15 Most Popular E-2 Visa Franchise Businesses
Check out our list of the 15 most popular E-2 visa franchise businesses and find your next opportunity. Consult for free today.
15 Most Popular E-2 Visa Franchise Businesses
The E-2 visa requires foreign investors to open a real and operating bonafide U.S. enterprise that provides job opportunities for U.S. workers. There are no specific restrictions on the type of business you can start on the E-2 visa so long as it is projected to be profitable. Here are fifteen of the most popular E-2 visa franchise businesses options:
1. Food Franchise
Food franchises comprise an estimated thirty percent of the total franchise establishments in the U.S. The key food franchise categories include bakery, coffee, fast food, full-service, ice cream and frozen yogurt, juice, smoothie, pizza, retail food (convenience store), and vending machine franchises. In 2022, the output of the quick-service restaurant franchise industry amounted to an estimated $275.7 billion in the U.S. Meanwhile, the output of the full-service restaurant franchise industry amounted to an estimated $76.5 billion.
Food franchises are popular E-2 visa franchise businesses for several reasons. It is a proven E-2 visa franchise business model with an established customer base and brand recognition. The foreign investor does not need to start a business from scratch. Secondly, their risk of failure is minimal due to the franchisor’s obligation to provide support and training, thus giving non-experienced entrepreneurs an excellent chance at making it work.
The business already has streamlined operations, standardized processes, essential supplier relationships, and everything necessary to run it daily. Lastly, the potential for profitability is high for the food industry, particularly fast food and quick-service restaurants, as those tend to have a consistent demand.
2. Coffee Shop or Cafe
Both coffee shops and cafes sell coffee, but the general distinction is that coffee shops focus on the coffee itself, while cafes place a greater emphasis on food products while still serving coffee. The U.S. is well-known for producing big coffee brands like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. Unsurprisingly, the U.S. cafe industry reached $45.8 billion in 2022.
Coffee is a big industry in the U.S. A National Coffee Association survey found that sixty-two percent of Americans drink coffee, with the average American drinking over three cups daily. Almost half of the surveyed population also buy coffee at quick-service places, signifying a demand for convenient, on-the-go options.
Coffee shops or cafes make for excellent E-2 visa franchise businesses due to their social appeal that attracts a diverse customer base, growing demand in the U.S., often versatile menus, and opportunities for creativity. Foreign investors can get creative with interior design and menu development and differentiate themselves through factors like coffee quality, origin, or ambiance. Coffee shops are also well-known for attracting loyal customers.
3. Restaurant or Bistro
For many in the U.S., restaurants have become a necessary part of everyday life, leading to the lucrative restaurant industry in the U.S. The industry registered a total sales of $87.6 billion in 2022.
The workforce is also projected to grow by 500,000 jobs by the end of 2023, which surpasses pre-pandemic levels. Research by the National Restaurant Association also finds that eighty-four percent of consumers surveyed state that going to restaurants with families and friends is a better use of their leisure time than doing chores and other activities.
Foreign investors will find that restaurants are a good option due to the industry’s long-standing presence as a fundamental part of the economy in the U.S., especially as a social and networking hub. It caters to a broad customer base year-round and benefits from the country’s diverse population with varying tastes. It is also excellent at providing employment opportunities due to the number of employees necessary for its daily operations. Checking one of the E-2 visa franchise businesses requirements.
4. Hotel or Bed and Breakfast
Following a 21.3 percent increase, the U.S. bed and breakfast and hostel accommodation industry’s market size amounted to $2.6 billion in 2022, which increased faster than the accommodation and food services sector.
The U.S. benefits from millions of tourists each year as a popular tourist destination, creating a high demand for accommodations. Accommodations are also a stable source of income, generating revenue through nightly room rates. It is a lucrative opportunity for foreign investors with experience in property management. It can be considered a long-term investment with potential for growth and appreciation as properties in desirable locations can increase in value over time.
5. Consulting Firm
The consulting industry provides professional advice to organizations in a variety of fields. In 2020, the U.S. consulting market amounted to $64.4 billion before decreasing by 12.5 percent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, now that businesses have recovered from the pandemic, it would be a suitable time for E-2 foreign investors to venture into the consulting industry as more businesses recover and open.
Many foreign investors have specialized knowledge or skills in a specific industry. Starting a consulting firm in the U.S. will allow them to leverage their expertise and offer valuable services to the U.S.’s varied client base.
It also provides flexibility since consulting services can often be delivered remotely, allowing consultants to work with multiple clients from one office location at once. It also does not require significant physical assets or inventory, making it less expensive to establish and manage.
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6. I.T. Services and Software Development
In 2023, revenue in the I.T. industry is projected to reach $440.20 billion. It is expected to grow further at a compound annual growth rate of 6.25 percent, resulting in an estimated market volume of $561 billion by 2027. Meanwhile, the software industry is projected to reach a market volume of $414.70 billion by 2028. The U.S. will generate the most revenue in global comparison for I.T. services and software development.
A third of the world’s information technology (I.T.) market is in the U.S., making it the latest tech market. The industry accounts for over ten percent of the national economy, creating 12.1 million jobs nationwide. The industry also includes software publishers, computer systems design firms, custom computer programming services suppliers, and facilities management companies.
The U.S. is a highly attractive market to enter for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to start a U.S. bonafide I.T. business since the U.S. operates a mature and harmonized market with an attractive reputation for producing reliable and effective solutions that accelerate to the marketplace quickly. It also has strong intellectual property rights laws and enforcement.
Thus, foreign investors will find the country an ideal place to scale and grow its I.T. services and software development business as it is rich in advanced I.T. infrastructure and potential customers.
7. Marketing and Advertising Agency
The U.S. marketing and advertising agency industry revenue amounted to $73 billion in 2022, which increased by 3.6 percent per year between 2017 to 2022. Concurrently, digital advertising’s share in advertisement agencies’ revenue increased from thirty percent to sixty-four percent in 2021, suggesting that online or digital advertising might continue to increase further following COVID-19’s impact on consumer behavior and the increase in online purchasing.
Businesses recognize the importance of effective marketing strategies, especially with today’s reliance on digital marketing and the need for specialized expertise that foreign investors typically have. Marketing agencies often have the flexibility to operate remotely, allowing E-2 visa franchise businesses owners to also serve international clients from one remote location in the U.S. Additionally, some marketing services, such as ongoing digital marketing management or retainer-based contracts, have recurring revenue models, providing a stable income for the agency.
8. Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
Revenue in the U.S. accounting services industry amounted to $144.2 billion in 2022, which averaged 2.1 percent per year between 2017 and 2022. Meanwhile, the U.S. bookkeeping services revenue amounted to $65 billion in 2022. The industry has grown by two percent annually on average between 2017 and 2022.
Accounting services are necessary for businesses and professionals due to the need for accurate financial records and compliance with tax regulations. Foreign investors with accounting and bookkeeping expertise will enjoy the scalability and growth of offering accounting services. As client portfolios expand and the company’s reputation grows, it can attract larger clients, increase service offerings, and hire additional staff. Making this one of the popular choices for E-2 visa franchise businesses.
9. Real Estate Agency
Residential, commercial, and other property types segment the U.S. real estate services market. From 2022 to 2017, the U.S. real estate services market is projected to register a compound annual growth rate of seven percent. The industry maintains a favorable outlook despite the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the market growth driven by tools and platforms to tackle customers’ changing preferences and the need for better customer handling and support. Property managers and agents are focusing on utilizing property management software.
The U.S. real estate market is projected to amount to \$24.67 trillion in 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 2.7 percent by 2028, with the U.S. generating the most value in a global comparison. The residential real estate market in the U.S. is forecasted to register a compound annual growth rate of 5.77 percent from 2023 to 2028.
Foreign investors will delight in the U.S.’ thriving real estate market and broad customer base. This versatility allows agencies to cater to various needs, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and investment properties. They can also tap into the country’s vast networking opportunities with industry professionals like lenders, appraisers, contractors, and attorneys. Connecting with them can enhance the company’s service offerings, streamline transactions, and lead to growth.
Property management gives a pathway for foreign investors to be in the U.S. real estate industry while getting their E2 visa approved—one of the most-seek out E-2 visa franchise businesses.
10. Healthcare Clinic or Medical Practice
The U.S. healthcare industry is massive, spending over 18.3 percent of the GDP in 2021. Despite this, fifty-six percent of adult Americans believe that healthcare, in general, is not handled well, and even more adult Americans (seventy percent) believe that mental healthcare is not handled well in the U.S.
This apparent dissatisfaction despite the country’s high spending on healthcare is an opportunity for foreign investors looking to enter the U.S. market to open their own healthcare clinic or medical practice. Suppose most Americans are dissatisfied with the level and quality of general and mental healthcare (among others) they currently receive.
In that case, chances are they would be open to trying other providers and switching. This is a tremendous opportunity since the market size of healthcare in the U.S. was valued at $103 trillion in 2021 and is expected to reach over $21 trillion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.30 percent.
11. Language School, Tutoring Center, or Translation Services
The U.S. tutoring industry is rapidly growing. The market is expected to reach $1,840.25 million in 2026 and grow further at a compound annual growth rate of 6.30 percent from 2021 to 2026. The market size of the U.S. translation services industry also increased steadily from 2015 to 2022, reaching over $9 billion and increasing by almost $3 billion between 2012 and 2022.
The U.S. has a diverse population with varying cultures and languages. Foreign investors seeking to establish a language school or offer translation services will find the country ripe with opportunities and a client base.
The country’s education sector is also robust; language schools and tutoring centers can tap into this market by offering specialized programs like preparation courses for TOEFL or IELTS or language support for foreign university students—a blooming industry to tap into for foreign investors seeking E-2 visa franchise businesses.
12. Fitness Center or Gym
In 2020, the U.S. fitness, health, and gym club industry’s revenue amounted to approximately $28.8 billion. It declined at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is expected to recover over the next few years as more people return to fitness centers. Several factors contribute to the fitness industry’s revenue, such as the number of memberships and increasing membership fees. Another factor is the number of gym locations.
A study shows that seventeen percent of Americans exercised more often during the COVID-19 pandemic, fitness app downloads increased by forty-six percent, and Americans spend over $35 billion on gym memberships yearly. In addition to the rising interest in exercising, Harvard research found that Americans are now starting to eat healthier. Overall, the rise in health consciousness and healthy lifestyle as a trend is a good indicator of rising demand in fitness center.
13. E-commerce
E-commerce is the buying and selling of products and services exclusively via electronic channels or online platforms. The three e-commerce categories include B2C (online shopping), wherein individuals can order products and pay for them via the internet; B2B is where companies (i.e., manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers) exchange products or services; and C2C, where consumers transact with each other (i.e., eBay or Etsy).
Now the largest in the world, the U.S. e-commerce industry has been increasingly growing over the past decade, with sales projected to increase quickly in the coming years, from $875 billion in 2022 to more than $1.3 trillion by 2025.
Amazon is by far the leading e-commerce platform in the U.S., holding the largest online shopping market share. It significantly outperformed competitors and generated over $386 billion in sales in 2021.
With Americans’ online shopping habits and high disposable income, it is a good environment for a new entrant to the market. E-2 foreign investors seeking to start their own e-commerce business will find the U.S. a suitable market to enter.
14. Retail Clothing Store or Boutique
The apparel or clothing market encompasses various categories and segments, such as sportswear, business attire, discounted brands, luxury, and more. Globally, the apparel market reached a revenue of $1.5 trillion and is forecast to grow further to $2 trillion by 2027. Within this vast global apparel market, the U.S. ranks as the largest of any country in 2022, with a value of $312 billion.
According to a 2021 survey, over forty percent of American shoppers purchased online once or twice weekly. Eighty-eight percent of consumers prefer shopping for fast fashion in the U.S. This is a tremendous opportunity for foreign investors looking to start their own retail clothing store or boutique in the U.S. market.
Since Americans love to shop for clothing frequently and are looking for fast fashion pieces rather than making one-off purchases of higher-end, durable clothes, chances are they will be open to having more options to shop from, creating this as one of the popular E-2 visa franchise businesses.
15. Manufacturing and Distribution
The manufacturing market encompasses a wide range of goods, including finished products from raw materials or semi-finished products. It also includes assembling, installing, and repairing industrial machinery and equipment. It is diverse and covers various industries, including food and beverage, textiles, chemicals, metalworking, and electronics. In 2021, the manufacturing industry contributed $2.3 trillion to the U.S. GDP, making up twelve percent of the country’s total GDP.
The industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.02 percent from 2023 to 2028. In 2021, the manufacturing industry produced a gross output of over $6.3 trillion.
Foreign investors seeking to expand their manufacturing business to the U.S. will find the U.S. environment is ripe with opportunities as the world’s most powerful country with international connections. Manufacturing and distribution businesses also have the potential for scalability and growth, allowing for expanded operations, new markets, or new product lines as the business grows. Additionally, it can target specific niches or industries, creating niche opportunities to differentiate itself from competitors.
Lastly, manufacturing and distribution businesses can explore import and export opportunities and take advantage of the U.S.’ international trade agreements.
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