owned businesses in construction, landscaping, food service, and cleaning often meet or exceed this threshold.