RLG, either through Mr. Ruby or in cooperation with experienced partners across the country, offers business consulting services to E-2 (and L-1a) clients. We have relationships in place with franchise companies and business brokers that helps our clients find an investment opportunity that suits their personal needs and financial budget. Our goal is to set our clients up for short-term and long-term success by undertaking as much of the start-up work on these business as possible, ensuring a seamless transition for them once they arrive and are able to take over. This means we do all the early-stage organizational work, from assisting with business selection to corporate registrations and other start-up needs.

The first task where we work closely with our clients is business and industry selection. When it comes to business and industry selection, this is ultimately a choice for the client, but we can offer substantial assistance in making that choice. While we have connections in a number of industries, our first goal is to listen to the client’s interests and help guide him or her towards something that aligns with those. The key questions to assess at first are:

What is the investment budget?
What level of risk is acceptable?
Do you wish to purchase an existing business, start a new stand-alone business, or work under the franchise model?
What industries do you wish to target?
In which locations are you interested?

The budget for opening an E-2-supporting office can be anything. There is not a specific threshold or minimum investment amount, like in some visa categories. Instead, we must develop a business plan that demonstrates the business will quickly become viable and be self-supporting and able to sustain the executive (or manager) position within one year. Of course, that requirement means time is of the essence and, for this reason, most clients choose to pursue either an existing business - gas stations and convenience stores are quite popular, for example - or the opening of a franchise, which typically is able to quickly provide and generate leads.

Returning to the issue of budget, the investment necessary varies widely by industry. In some industries, the investment amounts will be quite high. These include restaurants and spas, because the cost of retail space where these businesses can thrive is just very expensive. On the other end of the spectrum, options such as a gas station or cleaning franchise will require a far lower investment amount, both due to lower franchise fees as well as the ability to maintain the office in less costly industrial space.

The choice of location also important. Many people wish to gravitate towards locations in which there is an already-existing community from their home country. We will work with clients to understand their needs and objectives and ultimately match them with a suitable opportunity.

In practically all cases, we can help match clients with a business opportunity in a location and at the budget they require.

Next, we will register a company in the state where the business will be located. We will obtain a federal employer identification number and open a bank account. We will collaborate with the client to deliver the necessary legal documents for business formation such as operating or partnership agreements. We will assist you in obtaining all necessary insurance and certifications that will be required to open and run the business.

Finally, we will work with clients as-needed in terms of start-up operations, to ensure you are able to begin successfully operating your business as soon as you arrive to the United States. Much of our work for our clients comes in the form of opening and helping manage the early- stage operations of the business, even for such things as helping you select an operations manager.