Key Takeaways
- Gym and fitness studio owners with any work-authorization SSN qualify for Bankable funding
- Monthly membership recurring revenue is ideal for revenue-based repayment structures
- Equipment financing for weights, cardio machines, and studio build-out
- Working capital advances during membership growth phases without residency requirements
- Boutique studios, CrossFit affiliates, martial arts schools all served
Fitness & Gym Business Funding for Visa Holders addresses the capital needs of non-citizen entrepreneurs in the fitness and gym sector — businesses owned by individuals with valid SSNs from H-1B, DACA, TN, L-1, TPS, EAD, and all other work-authorized categories who have built operations that deserve funding based on their business results, not their immigration status.
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated government-backed lending for all non-citizens, but Bankable's fitness and gym funding programs operate entirely independently of SBA eligibility. Our underwriting focuses on monthly membership revenue, member retention rates, equipment values, and lease obligations — the actual metrics that predict whether a fitness and gym business will successfully repay capital investment.
SBA Loans vs. Traditional Banks vs. Bankable
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated all non-citizen, non-national applicants from SBA 7(a) and 504 programs. Here is how your options compare:
| Factor | SBA 7(a) (Pre-2026) | Traditional Bank | Bankable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Card Required? | No (changed Mar 1, 2026) | Usually yes | Never |
| Citizenship Required? | Yes (as of Mar 1, 2026) | Sometimes | No |
| SSN Accepted? | N/A (citizenship required) | Rarely alone | Yes — primary requirement |
| Decision Speed | 30-90 days | 30-60 days | 48 hours |
| Max Funding | $5M (if eligible) | Varies | Up to $5M |
| Collateral | Required | Required | Revenue-based, minimal |
| Min. Revenue | Varies | $500K+ | $120K annual |
Qualification Criteria for Fitness And Gym Business Owners
- Valid SSN from any legal work authorization (H-1B, DACA, TN, L-1, EAD, TPS, etc.)
- Business EIN and US business bank account in the business name
- 6+ months of operating history with consistent revenue deposits
- Minimum $10,000 monthly revenue ($120,000 annually)
- Personal credit score 580+ (higher revenue can partially offset lower credit)
Funding Products Available to Fitness And Gym Non-Citizens
Bankable structures capital for fitness and gym businesses across several product types, all without green card or citizenship requirements:
- Revenue-Based Advances: Repaid as percentage of monthly revenue — ideal for fitness and gym businesses with variable income
- Business Term Loans: Fixed amount and term for planned investments — equipment, expansion, or renovation
- Equipment Financing: Asset-backed at lower rates — the equipment itself reduces lender risk
- Business Lines of Credit: Revolving credit for ongoing working capital needs
Check your Bankability Score today for a personalized funding assessment specific to your fitness and gym business. Our team delivers decisions in 48 hours with no green card requirement. For full details on our industry funding programs, see our comprehensive sector resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, fully. Any non-citizen with a valid SSN from legal work authorization and a fitness and gym business generating at least $10,000 per month qualifies for Bankable's evaluation process. No green card or citizenship is required.
You repay a fixed percentage of your monthly revenue until the funded amount plus our fee is satisfied. For fitness and gym businesses with seasonal or variable revenue, this means lower payments in slow months and faster payoff in strong months — natural alignment with your business cycle.
Yes. Bankable's equipment financing program uses the financed asset as collateral, making it more accessible than unsecured loans. Non-citizen fitness and gym business owners qualify for equipment financing based on the asset value and their business revenue history.