There is no fixed minimum; the amount must be substantial relative to the actual cost of launching this business, which equipment and a yard lease largely define. The application itself carries consular fees and preparation costs.
Substantial is measured against this business, not a number
The regulation and the Foreign Affairs Manual deliberately avoid a dollar threshold. Substantiality is assessed proportionally: the amount invested is compared with the total cost of establishing a business of this kind, and the proportion must be high enough to show the investor’s financial commitment and the likely success of the enterprise. A septic and drainage installation company needs an excavator, a vacuum or dump truck, trenching equipment, a yard, insurance, licensing and a few months of working capital; a plan that prices those items from actual quotes gives the officer the denominator, and the purchase invoices give the numerator.
Buying the core equipment outright rather than leasing raises both the amount and the degree of commitment. Loan proceeds may qualify when the investor is personally liable and the debt is not secured by the assets of the E-2 enterprise; both unsecured personal loans and loans secured by the investor’s personal assets can qualify. The consular application fee is set by the State Department; professional fees, translations and the business plan are the preparation expenses.
Marginality is judged separately, so planned payroll belongs in the budget.