Key Takeaways
- Inventory purchase, store build-out, and expansion are all fundable through Bankable
- SBA retail loans unavailable to E-3 holders — revenue-based funding is the alternative
- Bankable funds up to $5M based on monthly retail revenue
- Seasonal inventory builds (Q4, back-to-school) are well-supported use cases
- 48-hour decisions with no citizenship requirement
Australian retail entrepreneurs in the US typically bring a strong design sensibility and customer experience focus that differentiates them in competitive retail markets. Whether it's a boutique clothing store, specialty goods shop, or multi-location retail chain, the capital challenges are consistent: inventory upfront, revenue later, with seasonal peaks that require significant pre-season investment.
SBA retail loans are the standard funding mechanism for US retailers — and they're completely unavailable to E-3 holders. Bankable's revenue-based funding works directly against your monthly retail sales. No citizenship requirement, no SBA paperwork, 48-hour decisions.
The E-3 Funding Barrier
The SBA's 100% citizen/national ownership rule disqualifies every E-3 holder from government-backed loans — regardless of how long you've been in the US, how profitable your business is, or how strong your credit score is. Banks that primarily originate SBA loans have no viable product to offer you. That's not a reflection of your business quality; it's a policy gap that Bankable was built to bridge.
Revenue-based funding through Bankable requires no green card, no citizenship, and no SBA involvement. What matters: your business generates consistent revenue, has been operating for at least 6 months, and has a US business bank account. That's the core of what we evaluate. Check your Bankability Score to see your options in minutes.
Challenges in This Sector
- SBA retail loans unavailable to E-3 holders regardless of store performance
- Inventory must be purchased before it can be sold — often 60–120 days before revenue arrives
- Landlord lease terms require security deposits and personal guarantees in prime retail locations
- Seasonal peaks (Q4, holiday, back-to-school) require large inventory builds months in advance
- Point-of-sale systems, display fixtures, and store fit-out require significant upfront investment
- Staff hiring and training costs for seasonal periods require working capital buffer
Funding Solutions for E-3 Holders
- Inventory Financing: Fund purchase orders and seasonal inventory builds based on sales velocity.
- Store Expansion: Capital for second location build-out and equipment based on existing store revenue.
- Working Capital: Bridge payroll, rent, and overhead during slow retail periods.
- Equipment Financing: Fund POS systems, display fixtures, and store equipment.
- Seasonal Capital: Pre-fund Q4 inventory and staffing 60–90 days before peak season.
Australian Retail in the US Market
Australian retail has made significant inroads in the US, particularly in fashion, lifestyle, homewares, and beauty categories. The clean aesthetic, quality emphasis, and customer service culture that characterise Australian retail resonate with US consumers willing to pay premium prices. E-3 holders operating in these categories often build loyal customer bases quickly.
The capital challenge hits most acutely during expansion — moving from one store to multiple locations, or from direct-to-consumer to wholesale distribution. Bankable funds these growth inflection points based on your existing store's performance.
Capital Products Available
Revenue-Based Funding
Up to $5M based on your monthly revenue. No green card, no SBA. 48-hour decisions.
Apply Now →Equipment Financing
Asset-backed funding for equipment — available to non-citizen business owners.
Check Eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Retail business ownership is not restricted by visa status.
Fashion, specialty food, beauty, homeware, sporting goods, electronics, books, gifts — any retail category with consistent monthly revenue.
We evaluate trailing 6-month averages. Seasonal businesses are assessed on their full-year revenue pattern, not peak months alone.
Yes. Seasonal inventory builds 60–90 days before your peak season are a standard use case.
Up to $5M. Typical retail advances are 1–2x monthly revenue.
Yes. Second location expansion is one of our most common retail use cases.
Yes. We understand inventory cycles, seasonal patterns, and the gap between inventory purchase and sale.
6 months of business bank statements and basic business information.
48-hour decisions. Funds in 3–5 business days.
Yes. We regularly refinance existing MCAs with better-structured revenue-based funding.