The evidence must describe the actual repayment obligations and rights.
Use the real arrangement
Do not choose a gift label to hide a loan. Review the lawful source, path, security and investment-risk treatment on the actual terms rather than assume either label resolves the E-2 case.
Describe family money by enforceable rights: who owns it, whether repayment is required, what secures the obligation, and who bears loss. A repayable advance should not be narrated as an unconditional gift. E-2 also requires treaty nationality for the investor and enterprise, lawful source and path, capital irrevocably committed and at risk, an amount substantial relative to the cost of buying or establishing the business, and a real operating enterprise that is more than marginal. The investor must develop and direct, ordinarily by owning at least half the enterprise or holding operational control. Review debt secured by business assets carefully, and remember E-2 has no direct route to permanent residence. The mistake is fixing the label while leaving bank transfers and family messages inconsistent.
Hypothetical example: an Orford climbing-equipment retailer receives money from her parents to purchase a U.S. safety-gear shop, with monthly repayments expected after opening. She should document the arrangement as it exists, trace her parents' lawful source and each transfer, and determine whether the debt structure leaves her qualifying funds exposed to business loss. The purchase agreement, ownership register, operating forecast, and control rights must address separate E-2 conditions. Calling the advance a gift in one letter will not erase repayment texts or make freely returnable capital irrevocably committed.