Key Takeaways
- SBA 7(a) and 504 are closed to TN holders as of March 2026 — this is permanent policy
- Bankable is the most comprehensive SBA alternative for TN holders: up to $5M, 48-hour decisions
- Invoice factoring, equipment financing, and business credit cards supplement Bankable
- Conventional portfolio lenders (community banks, credit unions) may still lend to TN holders
- The best strategy: Bankable for working capital + equipment, portfolio lender for real estate
The March 2026 SBA policy change that closed SBA 7(a) and 504 loans to TN visa holders is the most disruptive shift in small business lending for Canadian and Mexican professionals in a generation. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the best SBA alternatives available to TN holders in 2026, ranked by accessibility, speed, and capital availability.
Alternative 1: Bankable Revenue-Based Capital (Best Overall)
Bankable is the most direct SBA 7(a) alternative for TN holders. Key comparisons: SBA 7(a) maximum is $5M; Bankable maximum is $5M. SBA timeline is 60-120 days; Bankable's is 48 hours. SBA requires LPR/citizenship; Bankable requires only business revenue. SBA uses fixed payment schedules; Bankable uses revenue-based repayment that flexes with cash flow.
Bankable covers the same use cases as SBA 7(a): working capital, equipment, business acquisition, expansion, inventory, and real estate improvements. The only gap: Bankable does not provide 25-year real estate purchase loans like SBA 504. For commercial property purchases, TN holders need a conventional commercial mortgage.
Check your Bankability Score to see your Bankable eligibility.
Alternative 2: Invoice Factoring (Best for B2B Businesses)
If your TN-owned business has B2B accounts receivable, invoice factoring provides 24-48 hour access to 80-90% of your outstanding invoices. Factoring companies evaluate the creditworthiness of your customers, not you — making immigration status largely irrelevant. Rates: 1-5% per 30 days. Best for: consulting firms, staffing companies, construction subcontractors, and professional services with net-30-90 payment terms.
Alternative 3: Equipment Financing (Best for Capital Equipment)
Many equipment lenders evaluate the equipment's value and your business's cash flow rather than your immigration status. For TN holders who need to finance specific capital equipment — medical devices, CNC machines, vehicles, commercial kitchen equipment — a direct equipment loan or lease often provides the best terms for that specific purchase.
Alternative 4: Community Banks and Credit Unions (Best for Established Relationships)
Unlike national banks that follow SBA guidelines, community banks and credit unions set their own lending policies. Many will lend to TN holders with strong credit (720+), significant deposit relationships (2+ years), and real collateral. Portfolio lenders have no regulatory obligation to follow SBA immigration rules. If you have an established banking relationship, this is worth pursuing alongside Bankable.
Alternative 5: CDFI Loans (Best for Mission-Driven Capital)
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are mission-driven lenders that often serve immigrant entrepreneurs. Many CDFIs have no immigration restrictions and offer below-market rates for qualifying businesses. CDFI loans typically range from $25K-$500K — smaller than SBA or Bankable, but often with the lowest rates available to TN holders.
Learn more about how Bankable compares to every SBA alternative.