Best tips for an Australian wanting to start a business in the USA
- Written by News Co
2020 broke the record when it comes to the number of new entrepreneurial businesses launched in the previous year in the US. According to data by Statista, in March this year, there were 804,398 business establishments younger than one-year-old in the United States. It's an increase of over 30,000 start-ups compared to 2019 and the largest number recorded in the past 25 years.
The steep rise should not come as a surprise, given the fact the US market offers substantial benefits to businesses across niches. The United States is by far one of the most powerful economies in the world, with a diverse population of nearly 330 million people that enable everyone to find their target clients hassle-free. Moreover, the US is the hub of the world's leading companies across industries.
Now that you know why the United States is the dream destination for business people, you are probably wondering if and how you, as an Australian, can start new or expand your existing business in the US. Learn how an Australian can embark on an enterprise venture and what it takes to set up a legitimate and legal business in the United States.
Steps to set up your Aussie start-up in the US
Specifics regarding how to start a business in the United States will largely depend on the nature of business itself, i.e., legal and tax requirements, whether it is a physical or an online store, whether you are expanding an already existing Australian business or starting a new one headquartered in the US, etc.
Therefore, thorough research and careful, detailed analysis and planning of all aspects of your future US venture will save you time, energy, and money in the long term.
Do research on how to get your company registered in the United States
This should be your first and most thought-out step. Registering a business in the US requires a lot of paperwork. The fact that each US state has its own laws and taxes makes the whole process even more disadvantageous, inconvenient, and lengthy.
To set up a legal US business you will need your company's Articles of Organization and other formation documents, Employer Identification Number (EIN), necessary for hiring employees, a registered agent service, which is required in many US states, and business licenses and permits, just to name a few. Of course, you will have to choose a type of your business, e.g., limited liability company, corporation, or nonprofit corporation, as well as navigate complex legal requirements and find the appropriate company name available.
Obtaining a USA bank account is not easy, as most major banks have strict terms, often requesting having a tax ID, Social Security number, and US address.
All this may sound very intimidating and disheartening. Luckily, there are online resources and services that can assist you to register your business easily and conveniently, by providing you with all key information and forms required for a legal and safe business.
Assimilate into the US business culture
As we have already mentioned, the United States is one of the largest and most powerful markets in the world. Therefore, if you wish to succeed outside the home-turf, it is important to blend into the US business culture as seamlessly as possible.
Besides regular business etiquette that should be respected and followed wherever you do business, one of the best ways to blend into the American corporate landscape is your company website.
Ensure you have a .com domain, a USA mobile number, and of course, an address.
Loosen up on the Aussie slang, as it may be confusing and sound disrespectful to your US partners and clients, and try to use American English words and spelling.
Finally, radiate confidence. Business people in the US heavily rely on face-to-face meetings, short and to-the-point business presentation, also known as an elevator pitch, and your determination, expertise, and eloquence.
Explore your target market
The USA is more fragmented compared to Australia, which is a more cohesive market on the whole. Therefore, you should take your time to research and scrutinize the consumer behavior and cultural dynamics of your target customers or region.
For example, the laid-back and informal lifestyle of the West coast is entirely different from the fast-paced hecticness of the East.
For your Australian business to succeed in the US, you will have to acknowledge and adequately respond to these distinctions.
Let's wrap up
Setting up a successful Australian company in the United States market may seem like a daunting, even impossible task. However, it should not be the reason for giving up pursuing your dreams.
Challenges are an inevitable element of any business venture, and once you get past the initial hardships, your corporate endeavor in the US will feel rewarding and fulfilling.
Remember to appreciate the successes and learn from the mistakes, celebrate milestones, and always keep pushing forward. With a well-developed business idea, long-term plan, and partners ready to assist you any time, your Aussie business venture in the United States is bound to prosper.
