The Global Founder Checklist: What You Need Before You Launch Abroad 

Access to global markets is becoming increasingly easier to navigate with the endless information on the internet and with the latest technology. However, the urge to expand your business, and ultimately your life, to another country can be daunting. What route should you take, what do you need to get set up, and what challenges should you prepare for?   

While we can’t cover everything, here are some items entrepreneurs and founders should consider while preparing for an international move or expansion.  

Before the Expansion

Before you launch your business in a new country, there are a couple of things to research and consider. From a business standpoint, have you done the market research to make sure your business model works in the new country?  Often, customer needs and local competition differ from what you’re used to. Alongside that, there are usually differences in cultural expectations. Consider communication styles, your wording, and how you brand your business. These may all need some finessing when you’re entering a new country.  

The research phase is essential in deciding whether your business will thrive or struggle.  

Legal & Immigration

So, you’ve done your research, but now what? Having a good legal and immigration team supporting your journey will be critical. These professionals, who often specialize in global mobility, can suggest visa options, help set up your business, understand local compliance, and can help you avoid unnecessary paperwork being returned to you. While most of this information can be found on the internet, working with professionals who can help you every step of the way will make this new transition much easier and more efficient.

Infrastructure 

An important aspect of expanding globally is finding the correct infrastructure. Depending on the business, it might be beneficial to find a co-working space, an office, or a lab that you can work from. Other infrastructure to consider is finding local talent, setting up communication (internet, phone), transportation logistics, and digital/ IT infrastructure.  

While Googling reviews is always helpful, leaning on a local network can help you find the infrastructure that works best for you.  

Local Networks

As the popular quote by Helen Keller states, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”, which truly encapsulates the importance of networks. While you can do many of these things alone, having people to support you on this new global journey is just as important. Finding the right mentors, advisors, and connectors in a new country will help ease the way for you. Joining incubators and startup communities, leveraging business chambers, and affiliated research institutions can all help relieve some of the issues you’ll have to navigate. Local networks can often help you navigate the business climate, suggest trusted partners, and open doors to the right business connections.  

Personal Preparedness  

 When looking into global mobility, a key thing to consider is how the new country will work for you. What attracts you to this new country? Is it the lifestyle, the access, the natural environment, or the business hubs? Have you considered the language barriers that might exist, or the cultural integration that may need to happen to fit in? If your family is based in your home country, what are the time zone differences, and how will you keep in touch? On top of all that, there is housing, healthcare, schooling, etc., to consider before moving. While some of these seem like small items, being prepared on the personal side will help ease your business transition.  

How Business Incubators Can Help

As experts in global mobility through Startup, Innovation, and HQA® Visas, we specialize in recruiting and assisting the world’s most highly qualified business professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators to relocate their ideas, expertise, and families to new countries and markets.  

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with offices in Canada, the US, and Portugal, we train, mentor, and prepare entrepreneurs to successfully launch new innovative businesses in diverse markets that bring immediate value to local economies. By offering a white-glove concierge experience, we walk entrepreneurs through every step of the process. Contact us today to discover which global mobility option is best for you and your family.