Key Takeaways
- TPS holders can legally own and operate franchise businesses in all states
- Bankable provides franchise purchase funding where the SBA no longer can
- Franchise unit revenue history supports expansion financing
- No green card, citizenship, or SBA eligibility required
- 48-hour decisions — fund your franchise opportunity before it closes
One of the most common questions Bankable receives from TPS entrepreneurs is: Can I buy a franchise with TPS status? The answer is unambiguously yes — TPS holders can legally own and operate franchise businesses in the United States. What changed in 2026 is that the SBA's franchise financing program now requires 100% US citizen or national ownership, eliminating TPS holders from one of the most accessible franchise financing pathways. Bankable fills that exact gap.
Many TPS entrepreneurs are drawn to franchising for the same reasons as any business buyer: a proven system, brand recognition, training and support, and a faster path to profitability than building from scratch. The franchise model is particularly well-suited to TPS entrepreneurs who may have deep operational expertise but are entering a new industry.
What Franchise Financing Covers
- Initial franchise fee: The upfront payment to the franchisor for the right to use the brand (typically $15,000-$50,000)
- Buildout and construction: Converting leased space to meet franchise brand standards
- Equipment: All required equipment for the franchise concept
- Initial inventory: Starting inventory required to open
- Working capital: 3-6 months of operating expenses to cover the ramp-up period
- Training and opening costs: Travel for franchisor training programs and pre-opening marketing
Choosing the Right Franchise as a TPS Holder
Not all franchisors have experience working with TPS-holder franchisees, but most will accommodate when you explain the situation. Key considerations: Does the franchise agreement have citizenship requirements? (Most do not — they care about capital and operational competency.) Does the franchisor have experience with non-citizen franchisees? Are you looking at a proven brand with documented unit economics? Bankable works with TPS franchise buyers to evaluate the franchise investment alongside the financing package. See our full TPS franchise funding guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. TPS holders can own franchise businesses in the United States. TPS provides the legal right to work and operate a business. The franchise agreement does not require citizenship in the vast majority of cases.
Some franchise agreements express a preference for SBA financing. If SBA is not available to you due to the 2026 rule, explain the situation to your franchisor. Most will work with alternative financing when SBA is unavailable.
Total investment varies widely: fast food QSR franchises run $250K-$500K. Service franchises run $50K-$200K. Home services franchises often start under $100K. Bankable can fund a significant portion.
Typically 10-30% of total project cost. Having 10-30% in liquid capital demonstrates commitment to the franchisor and improves your financing terms.
We look at the franchisor's brand strength, average unit volume (AUV), the specific market's demand, and your operational background. Strong franchise brands in strong markets get better terms.
Yes. Multi-unit franchise agreements are common and fundable. Your first unit's performance history is the primary basis for financing additional units.
Home services (cleaning, painting, landscaping), food service (QSR, fast casual), and fitness franchises are popular with TPS entrepreneurs. The best category is the one that matches your operational experience.
48-hour decision from complete application. Funding in 3-5 business days after approval. Faster than any SBA lender.