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Blog | 6 min read
Tips for relocating or expanding your business to the U.S.
May 13, 2025
Expanding your business to the United States is a significant step for international companies that have already seen success in their home market and possibly other regions. With the right strategy and support, this transition can be seamless. The Greater Richmond Partnership (GRP) helps businesses from around the globe relocate to the Richmond Region. As the leading economic development organization for the City of Richmond and counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico in Virginia, GRP ensures smooth and successful transitions.
Seven steps to business success in the USA
Expanding your business into the United States is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful planning and a clear, informed strategy. From validating your success at home to navigating local regulations and establishing a presence on the ground, each step plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth and profitable transition. The following seven steps outline a proven approach to help international companies enter and thrive in the U.S. market with confidence.
Relocation requires a clear strategy. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Be successful first
- Ensure your business is already successful in your home market or internationally.
- Confirm there is demand for your product/service in the U.S.
- Assess your willingness to invest time and money into the expansion.
- Understand the U.S. market
- The U.S. is the largest economy in the world, but market conditions vary by region.
- Research U.S. regulations, certifications and cultural differences.
- Utilize government support and industry research resources.
- Build a business case for the U.S.
- Identify your target customers and their geographic distribution.
- Evaluate business setup and operational costs in different regions.
- Assess workforce availability and industry clusters.
- U.S. reality check: An intensive research visit
- Conduct on-the-ground research through site visits and trade shows.
- Engage with potential customers, industry experts and local business advisors.
- Verify your market assumptions and assess timing for expansion.
- Seek professional U.S. advice
- Work with legal, accounting and business advisory professionals.
- Choose a business-friendly state for incorporation.
- Address intellectual property, tax structures and employment law early.
- Choose your route to the U.S. market
- Decide on an entry strategy: direct investment, sales office, joint venture, agent/distributor or virtual office.
- Weigh control versus cost considerations.
- Getting started in the U.S.
- Secure necessary legal documents, open a U.S. business bank account and establish a physical or virtual site location.
- Secure a domain name for a U.S. website, tailor products/services and marketing materials for the U.S. market, and join local business networks like the Chamber of Commerce.
- Prioritize top-tier customer service, seek constant feedback and leverage free advice from local U.S. economic development experts to refine and grow your business.
To help companies navigate the relocation process, GRP recommends a structured, step-by-step approach that addresses every critical area of business expansion. From selecting the right site to tapping into local talent, GRP tailors eight essential services to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success in the Richmond Region. Whether you’re building new facilities, moving operations or entering the U.S. market for the first time, this guide highlights the key components to consider when planning your move:
Information and data
To make informed decisions, GRP may gather extensive insights into your prospective regions including cost comparisons, labor data, tax information, transportation and cost of living. GRP collaborates with research providers to access tailored reports, in-depth analysis and market trends that align with your business needs.
Real estate and site location
Finding the right location is critical for your business. GRP can help your business find a variety of real estate options from office spaces to industrial parks or land for new construction. This allows your firm to consider factors such as market trends, construction activity, vacancy rates and building costs when making your decision. Our personalized property tours can help you evaluate potential sites more effectively.
Visit services
We personally organize a tailored itinerary that includes site visits, meetings with experienced service providers and tours of available facilities. These visits offer firsthand insights into the area’s infrastructure, workforce availability and growth opportunities helping align your relocation plans with your business objectives.
Introductions
GRP can connect your organization with key players in the business community including suppliers, complementary businesses and industry organizations. Networking with companies that have successfully relocated to the region can provide valuable insights into the local business climate. Establish relationships with stakeholders such as government officials, educators and private sector leaders to ease your integration into the local ecosystem.
Incentives
GRP helps you navigate and access financial incentives available at both state and local levels. These may include tax credits, infrastructure support, cash grants and workforce training assistance. Our team may work closely with you to identify and maximize opportunities that align with your expansion or relocation plans.
Employee relocation
Relocating a business often involves moving employees as well. GRP can provide resources to help them transition smoothly into the community by providing guidance on housing, education, healthcare and local amenities. Supporting a seamless relocation experience for your team fosters employee satisfaction and productivity.
Workforce development
Access to a skilled workforce is crucial for your business’s success. GRP can evaluate the availability of professionals in your industry, leveraging resources such as colleges, universities, workforce alliances and staffing agencies. We identify robust training programs and apprenticeships to address your workforce needs and ensure a steady pipeline of qualified talent.
Public relations
Building visibility in the region is a vital part of your expansion strategy. GRP can offer support in crafting press releases, launching social media campaigns and connecting with local, regional and national media. These efforts help build brand awareness and generate excitement around your business’s arrival.
Let’s get started
Our team will ensure that every step of your expansion is carefully planned, helping you navigate legal, financial and workforce-related aspects with confidence.
A GRP representative will escort you to each appointment providing valuable insights into the Greater Richmond region’s business landscape. Many international businesses have found the experience invaluable, gaining crucial knowledge and connections that accelerate their U.S. market entry.
Ian Hemstock said BGB considered several cities including Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and areas in Colorado before visiting Greater Richmond in January 2012 to begin their site search. “Their pro-business attitude and business-friendly environment made the decision much easier.” Hemstock praised the Greater Richmond Partnership for its continued support, adding, “Every time we visited or asked for help, we received professional, well-researched advice. The decision to bring our business, colleagues and families to RVA was made very easy thanks largely to GRP.”
Relocating your business is a big decision, but GRP is here to make it easier. Contact GRP today to start your relocation journey and discover why Greater Richmond is one of America’s best places to do business.
Check out our International Cost Comparison brochure.
- Topics:
- International Investment
