Key Takeaways
- Bankable revenue-based capital is the most accessible and comprehensive option for TN holders
- SBA is closed to TN holders as of March 2026 — not a viable option regardless of credit score
- Invoice factoring is ideal for B2B businesses with strong receivables
- Equipment financing is the most cost-effective for capital equipment purchases
- Business credit cards supplement Bankable for routine expenses up to $50K
The March 2026 SBA policy change created an urgent need for TN visa holders to understand which funding sources remain available and which are most appropriate for their specific business needs. This guide ranks every meaningful capital source for TN-owned businesses in 2026 — from the most accessible to the most limited.
Tier 1: Bankable Revenue-Based Capital (Best for Most TN Holders)
Best for: Any established TN-owned business with $15K+/month in revenue. Capital range: $50K-$5M. Decision speed: 48 hours. Immigration requirement: None. Repayment: Revenue-based (10-20% of daily deposits), flexible with cash flow. Use cases: Working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion, acquisition, marketing, hiring. Bankable is the right first call for any TN holder needing meaningful business capital in 2026. Its combination of speed, scale, and zero immigration requirement makes it the dominant option in the post-SBA landscape.
Check your Bankability Score to start with Bankable.
Tier 2: Invoice Factoring (Best for B2B Businesses)
Best for: TN-owned businesses with B2B invoices on 30-90 day payment terms. Capital range: 80-90% of outstanding invoices. Decision speed: 24-48 hours for setup, same-day for ongoing. Immigration requirement: None (lender evaluates your customers' credit). Repayment: Invoice is repaid when your customer pays. Best industries: Consulting, staffing, construction subcontracting, engineering, healthcare billing. Factoring is faster than Bankable for specific invoices but limited to invoice-based businesses.
Tier 3: Equipment Financing (Best for Capital Equipment)
Best for: TN holders purchasing specific equipment — medical devices, industrial machinery, vehicles, commercial kitchen equipment. Capital range: Equipment value-based; Bankable equipment financing up to $5M. Decision speed: 48 hours. Immigration requirement: None with Bankable; varies with other equipment lenders. Repayment: Fixed payment schedule or revenue-based. Equipment financing is often the most cost-effective structure for specific capital equipment because the equipment serves as natural collateral, reducing pricing.
Tier 4: Community Banks and Credit Unions (Best for Established Relationships)
Best for: TN holders with 2+ year banking relationships, 720+ credit, and collateral. Capital range: $50K-$2M typical. Decision speed: 30-90 days. Immigration requirement: Varies by institution — some accept TN holders, many don't. Best approach: Ask your existing business banker directly if they can lend to TN holders. Don't assume — policies vary significantly. Community banks and credit unions set their own rules and are not bound by SBA policy.
Tier 5: CDFI Loans (Best for Lower-Rate Capital Under $500K)
Best for: TN holders who qualify for mission-driven lending programs. Capital range: $25K-$500K. Decision speed: 2-6 weeks. Immigration requirement: None at most CDFIs. Best approach: Search the CDFI Fund directory (cdfifund.gov) for local CDFIs serving your state. CDFIs often offer the lowest rates available to TN holders but have the smallest capital limits.
Explore all Bankable products ranked by your business's specific use case.