Small businesses form the backbone of the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are more than 34 million small businesses nationwide. A significant share operates in service-related sectors such as professional, administrative, and personal services. These enterprises often begin with modest startup costs yet provide steady employment and community impact.
Many service ventures tend to rely on professional skill and management rather than significant physical assets, which may result in lower startup costs compared with manufacturing or retail operations. That accessibility makes them an appealing entry point for entrepreneurs who wish to start or acquire a business in the United States.
Within this landscape, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa offers a path for nationals of treaty countries to invest in and manage qualifying U.S. businesses. The program does not set a fixed dollar minimum. The investment must be substantial in proportion to the cost of establishing or purchasing the enterprise.
Key E-2 Factors for Low-Cost Service Businesses
Low-cost service enterprises face the same legal requirements as other E-2 investments, but some elements carry greater weight because the total investment is smaller. Understanding how these applications are evaluated helps investors prepare stronger cases.
Proportionality of the investment
The E-2 standard measures whether the amount invested is substantial in relation to the total cost of the business, not against a fixed benchmark. For a service company with limited expenses, such as a consulting, education, or administrative support firm, the investment must still represent a genuine financial commitment. Officers often review whether the investor has already funded essential components of the business, including leases, equipment, or professional software. A small total cost can meet the requirement if most of it is already spent or contractually committed.
Evidence of real and ongoing operations
Since service models may not rely on large physical assets, operational proof becomes central. This may include:
- Signed client contracts or engagement letters
- Records of active service delivery
- Payroll or contractor agreements
- Proof of business insurance and required licensing
These materials show that the enterprise is active and commercially real rather than speculative.
Marginality and job creation
Low-cost service firms are closely reviewed for marginality. Even when staffing needs are limited at the start, the business plan should show how revenue will exceed the investor’s living costs and how employment or contracting opportunities will grow over time.
Active management role
The investor must develop and direct the business rather than act as a passive owner. In a service enterprise, this often means managing client relations, marketing, or daily operations. Documentation of the investor’s involvement supports the E-2 requirement for active participation.
Business plan credibility
For lower-cost ventures, the business plan often carries the most weight. It should outline projected income and expenses, explain how funds are used, and describe growth and staffing plans. The plan must align with actual financial and operational records to demonstrate consistency.
Conclusion
Low-cost service businesses demonstrate an important principle about the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. The visa was never limited to investors with large financial resources. It was designed to support those who can build and sustain viable U.S. enterprises that create jobs and contribute to economic growth.
Service enterprises fit this purpose when they operate actively and produce results. They mirror how much of the modern U.S. economy works today through expertise, technology, and small-scale entrepreneurship. Findings from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirm that service-related firms represent a major part of U.S. business activity and employment, showing that success does not depend on the size of the investment but on how effectively it is used.
For potential investors, the focus should be on credibility rather than cost. A thorough business plan, evidence of committed funds, and proof of real operations carry more influence than the total investment amount. When a service business is genuine, well-organized, and capable of employing U.S. workers, it meets both the letter and the intent of the E-2 program.
A service business with modest startup costs can still provide a credible route for investors to establish and run a business in the United States. Its strength comes from disciplined operations and the ability to contribute to local jobs and long-term economic growth.
Sources
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Advocacy. https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-Small-Business_2024-508.pdf
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/employment-by-major-industry-sector.htm
- U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/susb.html