Avoid double counting the same resources in the investment account.
Follow the money through the actual transactions
Moving funds between family accounts and then into the enterprise does not necessarily create multiple new contributions. Identify actual payments and qualifying commitments rather than add every transfer entry to the investment total.
Reconcile the ledger from its original source through every internal transfer to the final business expenditure or binding commitment. Count economic value once; moving the same amount from one spouse, through a joint account, and into the enterprise does not triple the investment. Separate refundable balances from capital that is irrevocably committed and at risk. Then compare the qualifying total with the cost of establishing or buying the business, because substantiality is proportional rather than a fixed universal dollar figure. E-2 also requires treaty nationality, qualifying enterprise ownership, development and direction through 50 percent ownership or operational control, lawful funds, and a real non-marginal operation. No payment creates a direct path from E-2 to a green card.
Hypothetical example: A bookkeeping-service owner based near Petit-Saguenay receives money from a spouse, routes it through a joint account, and pays for an American practice’s software, client assets, and lease deposit. A table assigns each dollar one source and final use. The owner excludes a cancellable reserve still under personal control and does not add intermediate account entries. Purchase documents and governance rights then show what was truly committed and who will direct the service, supporting an accurate cost analysis.