Key Takeaways
- DACA creatives run graphic design agencies serving brands, agencies, and small businesses
- Bankable funds design talent, software, and client acquisition with no citizenship requirement
- Retainer-based design work provides predictable monthly revenue for Bankable's underwriting
- SBA creative business loans now closed to DACA owners — Bankable fills the gap
- Your client retainers and project revenue are your bankability — no green card needed
DACA entrepreneurs have built successful Graphic Design businesses across the United States. With valid Employment Authorization Documents and Social Security Numbers, they run operations, employ American workers, and pay taxes — yet face systematic exclusion from the capital markets that fund their competitors. Bankable exists to correct that.
What Graphic Design Businesses Fund With Capital
- Design talent: Hiring senior designers, brand strategists, and UX designers
- Software: Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and specialized design tools
- Client acquisition: Portfolio development, Behance/Dribbble presence, outbound sales
- Office or studio: Professional workspace for client meetings and team collaboration
- Working capital: Payroll and operating costs between retainer billing dates
- Technology: High-performance workstations, tablets, and color-accurate monitors
The SBA Gap and the Bankable Solution
The SBA's March 2026 citizen-only rule eliminated the most affordable small business lending program for DACA owners. Bankable's revenue-based tranche funding fills this gap: no citizenship required, no green card needed, 48-hour decisions. Your graphic design revenue is your qualification. Learn more about SBA alternatives for DACA business owners.
Funding Requirements
| Factor | Bankable Standard |
|---|---|
| Immigration | DACA with EAD + SSN — no green card required |
| Revenue | $10,000+ monthly from design contracts and retainers |
| Business Age | 12 months of design agency operations |
| Business Type | Brand design, digital design, print, packaging, UX/UI design |
| Funding Range | $15K to $2M based on revenue |
Check your eligibility at bankablefunds.com/bankability-score — a 5-minute process with no commitment and no citizenship questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. DACA status with a valid EAD and SSN qualifies for Bankable funding. No citizenship or green card is required. Your graphic design revenue is the primary qualification factor.
EAD card, SSN, 3 months of business bank statements, business license, and a voided business check. No green card or citizenship documentation required.
Yes. The SBA's March 2026 rule now requires all SBA loan borrowers to be US citizens or nationals, locking out DACA recipients. Bankable's revenue-based funding is the direct alternative with no citizenship requirement.
Bankable issues decisions within 48 hours of a complete application. Funding typically arrives 3–7 business days after approval.
Bankable funds up to $5M through our tranche system. Actual amounts depend on your monthly revenue and business profile.
Yes — your EAD must be current at the time of application. DACA's renewal cycle does not disqualify you — we understand the administrative process.
Yes. A revolving business line of credit is available for established businesses with consistent monthly revenue. Draw, repay, and redraw as your business cycle requires.
Revenue-based funding carries a higher rate than SBA loans. For DACA owners who cannot access the SBA program, the comparison is between Bankable's rates and no access at all. We price transparently based on your full profile.
Yes. Staffing expansion is a covered use case. Adding employees directly increases your revenue capacity and is one of the most common uses of Bankable capital.
We accept 3 months of business bank statements, POS reports, QuickBooks exports, and industry-specific revenue documentation. We look for consistent monthly revenue over your operating history.