new business

[anniemm]

Hi all

Does anyone know if you can start a business from scratch, maybe build you own premises etci, when applying for an E2 Visa, or do you have to buy an existing one?

Thanks

[chris]

It can be either way. It's all about proving to the Embassy that your business meets or will meet the Visa criteria. An existing business that is turning in the dollars and employing people is a much easier case to prove, but if your business plan is sound you should be able to win through on a new start up.
We did the start up in 2000. It is not easy, as you have no dollars coming in and money going out pretty fast. The term 'bleeding' springs to mind!

[anniemm]

It can be either way. It's all about proving to the Embassy that your business meets or will meet the Visa criteria. An existing business that is turning in the dollars and employing people is a much easier case to prove, but if your business plan is sound you should be able to win through on a new start up.
We did the start up in 2000. It is not easy, as you have no dollars coming in and money going out pretty fast. The term 'bleeding' springs to mind!


Thanks Chris, hope you are now doing well, and it was all worth it..

[Emmalee25]

Hi Annie,
a few 'start ups' seem to be getting through at the moment, I think Victoria's hubby's was a start up (i may be completely wrong).

Good luck with all your plans
Em x

[Susie]

It can be either way. It's all about proving to the Embassy that your business meets or will meet the Visa criteria. An existing business that is turning in the dollars and employing people is a much easier case to prove, but if your business plan is sound you should be able to win through on a new start up.
We did the start up in 2000. It is not easy, as you have no dollars coming in and money going out pretty fast. The term 'bleeding' springs to mind!

Thanks Chris

I agree, I feel that this option may the way to go for some.

That way you are in total control of your own funds and destiny and give yourself a pat on the back if your biz, earns you a loads of money, instead of maybe buying other peoples biz headaches

[chris]

I would not say that it has been a bed of roses starting from scratch, more a bed of thorns. You think you've done your homework, but the learning really only starts when you arrive here. We are a B2B business and by and large, people do business differently here to in the US (we ran our own B2B business (different type) in the UK for 10 years prior to coming. Americans attitudes are so different and they are so 'cheap'. Never mind the quality, does it cost more than a dollar (most nickel and dime). I can't comment for other areas but we noticed that in Polk and Osceola there is a little of the local yokel, red-neck you speak different attitude and you have to work hard to break through that. The hispanic business culture is more nickel and whatever is lower than a nickel! Very street market want it for nothing attitude. That's us, but other businesses may be different. The tenure of GW has not helped one iota either.

[The Simpsons]

Chris
What type of business have you got??
I hope you don't mind me asking.

Regards

Steve

[chris]

We are a distributor of promotional products, embroidery, screen-printing and business stationery, mainly to business.

[victoria]

Emma is right - husband just got an E2 for a start up, as did Redsox. Both got 2 year visas with the 'keep it up and you'll get 5 next time' so everything to prove...

[Ron]

Hi all

Does anyone know if you can start a business from scratch, maybe build you own premises etci, when applying for an E2 Visa, or do you have to buy an existing one?

Thanks


Just catching up with threads and agree a start up can be done. I would love to start up a new business to do with boats, well maybe one day if I win the lotto

[Picto]

Emma is right - husband just got an E2 for a start up, as did Redsox. Both got 2 year visas with the 'keep it up and you'll get 5 next time' so everything to prove...

...also recently got E2 for a start up for 2 years, after living through the consternation and uncertainty of the last 12 months. Congrats to you Victoria and Redsox. i wish you many profitable years and renewals!!!

[Emmalee25]

Anniem,
Ive just done a load of research into start ups, as i may take this route in 2007, so if you want info just pm me, or anyone else who was ACTUALLY successfull at it.....;) LOL
Em x

[Redsox]

Hi - good luck with your new business.

I have posted some info previously, but to save you looking here it is:

We started a new business and successfully gained an E2 status in October (business plan started in October 05, application submitted in Feb 06) for a software business in the Mid-West. It was easier to actually purchase smaller items like pc's, software etc, and put the funds in to escrow for the larger items such as a vehicle, office lease etc.

The key with a new business is a very strong well researched business case with supporting evidence of the potential market and email/letters confirming interest from prospective customers if possible. Our plan was very detailed (by month) for year 1, detailed (by quarter) for years 2 and 3, and an overview (annual) for years 4 and 5. We did not have any contracts prior to the E2 approval, nor should you necessarily as my understanding is that could be construed as having worked without the requisite visa. At interview it was clear that 'working' without a visa is an area that they scrutinise very carefully.

It also helps if you can demonstrate you have the relevant skills or previous experience in running a business - although if you already have a UK business an L visa is an option to explore.

[anniemm]

Redsox
Thanks very much.
Em, Thanks, will PM you - cheers

Merry Xmas

[Jax]

Hi
We were a start up business in 2004 and we got a 2 year E2 with the hope it will be renewed for 5 years.

[mark]

Hi
We were a start up business in 2004 and we got a 2 year E2 with the hope it will be renewed for 5 years.


Hi Jax

Hope the renewal goes according to plan

How has the business been going and have you settled in the usa? Have you now managed to employ staff as I think that is one of the reasons people are getting referrals

[Jax]

Hi Mark
Our renewal is going into the Embassy early next year at the moment we employ 11 staff and we are looking to take on at least 1 more in the new year.Business is good and i think we have settled, still miss some things but love the life we have.I hope the renewal goes to plan as well
Jax

[hopefultreatyinvestor]

Hello - I am also about to apply E2 with a start up business - would any of you be prepared to say how much of investment you declared for the start up????? thanks!!