The city you choose can influence how your E-2 business performs after approval. Business conditions vary across the United States, and some cities and states offer better support for the types of small, service-based businesses often used in E-2 applications. Local demand, startup activity, labor availability, and regulations all affect long-term success.
Texas remains one of the most active states for new business formation. According to U.S. Census data, it ranks high in total applications to start new businesses. Cities like Houston and Dallas offer diverse local economies, affordable operating costs, and no state income tax. These factors help new businesses build stability early on.
Florida continues to be a strong choice, especially for businesses that serve residents, tourists, or both. The state regularly reports high levels of new business activity and supports large service sectors. Miami and Orlando benefit from consistent foot traffic, population growth, and international connections.
Arizona, especially the Phoenix metro area, has shown strong job growth and a relatively low cost of doing business. Based on federal labor reports, Phoenix ranks among the top metro areas for employment gains. Lower overhead and rising demand make it a favorable option for small business operations.
Georgia, with its core in the Atlanta area, offers a stable labor market and broad access to transportation and logistics infrastructure. It also has a lower-than-average cost of entry for many industries and steady population growth.
North Carolina, particularly in Charlotte and Raleigh, has seen consistent economic development and a healthy rate of new business formation. These cities attract both established businesses and first-time entrepreneurs, offering a balance of affordability and market potential.
While visa approval depends on meeting specific requirements, where you choose to set up your business matters. Starting in a region that supports your model can improve both your E-2 application and long-term performance.
For official visa requirements, visit uscis.gov and travel.state.gov.
Data Sources
- Business Formation Statistics by State, 2023: https://www.census.gov/econ/bfs/index.html
- Metro-area employment trends: https://www.bls.gov/charts/metro-area-employment-and-unemployment/home.htm
- Phoenix unemployment and growth stats: https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/
- Atlanta nonfarm payrolls April 2025: https://www.bls.gov/regions/southeast/
- Charlotte & Raleigh business activity: https://www.census.gov/econ/bfs/index.html