Key Takeaways
- Food trucks are a low-barrier entry into food entrepreneurship for asylees
- No green card required — EAD and US entity qualify
- Fund truck purchase, kitchen equipment, commissary, and permits
- Venezuelan arepas, Ethiopian injera, Haitian griot — all funded
- 48-hour decisions
The food truck industry has been a launching pad for asylee culinary entrepreneurs who want to share their home country's cuisine without the $300,000+ barrier of a full restaurant build-out. A Venezuelan family serves arepas and empanadas from a truck in Austin. An Ethiopian chef brings injera and tibs to farmers markets in Portland. A Haitian cook serves griot and pikliz at Miami food truck parks. A Cuban family runs a classic Cubano and café con leche truck in Tampa.
The startup cost for a food truck ranges from $50,000 (used, basic equipment) to $175,000 (new, fully equipped). Working capital for commissary fees, permits, ingredients, and staff adds another $10,000-$30,000. Bankable funds established food truck operators who have revenue and want to grow.
What We Fund
- Food truck purchase (used or new) — via equipment financing
- Commercial kitchen equipment upgrades
- Commissary kitchen fees
- Event permits and catering licenses
- Ingredient inventory and food costs
- Second truck for fleet expansion
- POS system and payment processing setup
Minimum Requirements
At least $8,000/month in food truck revenue, 6 months operating, US business entity, EAD or work authorization, and a valid food handler's permit and health department certification. Catering revenue, farmers market revenue, and event revenue all count toward your qualifying income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Food truck operators with EAD, a US business entity, and $8,000+/month in revenue qualify. The truck itself can serve as collateral for equipment financing.
Food trucks range from $50K-$175K. Bankable funds established food truck operators seeking to purchase a second truck or upgrade equipment. For a first truck purchase, you typically need personal savings or a private investor.
Yes. Commissary fees are an operating expense that working capital covers.
Requirements vary by city and state. Typically: business license, food handler's permit, mobile food vendor permit, health department certification, and commercial auto insurance. Bankable requires you have appropriate permits in place.
Yes. Catering revenue, private event revenue, and farmers market sales all count toward your qualifying monthly revenue.
Yes. Fleet expansion is a common use case. Your existing truck's revenue qualifies you for funding to purchase a second unit.
Revenue-based repayment adjusts to your actual sales. Summer peak months mean higher repayment; winter slow months mean lower repayment.
Business bank statements (3-6 months), EIN, EAD, food permits, and vehicle documentation.