Key Takeaways
- Former H-2B workers launch businesses in industries where they built expertise during seasonal work
- Bankable requires at least 6 months of documented business revenue — not pre-revenue startups
- Working capital, equipment financing, and revenue-based funding available for early-stage businesses
- SBA microloan program is no longer available to non-citizen startup owners under the 2026 rule
- 48-hour decisions for businesses with 6+ months of documented revenue
Former H-2B Workers Are Not Typical Startup Founders
When a former H-2B landscaping worker launches a landscaping company, they are not a "startup" in the conventional sense. They have 6–10 years of industry expertise, existing client relationships, and an understanding of operations that typical startup founders spend years building. They are experienced operators launching their own enterprise — not inexperienced entrepreneurs making their first venture into an unknown industry.
This matters for funding because it makes H-2B-background startups significantly lower risk than the average startup. The landscaping startup owned by a former H-2B landscaping crew leader with 8 years of experience is not the same risk profile as a tech startup founded by someone who has never built a product or run a company. Bankable recognizes this distinction and funds early-stage businesses accordingly.
Bankable's Startup Funding Requirements
Bankable does not fund pre-revenue businesses. We require at least 6 months of documented business bank statement revenue. This means: you have an EIN, you have a business bank account, you have been operating for at least 6 months, and you have bank statement evidence of revenue. If you are still in the pre-launch phase, Bankable cannot help yet — but we can help once you have 6 months of operating history.
What to Do Before You Have 6 Months of Revenue
- Open a business bank account immediately: Every dollar of revenue that passes through a personal account is revenue that cannot be documented for funding purposes.
- Get your EIN: Apply at IRS.gov — it takes 10 minutes online and is free.
- Register your business entity: An LLC provides personal liability protection and makes your business more credible to clients and eventually to lenders.
- Document everything: Keep records of every client invoice, every payment received, and every business expense. This documentation becomes your underwriting file.
Early-Stage Working Capital
$25K–$100K for businesses with 6–12 months of documented revenue. Revenue-based repayment.
Apply →Equipment Financing
Finance startup equipment for businesses with as few as 3 months of operating history.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable does not require a green card. Startup businesses with at least 6 months of documented bank statement revenue qualify based on that revenue.
No. Bankable requires at least 6 months of documented business bank statement revenue. Pre-revenue businesses should explore CDFI microloans, SBA-alternative lenders, and equipment financing options.
We require at least $150,000 in annualized revenue (approximately $12,500 per month), verified through 6 months of business bank statements.
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is typically the best structure. It provides personal liability protection, is easy to set up, and is recognizable to banks and lenders.
Equipment financing may be available for businesses with as few as 3 months of operating history, depending on the equipment value and your personal credit score. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
The 2026 SBA rule eliminated non-citizen business owners from all SBA programs including microloans. CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) may offer alternative microloan programs for non-citizen entrepreneurs.
Landscaping, cleaning services, food trucks, restaurant, construction, and home services are the most commonly funded H-2B entrepreneur startup industries. These align with the operational expertise developed during H-2B seasonal work.
Open a business bank account, obtain an EIN, establish a business credit profile through Nav or DUNS, obtain a secured business credit card, and pay all bills on time. Within 12–24 months, a strong business credit profile supports better funding terms.