Thinking About Starting a Business in the U.S.?

Last week we had the pleasure of attending multiple events showcasing the stories, challenges and victories of inspiring women in different fields. This included "Bridging

International Ecosystems: French Women Innovating in MedTech across California & New England", hosted by FACC New England and FACC California SF-LA. The inspiring speakers exchanged experiences and practical advice on navigating U.S. markets, highlighting cultural differences in terms of communication, pitching investors, and...the role of lawyers.

One of the panelists noted that in France, people typically think of lawyers when they are in trouble. (To our French-speaking colleagues: you can also find this article here). In the United States, people seek out lawyers to proactively plan and prevent problems (and also when they are in trouble). As immigration attorneys, we are accustomed to navigating cultural differences and communication challenges. Yet, as American lawyers, we had not considered that the reliance on attorneys in the U.S. is not the same in other countries.

This got us thinking: if we were on the other side of the desk, screen, or ocean and looking to make an international move or establish a business overseas, what would we want to know?

Over the next several weeks, we'll explore the questions you should ask if you want to move to the U.S., particularly for business purposes. For example, what should you know from the beginning? Where do you start? At what stage can your family join you? Who will you need to help facilitate this?

Stay tuned for a series on the following topics:

• Why starting a business in the U.S. is easier than you think.

• Why you'll want (and need) different lawyers with different areas of expertise.

• Understanding your immigration options before you are ready to build in the U.S.

• Dispelling common misconceptions about starting a new business or expanding a foreign business in the U.S.

• Preparing to enter the U.S. for business activities.

• You made it. What if your plans change?

• Finding the right fit: selecting advisors that will support both your personal and professional goals.

  
  

What do you wish you knew before starting your immigrant entrepreneur journey?