What value do we provide?

Aries Business Consulting is a boutique advisory firm headquartered at 205 Worth Avenue, Suite 201R, Palm Beach, Florida. The Company provides specialized economic analysis, business plan development, project structuring, and ongoing consulting services to sponsors, developers, investors, and capital providers operating in the U.S. commercial real estate (CRE) market — with a deliberate focus on three high-leverage federal incentive programs: the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, and the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program.












Existing project
Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet's New York
Our 30 years of combined experience

Aries Business Consulting has over 30 years of combined experience, with a proven track record of successfully securing approval for hundreds of projects through USCIS. Our clients have generated over $5 billion through the EB-5 program, and we've completed development projects valued at an impressive $20 billion.
  • $8 billion+
    Generated for clients through the EB-5 program
  • $20 billion+
    of development projects completed
  • 100s
    of projects successfully approved by USCIS
Why do clients trust us?
  • -1-
    Independent, conflict-free advisory focused entirely on our clients’ best interests
  • -2-
    Deep expertise in EB-5, New Markets Tax Credits, Opportunity Zones, and commercial real estate structuring
  • -3-
    Institutional-grade analysis, discretion, and execution clients can confidently rely on
Services
  • Economic Analysis
  • Business Plan Development
  • Project Structuring
  • Consulting and Ongoing Advisory
  • Market Analysis

Economic Analysis

Aries produces independent economic analyses that meet the evidentiary standards of federal program reviewers and institutional investors. Deliverables in this service line include:

EB-5 Economic Impact Reports. Defensible job-creation analyses using accepted input-output methodologies (RIMS II or IMPLAN) tailored to the project's industry, geography, and capital structure. Reports are prepared with USCIS adjudication trends in mind, including the documentation standards reinforced after RIA implementation.
TEA and QOZ Geographic Analyses. Targeted Employment Area qualification (high-unemployment and rural), with attention to the 2026 QOZ redesignation cycle scheduled for the 90-day window beginning July 1, 2026.
NMTC Community Impact Studies. Quantification of expected outputs and outcomes — jobs, services, accessible goods, and qualified low-income community benefits — using frameworks aligned with CDFI Fund Allocation Application criteria.
Market and Demand Studies. Submarket absorption, demand drivers, comparable transactions, and pricing analysis for retail, hospitality, multifamily, mixed-use, healthcare, and senior-living projects.
Highest and Best Use Analyses. Independent assessments to support land-use decisions, acquisition pricing, and entitlement strategy.

Business Plan Development

Aries authors comprehensive business plans engineered for the specific audiences each project must satisfy: USCIS adjudicators, allocation committees at CDEs, institutional investors, banks, and equity partners. A typical Aries business plan integrates a project narrative, a regulatory framing section, a credible operating plan with management discussion, market evidence, a capital plan, a job-creation or community-impact analysis, and a defensible set of financial projections with sensitivity analysis. Documents are designed to be both Matter of Ho compliant (where EB-5 is involved) and intelligible to a lender's credit committee — recognizing that the same plan often must serve both audiences.

Project Structuring
Project structuring is the central, highest-value activity of the firm. Aries assembles incentive-eligible capital stacks alongside conventional senior debt and sponsor equity. Representative engagements include:
EB-5 Project Structuring. Working with sponsor counsel and a Regional Center to define the New Commercial Enterprise (NCE), Job-Creating Entity (JCE), capital flow, loan or equity model, security package, and exit. Coordinates with economists, securities counsel, and tax counsel.
NMTC Transaction Structuring. Twin-CDE leveraged structures, QALICB qualification analysis, source-and-use schedules, put/call mechanics, unwind analysis, and integration with bridge or construction debt.
QOZ Fund and Project Structuring. Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) and Qualified Opportunity Zone Business (QOZB) design, substantial improvement testing, working capital safe-harbor planning, and — under OZ 2.0 — Qualified Rural Opportunity Fund (QROF) considerations where the 30% basis step-up applies.
Blended Capital Stacks. Engagements that combine two or three of the above programs (commonly NMTC + OZ, or EB-5 + conventional debt) and require integrated cash-flow, ownership, and exit modeling.
Capital Sources Strategy. Introductions and process management with regional centers, CDEs, QOFs, banks, and equity partners — on an advisory, non-broker basis.
Consulting and Ongoing Advisory
Following the close of a transaction, Aries continues to advise sponsors through implementation, compliance, and exit. Services include:
EB-5 Compliance Support. Coordination on I-829 evidence packages, job-creation tracking, and material change analysis.
NMTC Compliance and Asset Management Support. QALICB compliance monitoring, qualified low-income community investment (QLICI) tracking, recapture risk monitoring, and seven-year unwind planning.
OZ Compliance. QOF semi-annual asset tests, QOZB working-capital plan execution, substantial improvement documentation, and ten-year hold planning.
Strategic Advisory Retainers. Sponsors that anticipate a pipeline of incentive-financed projects engage Aries on monthly retainers for ongoing structuring counsel, market intelligence, and policy monitoring.
Market Analysis

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program



The EB-5 program offers conditional permanent residency to qualifying foreign nationals who invest in U.S. commercial enterprises that create at least ten full-time American jobs. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 reset minimum investment thresholds and reauthorized the Regional Center program through 2027. Current investment minimums, confirmed by USCIS for fiscal year 2026, are $800,000 for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) and $1,050,000 for non-TEA projects. The next inflation-based adjustment is scheduled for 2027.

The RIA also established three visa set-aside categories that create de facto fast-track pathways: 20% of annual EB-5 visas are reserved for rural projects, 10% for high-unemployment areas, and 2% for infrastructure projects. Set-aside categories carry both reduced backlog risk and reputational signaling that materially affects investor demand.

A critical deadline structures the 2026 market: September 30, 2026 is the last date on which an EB-5 petition can be filed under the current RIA framework with grandfathering protection. This deadline is creating an unusually concentrated wave of EB-5 project structuring activity in the trailing months of 2026 — directly aligned with Aries's launch. After September 2026, the market is widely expected to transition into a renewed legislative framework, and sponsors who have established compliant projects will benefit from being early in the new cycle.

New Markets Tax Credit Program



The NMTC program, administered by the U.S. Treasury's CDFI Fund, provides a 39% federal tax credit (claimed over seven years) on Qualified Equity Investments (QEIs) made through certified Community Development Entities (CDEs) into Qualified Active Low-Income Community Businesses (QALICBs). The program supports more than $5 billion of project-level investment annually and has historically been the most reliable subsidy mechanism for catalytic development in distressed census tracts.

Two recent developments have materially expanded the addressable market. First, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of July 2025 made the NMTC program permanent — a change long sought by the development community and one that materially extends the planning horizon for both CDEs and sponsors. Second, Treasury announced a $10 billion combined 2024–2025 NMTC allocation round in December 2025, with awards to 142 CDEs across 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, and a 20% increase in investments in rural and non-metro communities. A 2026 allocation round of up to $5 billion is expected to open within the year, and the program will be indexed to inflation after 2026.

NMTC transactions are technically complex, typically involving a leveraged twin-CDE structure with specific QALICB tests, qualified low-income community investment rules, anti-recapture provisions, and seven-year hold mechanics. The complexity has historically restricted the number of qualified intermediaries and advisors and produced consistent demand for high-quality structuring support.

Qualified Opportunity Zone Program



The QOZ program was established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and offers investors three tax benefits in exchange for redeploying realized capital gains into Qualified Opportunity Funds: deferral of the original gain, partial step-up in basis on long-held positions, and, most importantly, exclusion of new gains on QOF investments held at least ten years.

The OBBBA reauthorization is the single most important development for this market. Effective January 1, 2027, "OZ 2.0" replaces the original program with a permanent, restructured framework featuring rolling five-year deferrals, a 10% basis step-up after five years (30% for Qualified Rural Opportunity Funds, or QROFs), and a new round of zone designations to be made within a 90-day window beginning July 1, 2026. The original OZ program's tax-deferral benefits sunset on December 31, 2026, meaning sponsors and investors face an unusually concentrated set of structuring decisions in the 2026 calendar year as they transition between regimes.

The rural emphasis embedded in OZ 2.0 is significant. The increased 30% basis step-up for QROFs deliberately incentivizes investment in rural opportunity zones, and Aries expects a notable migration of capital into rural deals over 2027–2030. This is a substantial structural change in the market and a primary driver of advisory demand.

Commercial Real Estate Context



Aries's programmatic specialization sits within the broader commercial real estate advisory market. As of 2026, the CRE market continues to recalibrate after the rate-shock cycle of 2022–2024, with capital availability tightening for stabilized assets and selectively expanding for development projects that can access alternative subsidy sources. Sponsors that can pair conventional debt with EB-5, NMTC, or OZ capital frequently achieve materially lower blended cost of capital and project IRRs that would be unachievable on a conventional capital stack alone. This dynamic is the structural reason Aries's service offering exists.

Our Aries Team
  • Kevin Wright, Economist,
    Founder and Managing Principal
    Mr. Wright is considered an expert in the EB-5 industry with vast experience, including all facets of EB-5 Regional Center Program and foreign investor immigration applications including marketing, project structuring, source of funds, and economic impact analysis. He is a past member of the Invest In USA Association (IIUSA) president’s advisory council and has successfully received USCIS approval for over 220 EB-5 Regional Centers throughout the United States. His experience includes working with foreign migration agents and investors across Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. As the founder of Wright Johnson, Mr. Wright has completed over 900 economic analyses for use within the EB-5 program in both RIMS II and IMPLAN models. Additionally, his organization has written business plans for more than 1000 EB-5 projects. 

  • Aaron Goforth, Business Plan Strategist
    Aaron is a business and finance leader with eight years of experience overseeing foreign direct capital raises; first as the President and Partner of Wright Johnson consulting company, then as a Partner in the international accounting firm, Baker Tilly, with whom his consulting firm merged in 2017.
    During Aaron’s tenure in these roles, he oversaw the development and execution of a business consulting practice, which assisted our clients in raising capital totaling more than $2 billion US for commercial real-estate developments. The practice assessed economic impacts of new commercial enterprises, and assisted developers in seeking foreign direct investment, primarily from Asia, Latin America, and India. Additionally, for a limited number of projects, the firm raised capital directly for their clients. Prior to this experience, Aaron spent ten years at Merck Pharmaceuticals in various sales, marketing, and strategy roles.

  • Aaron Schock, Real Estate Developer
    Aaron Jon Schock is a former American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 18th congressional district from 2009 to 2015 as a member of the Republican Party. The district is based in Peoria and includes part of Springfield. He was the first member of the U.S. Congress born in the 1980s; when he took office in 2009, he was the youngest member of Congress. Earlier, Schock served two terms in the Illinois House of Representatives, also being its youngest member.
    Aaron Schock is known for his association with President Obama and was a key sponsor of the EB-5 legislation. After leaving Congress, Mr. Schock became a prominent developer involved in several high-profile EB-5 projects, including the LAX Hyatt House/Hyatt Place and Le Fouettés hotel in Tribeca, New York.


Customers
Real Estate Developers and Project Sponsors.
Middle-market sponsors developing hospitality, mixed-use, multifamily, healthcare, senior-living, and industrial projects with capital needs between $15 million and $250 million.
Family Offices and Private Investors.
Independent diligence, gain-deferral planning, and QOF or direct-investment structuring for investors with material capital gains events.
Regional Centers, CDEs, and QOFs.
Specialized analytical work (economic impact reports, community impact studies, project underwriting) outsourced to a credible independent advisor.
Institutional Capital Providers.
Banks, insurance investors, and tax-credit syndicators retaining Aries for independent project-level diligence.
Our Projects

AMANgani Jackson Hole



In the foothills of the Tetons, near the year-round mountain resort of Jackson Hole, Amangani looks out across the peaks and plains of the Snake River Valley. Evoking the pioneering spirit of the Old West in its redwood and sandstone architecture, the all-season retreat invites guests to discover outdoor adventure and the extraordinary natural beauty of Wyoming.

With high ceilings, balconies and large picture windows framing the Teton mountain views, Amangani’s Suites are warm havens that celebrate their magnificent natural setting. Wood and stone are prominent design materials, referencing the surrounding mountains and forests, while woven cowhide chairs and faux-wolf throws nod to the region’s wild soul. The resort’s Home - mountain dwelling with four bedrooms – further ingrates with its surroundings, offering consummate privacy along the pitch of the hillside slopes on which it rests.

About of developer



AMAN is a renowned international network of luxury resorts and hotels, famous for its exclusive approach to hospitality and unique design. The brand was founded in 1988 by Tian Suyen, an entrepreneur and hotel magnate, who wanted to create a concept of luxury resorts that harmoniously integrated with nature while ensuring exceptional comfort and privacy for its guests.
The creation of the AMAN brand is credited to Vladimir Doronin, a Russian entrepreneur and billionaire. Vladimir Doronin acquired a controlling stake in AMAN in 2004. He invested in the development and expansion of the network, while also injecting new ideas into the brand, focusing on the exclusivity and uniqueness of each resort. Thanks to his business strategies and vision, Doronin significantly expanded the company’s influence and strengthened its reputation as one of the leaders in luxury tourism on the global stage.

Key Features of AMAN:
Unique Design: Each AMAN building is distinctive and strongly influenced by local traditions and cultures. The interior design always incorporates elements reflecting the region’s culture, while using natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass.

Privacy: A key aspect of AMAN is its focus on guest privacy. Many resorts feature individual villas or large apartments that ensure complete seclusion and comfort.

Natural Surroundings: The brand strives to integrate its resorts into the natural environment so that they appear as a continuation of the local landscape. Many AMAN hotels are located in remote areas, far from mass tourism.

High-Level Service: AMAN is renowned for its exceptional service, where every guest receives personalized attention. The staff is often unobtrusive but always ready to assist with any requests.

Global Presence: The AMAN network includes resorts and hotels around the world—from exotic islands in Indonesia to the mountain ranges of Nepal, from cultural centers in Asia to secluded spots in Europe and the Middle East.

The brand’s philosophy focuses not only on providing luxurious conditions but also on creating a unique experience for every guest. It is a place for those seeking solitude, impeccable service, and the opportunity to relax away from the noise and hustle of everyday life. AMAN is a celebrated international network of luxury resorts and hotels, known for its exclusive approach to hospitality and unique design.

Hotel Aspen Base Lodge



New 38-room luxury hotel.

Approximately 23,087 square feet.

It will be constructed at the following address: 730 East Cooper in Aspen, Colorado.


The project site is located in the center of Aspen, Colorado, surrounded by upscale shops and restaurants. The hotel will be situated just a few blocks away from the entrance to the Aspen Mountain gondola lift and the free shuttle that transports visitors between the four Aspen mountain resorts. The entire town of Aspen is composed of 25x15 square blocks, making it easy to reach any destination within the city.


The project site is located approximately 4 miles east of Aspen Airport, which is a 10-minute drive to the city.


The project site is located in Aspen, within 10 miles of the top-rated ski resorts in the U.S.: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Combining these four resorts, the Aspen region is home to over 5,500 acres of skiing terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Ski trails range in difficulty from green (for beginners) to double black diamond (experts only).

About of developer



M Development, a developer, owner of prime real estate in selected national markets with high entry barriers, places special emphasis on retail, multifamily residences, and the hotel business. Founded by Mark Hunt, M Development is currently the largest private owner in Aspen, Colorado, and has recently made notable investments in South Florida, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Napa Valley, and Jackson Hole.


Projects successfully sompleted by the developer:

RH - Aspen

Aman - Jackson Hole

Worth Ave – Palm Beach

RH – Oxfordshire, UK

Soda Springs – NAPA

Apple - Chicago

Soho House & Co Inc


M Development is an experienced developer with a wealth of expertise in the development and repositioning of luxury retail real estate. Mark Hunt and his team have established strong relationships with numerous luxury retailers and high-end hospitality operators. The current tenant roster includes, among others, RH, Gucci, Balenciaga, Richemont, Chanel, Lululemon, and Chase.

Our completed projects
Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet's New York
Hotel Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Four Seasons Miami Surfside
Hotel Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Сalifornia
The hotel received the 'Five-Star' award from Forbes magazine and ranked number 1 in the 'Readers' Choice' category of Conde Nast Traveller in 2017 and 2018.
Indeed, it is the finest hotel in Los Angeles.
Lush gardens and coastal California decor set the tone for a relaxing getaway.
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills offers a wealth of luxury.
AIIC collaborated with Arnold Schwarzenegger to bring the Waldorf Astoria to life in Beverly Hills and assist 300 families in investing in the most luxurious hotel in Beverly Hills, realizing their dreams of a permanent residence.

Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet's New York
Located in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York, the Barriere Fouquet's New York Hotel offers Art Deco-style rooms and a private cinema. All accommodations feature high ceilings, large windows, and marble-appointed bathrooms. Guests of the Barriere Fouquet's New York Hotel can enjoy the spa with a steam room, sauna, pool, fitness center, and lounge.
The luxury terraces provide views of the cityscape of New York, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty. The hotel features 2 French restaurants and a bar. The SoHo shopping district is 800 meters away, West Village is 1.5 km away, and Battery Park is 1.7 km away.

LAX Hyatt House/Hyatt Place Сalifornia
The project is sponsored by the globally renowned real estate investor James Parks. The development team includes Carrier Johnson + Culture (architect), KCS West (general contractor), Hyatt Hotels Corporation (hotel flag), and Prism Hotels & Resorts (hotel manager).
The property is strategically located on West Century Boulevard, just one block from Los Angeles, the largest and busiest airport in California and the seventh busiest airport in the world, with 74,936,000 passenger movements.
Upon completion of the reconstruction in 2020, the new hotel comprises the 129-room Hyatt House and the 272-room Hyatt Place in a single complex.

Our сompleted projects
Montage Pendry of San Diego
The Pendry San hotel is located in the heart of the historic quarter.
Pendry is just a few blocks away from the San Diego Convention Center and Petco Park, as well as dozens of bars and restaurants, lively nightlife, beaches, shops and more.
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you'll be inspired by the creative and welcoming culture of San Diego.

Four Season Miami Surfside
Thanks to EB-5 investments, the hotel, originally established in 1930 as the Surfclub private club, has undergone a complete reconstruction and is now a large, modern, luxurious hotel. The architecture of the building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier, and the interior was crafted by designer Joseph Dirand. Currently, apartments in this hotel are being sold ranging from $15,000,000 to $50,000,000.
Guests can enjoy amenities such as a comprehensive spa, fitness center, and a children's club.

National Law Enforcement Museum - Washington DC

The National Museum of Law Enforcement – a project of the National Law Memorial Fund for law enforcement personnel. The mission of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund is to tell the story of law enforcement. This world-class museum showcases objects, images, stories, and critical materials depicting pivotal moments in the history of law enforcement. Over 17,000 artifacts illuminate all aspects of American law enforcement.

Pro football hall of fame village & goodyear phase II
Total Investment: $512.6 million
EB-5 Financing: $200 million ($500,000 each)
EB-5 Investors: 400 investors
IRG is one of the largest private developers of industrial real estate in the USA. Since 2008, IRG has successfully utilized EB-5 financing in several high-profile projects, earning a reputation as one of the very few project developers that achieved 100% approval for both I-526 and I-829, as well as a successful EB-5 capital repayment process.
Building on their success, IRG officially introduces the Hall of Professional Construction.

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