Key Takeaways
- VAWA self-petitioners can legally purchase and own existing businesses with an EAD
- Bankable funds business acquisitions where the business has 12+ months of documented revenue
- Acquiring an established business eliminates startup risk — revenue begins on day one
- No green card required — EAD and target business revenue documentation sufficient
- SBA acquisition loans are no longer available to VAWA petitioners — Bankable is the leading alternative
Buying an existing business rather than starting from scratch is one of the most sophisticated wealth-building moves available to a VAWA self-petitioner. An established business comes with existing customers, trained staff, proven operations, supplier relationships, and day-one revenue. The learning curve is dramatically shorter. The cash flow is immediately available to service the acquisition financing.
Business acquisition was previously funded primarily through SBA 7(a) loans, which offered favorable terms for qualified buyers. The SBA's 2025 rule change eliminating VAWA petitioners from all SBA programs closed this door. Bankable provides private-market acquisition financing that evaluates the target business's revenue history — not the buyer's immigration status.
Business Acquisition Evaluation Criteria
- Revenue History: 2–3 years of documented annual revenue for the target business
- Purchase Price Justification: Purchase price relative to seller's discretionary earnings (SDE) or EBITDA
- Industry Fit: Your experience and capability to operate the specific business type
- Customer Concentration: No single customer representing more than 30% of revenue
- Transferable Revenue: Revenue that will transfer to new ownership without significant loss
- Seller Financing: Sellers who provide partial seller financing alongside Bankable improve deal structure
Acquisition Financing
Structured capital for business purchase with target business revenue as primary security.
Learn More →Working Capital Post-Acquisition
Bridge capital for the transition period after acquisition.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bankable does not require a green card, US citizenship, or permanent residency. A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), business EIN, and 4 months of documented business revenue are the primary requirements.
Bankable issues funding decisions within 48 hours of a complete application. Funds reach your business bank account within 3 to 7 business days of approval.
No. Business financing is a lawful commercial activity. Bankable does not report to USCIS or any immigration agency. Your petition and your business financing are entirely separate matters.
Yes. Business purchase transactions are commercial contracts. VAWA self-petitioners with EADs can legally purchase businesses, sign asset purchase agreements or stock purchase agreements, and own 100% of US businesses. Immigration status does not restrict business ownership.
Business brokers, BizBuySell.com, industry-specific networks, local chamber of commerce contacts, and direct outreach to retiring business owners are primary sourcing channels. Your community network is also a powerful source — many business owners prefer to sell to trusted community members.
Most small businesses sell for 2–4x seller's discretionary earnings (SDE). A business generating $100,000/year in owner profit typically sells for $200,000–$400,000. The exact multiple depends on industry, growth rate, customer concentration, and market conditions.
Yes. A business acquisition attorney should review the purchase agreement, conduct due diligence on contracts, leases, and liabilities, and ensure the transaction structure protects your interests. This is one situation where professional legal help is non-negotiable.
All-cash acquisitions require that Bankable's financing fully covers the purchase price plus transaction costs. Sellers who accept seller financing (carrying back 20–30% of the purchase price) significantly improve deal structure and reduce the amount Bankable must finance.