Key Takeaways
- Bankable funds H-1B jewelry/accessories 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 jewelry industry carries unique capital characteristics: inventory value is high (gold, silver, and diamonds), inventory turns are slower than most retail, and the authentication infrastructure (appraisals, certifications) requires capital investment before a piece can be sold at full value. A jewelry retailer with $1M in retail sales typically carries $300,000 to $600,000 in inventory.
H-1B holders in the jewelry business — Indian diamond dealers in New York's 47th Street diamond district, South Asian gold jewelry importers serving diaspora communities, and Chinese-American fine jewelry retailers — operate in a sector that blends import/export, retail, and manufacturing. The capital needs include import financing, inventory acquisition at trade shows, and retail expansion capital.
The March 2026 SBA rule eliminated H-1B jewelry/accessories businesses from all 7(a) loan access. Bankable provides a direct path to revenue-based funding without any citizenship test.
Capital Uses for H-1B Jewelry/Accessories Operators
- Inventory Acquisition: Purchasing gold, silver, diamond, and gemstone inventory at wholesale prices for retail or wholesale resale.
- Trade Show Inventory: Buying show inventory at JCK Las Vegas, BaselWorld, or regional jewelry shows requires significant upfront capital.
- Import Financing: Financing the gap between paying for international jewelry shipments and receiving proceeds from US sale.
- Retail Store Buildout: Showcases, security infrastructure, lighting, and store fixtures for jewelry retail locations.
- Custom Order Materials: Gold and gemstone inventory for custom design orders where the client pays upon delivery.
| 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 jewelry/accessories 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 $500K.
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.