Key Takeaways
- Approximately 60,000–70,000 businesses are owned by TPS holders in the USA as of 2026
- El Salvadoran, Honduran, and Haitian TPS holders account for the majority of TPS-owned businesses
- TPS businesses are concentrated in construction, food service, landscaping, and cleaning
- Despite temporary status, TPS entrepreneurs make long-term investments and hire US workers
- Bankable Funds serves TPS entrepreneurs on EAD — no green card or permanent status required
TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders are a significant entrepreneurial force in the United States economy. An estimated 60,000–70,000 businesses are owned by TPS holders as of 2026, generating over $8 billion in annual revenue and employing more than 200,000 US workers — including both TPS-status employees and US citizens and permanent residents.
TPS Business Ownership by Country of Origin
| Country | TPS Population (approx) | Est. Business Owners | Primary Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Salvador | ~192,000 | ~18,000–22,000 | Construction, cleaning, food service |
| Honduras | ~86,000 | ~8,000–10,000 | Construction, landscaping, food service |
| Haiti | ~160,000 | ~15,000–18,000 | Healthcare aide, food service, beauty |
| Venezuela | ~350,000 (largest TPS group) | ~12,000–16,000 | Professional services, food, retail |
| Nepal | ~15,000 | ~1,500–2,000 | Hospitality, convenience stores |
| Somalia | ~500 | ~50–100 | Transportation, food service |
| Other TPS countries | ~100,000+ | ~10,000–15,000 | Mixed |
TPS Business Concentration by Industry
- Construction and specialty trades (28%): The largest category; TPS workers have high concentrations in roofing, drywall, masonry, and painting — many have transitioned to business ownership as contractors
- Food service and restaurants (22%): Second largest; primarily family restaurants, food trucks, and catering
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance (15%): Significant TPS presence; seasonal revenue patterns
- Cleaning services (12%): Commercial and residential cleaning businesses with recurring contracts
- Retail (8%): Grocery, convenience, and specialty retail
- Personal services (8%): Hair salons, nail salons, childcare
- Transportation (4%): Trucking, taxi, and delivery services
- Other (3%)
TPS Entrepreneurship and Policy Uncertainty
Like DACA recipients, TPS entrepreneurs operate under significant policy uncertainty. TPS status is renewed periodically (typically every 18 months) through executive action. Political changes can threaten TPS renewal, creating uncertainty for long-term business planning. Despite this, TPS entrepreneurs continue to invest in equipment, hire employees, and sign leases — demonstrating remarkable commitment to their businesses and communities.
The March 2026 SBA Rule Impact on TPS Businesses
TPS holders were explicitly excluded from SBA loan eligibility in the March 2026 rule change. This was a significant blow to TPS-owned construction and food service businesses, which had been among the most active SBA loan users in the non-citizen business community. Private lenders remain the primary capital source for TPS entrepreneurs.
Bankable Funds for TPS Entrepreneurs
Bankable Funds evaluates TPS entrepreneurs based on their EAD, business revenue history, and business fundamentals. TPS status and its inherent uncertainty do not affect the Bankability Score evaluation. Check your Bankability Score to assess your business's funding potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
TPS holders receive EADs (Form I-766) with category C19 or A12 (for certain TPS countries). Both categories authorize employment, which supports business ownership. Check that your EAD shows 'Temporary Protected Status' as the basis for employment authorization.
If TPS is terminated, the TPS holder loses work authorization unless they have another basis for work authorization. Without work authorization, actively managing the business would violate status. Consult an immigration attorney about contingency planning — some TPS entrepreneurs pursue other visa or residency options proactively.
Yes. TPS holders with valid EADs, 6+ months of business history, and consistent monthly revenue qualify for Bankable funding. TPS status does not disqualify you — the EAD is the required work authorization document.
TPS business ownership has generally been growing despite policy uncertainty, particularly among Venezuelan and Haitian TPS holders who arrived more recently. Political policy reversals could impact this trend.
Most TPS-owned businesses are small, with annual revenues between $80,000 and $500,000. A significant subset — particularly in construction — reach $1M–$5M in annual revenue. Very few TPS businesses exceed $10M annually, partly due to capital access limitations.
Yes. TPS holders can form LLCs or corporations in any US state. The business entity is separate from the owner's immigration status. Many TPS entrepreneurs form LLCs for liability protection and tax efficiency.
The National TPS Alliance, CARECEN (Central American Resource Center), and similar immigration advocacy organizations provide some business resources for TPS holders. SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers) in high-TPS-population areas often serve TPS entrepreneurs. Bankable Funds provides capital access nationwide.