Key Takeaways
- Bankable funds H-1B fitness businesses up to $5M based on documented revenue
- No green card, no permanent residency, no citizenship required for funding
- SBA March 2026 rule eliminated H-1B owners from all SBA 7(a) loan access
- 48-hour funding decisions — faster than any bank or SBA lender
- Check your Bankability Score in 30 seconds — no SSN upload
The US fitness industry generates $35 billion annually, with gym membership revenue representing the highest-quality recurring income in the small business sector. An established gym with 400 members paying $50/month has $240,000 in predictable annual MRR before personal training, class fees, and retail. This revenue predictability is exactly what sophisticated lenders should prioritize.
H-1B holders who own yoga studios, CrossFit affiliates, martial arts academies, boutique cycling studios, and personal training gyms have built businesses with exceptional unit economics. Opening a boutique fitness studio costs $50,000 to $250,000. A full-size gym runs $250,000 to $1M in buildout and equipment. These operators now have no access to SBA fitness loans under the March 2026 rule.
The SBA's March 2026 citizenship rule eliminated all H-1B gym owners from 7(a) fitness studio loans. Bankable provides a direct path to revenue-based funding without any citizenship test.
Capital Uses for H-1B Fitness Operators
- Gym Equipment: Free weights, cardio machines, specialty equipment for yoga, cycling, or combat sports. Equipment is a primary capital need for both new and expanding gyms.
- Studio Buildout: Flooring, mirrors, sound systems, ventilation, and reception areas. Boutique studios: $30,000 to $100,000. Full gyms: $100,000 to $400,000.
- Member Acquisition Capital: Promotional spend, 3-month free memberships, and referral programs to build membership from 200 to 400 during the ramp phase.
- Second Location Capital: Expanding a proven studio concept to a second location requires buildout capital and 3 to 6 months of operating runway.
- Technology and Management Systems: Member management software, app integrations, booking systems, and access control infrastructure.
| Funding Source | H-1B Eligible? | Max Amount | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) — March 2026+ | No — US citizens only | $5M | 30–90 days |
| Traditional Banks | Rarely | Varies | 3–6 weeks |
| Bankable | Always yes | $5M | 48 hours |
For the full SBA alternative landscape for H-1B business owners, see our SBA alternative guide. Check your Bankability Score in 30 seconds to see your preliminary funding range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable funds fitness businesses based on documented revenue. No green card or permanent residency required.
Effective March 1, 2026, the SBA requires 100% US citizen ownership. All H-1B business owners are excluded from SBA 7(a) loans.
Minimum $15,000 in monthly revenue for initial consideration. Businesses at qualifying revenue levels access initial tranches of $50K to $400K.
48-hour decision from completed application. The Bankability Assessment at /bankability-score/ gives a preliminary range in 30 seconds.
No. Bankable funds H-1B holders as sole applicants based on business revenue alone.
No. Bankable has zero residency requirements. H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visa holders all qualify for funding assessment based on business revenue alone.
Effective March 1, 2026, the SBA requires 100% US citizen or national ownership for all 7(a) and 504 programs. H-1B holders are completely excluded regardless of revenue or credit history.
48 hours from completed application. The Bankability Assessment at /bankability-score/ takes 30 seconds and gives a preliminary range immediately.