Key Takeaways
- SBA Export Express, Export Working Capital, and International Trade loans now require 100% US citizenship
- Non-citizen importers and exporters access trade financing through private lenders and Bankable
- Export factoring, trade finance lines, and letters of credit remain open regardless of citizenship
- Bankable's revenue-based funding provides export working capital with 48-hour decisions for qualifying businesses
- Ex-Im Bank (Export-Import Bank) programs have different citizenship rules than SBA—some remain accessible
International trade is a significant driver of growth for many immigrant-owned businesses. The unique position of non-citizen entrepreneurs—often with cultural knowledge, language skills, and business networks in both the US and their home countries—makes them natural participants in import and export activities.
The SBA had three primary export financing programs: SBA Export Express (fast approvals up to $500K), SBA Export Working Capital Program (up to $5M for export transactions), and SBA International Trade Loan (up to $5M for businesses growing international sales). All three now require 100% US citizenship.
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 |
Export Finance Alternatives for Non-Citizens
| Product | Citizenship? | Max | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bankable Revenue-Based | No | $5M | Working capital for export operations |
| Export Factoring | No | Varies | Factoring foreign receivables |
| Trade Finance LOC | No | $1M+ | Purchase orders and letters of credit |
| Ex-Im Bank Programs | Varies | $5M+ | Large export transactions |
| International Factoring | No | Varies | Selling receivables from foreign buyers |
Export Working Capital for Non-Citizens
Bankable's tranche funding provides export working capital for non-citizen businesses engaged in international trade:
- Pre-shipment financing: Capital to purchase goods before the export order ships
- Foreign receivables bridge: Bridge financing while waiting for international payments (often 60-120 day terms)
- Inventory financing: Fund large inventory purchases required for international orders
- Trade show and marketing capital: Fund international market development activities
Ex-Im Bank: A Note for Non-Citizen Exporters
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has different requirements than SBA. Ex-Im Bank primarily looks at the exporting company—a US-registered business—rather than the citizenship of its owners. Non-citizens whose companies export US-manufactured goods or services may still access some Ex-Im Bank programs. Consult an Ex-Im Bank trade specialist for your specific situation.
Export capital without citizenship barriers. Check your Bankability Score today.
Immigrant entrepreneurs are America's most natural exporters. The SBA closure shouldn't stop international trade growth. Bankable has no citizenship requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three SBA export programs are now blocked: SBA Export Express (up to $500K), SBA Export Working Capital Program (up to $5M for specific export transactions), and SBA International Trade Loan (up to $5M). All now require 100% US citizenship.
Yes. Export factoring, trade finance lines of credit, letters of credit, and Bankable's revenue-based funding are all open to non-citizen export business owners. The Ex-Im Bank may also offer programs based on the company's US registration rather than owner citizenship.
Export factoring involves selling your foreign receivables (invoices from international buyers) to a factoring company at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. There is no citizenship requirement—qualification is based on the creditworthiness of your foreign buyers.
A trade finance line is a credit facility specifically structured for import/export businesses—used for letters of credit, pre-shipment financing, and foreign receivable bridging. Specialized trade finance companies often have no citizenship requirement.
Yes. Bankable's revenue-based funding can be used for any business purpose including export working capital—pre-shipment purchases, inventory for export orders, and receivables bridging. We fund based on total business revenue.
Ex-Im Bank primarily focuses on US-manufactured goods and the US company doing the exporting, rather than the citizenship of the company's owners. Some Ex-Im programs may still be accessible to non-citizens. Contact Ex-Im Bank directly or work with an authorized trade finance broker.
Options include: Bankable revenue-based funding, trade finance LOCs from specialty lenders, purchase order financing companies, and international factoring of the foreign receivable after delivery.
Bankable requires $150K+ in total annual business revenue. This can include domestic and export revenue combined. Export-focused businesses with this revenue threshold can access $25K-$5M in working capital.
Yes. The National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC), World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), and state-level trade promotion offices often have resources and referrals for non-citizen exporters seeking alternative financing.
Yes. Trade show costs including booth fees, travel, marketing materials, and product samples are legitimate business expenses that can be funded through Bankable's revenue-based capital.