Key Takeaways
- Former H-2B resort banquet and event staff are natural event planning entrepreneurs
- Bankable funds event planning businesses $25K–$2M based on event revenue — no green card required
- Equipment, working capital, and event deposit bridge financing all available
- SBA 2026 rule eliminated non-citizen event business owners from all SBA programs
- 48-hour approvals for qualified event planning businesses
From H-2B Resort Banquet Staff to Event Planning Entrepreneur
H-2B workers employed in resort banquet and conference services departments coordinated events for thousands of guests, managed vendor relationships, and executed the operational logistics that make large events appear effortless. These workers know what it takes to run a wedding for 300 people, a corporate conference for 500, or a gala fundraiser for a non-profit. When they gain work authorization and launch event planning businesses, they bring operational credibility that purely administrative event planners lack.
Event planning businesses have strong, pre-contracted revenue: clients typically pay 25–50% deposits months before their events. Bankable funds these businesses on their documented revenue — not on the owner's immigration status.
Event Planning Business Capital Needs
- Event equipment: Tents, tables, chairs, linens, lighting systems, AV equipment, and catering infrastructure. A well-equipped event business has $50K–$200K in inventory and equipment.
- Vendor deposits: Catering, floral, photography, and entertainment vendors often require deposits. Event planners may need to advance these before client deposits clear.
- Marketing and portfolio: Building a visual portfolio, maintaining a professional website, and advertising on wedding and event platforms is essential for client acquisition.
- Working capital for slow seasons: Event businesses are highly seasonal — spring and fall wedding seasons with slower January–February and July–August periods.
Equipment Financing
Tents, furniture, AV equipment, and event infrastructure. Asset-secured for better rates.
Learn More →Working Capital
Cover vendor deposits and slow-season operating costs. Draw as needed. Up to $150K.
Apply →Revenue-Based Funding
Based on event booking revenue. Repay as a percentage of daily deposits.
Apply Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable does not require a green card. Former H-2B workers with any valid work authorization and documented event revenue qualify.
We fund wedding planning companies, corporate event management firms, quinceañera and cultural event planners, tent and event rental companies, and catering businesses.
Funding depends on annual revenue. An event business generating $250K–$600K annually might qualify for $40K–$200K.
Yes. Event equipment financing is available with the equipment serving as partial collateral.
The 2026 SBA rule requires 100% citizenship, eliminating non-citizen event business owners. Bankable is private capital with no citizenship requirement.
We look at 12 months of bank statements to understand your seasonal pattern and structure repayments so obligations are lower during your off-season.
Six months of business bank statements, your EIN, business license, and personal identification. No green card required.
Most applications receive a decision within 48 hours. Funds are typically deposited within 3–5 business days.