Your Business, Your Way: Coming to America Can Create Amazing Startups

*Guest post by Tina Martin

Moving to a new country offers exciting opportunities, including starting a new business using your existing skills and talents. As you develop your business, the process can be simplified by having a plan in place to ensure success.

When starting your own business, you’ll need to take steps that will impact the way your company runs and help ensure profitability. You may feel intimidated by this process, but with some guidance, the process can be navigated without trouble.

Women who have immigrated to the United States and wish to start a business can benefit from the advice of other females who have start-ups. thisisyourbestyear celebrates female entrepreneurs, and on their website and YouTube channel, they take on topics related to business ownership and how to succeed.

Structuring Your Business and Getting Registered

How you structure your business can impact your tax payments and personal liability. Immigrants starting a business may opt to file as a limited liability company (LLC), which limits personal liability and offers tax advantages. Corporations and partnerships are other designations that some businesses may wish to pursue. Carefully consider the best option for your business and the requirements of registering your business.

Getting a Visa

Another factor relating to your business formation is the type of visa you are using for immigration. Getting the right visa for your entrepreneurial needs is a crucial step as you consider your business and personal life. There are benefits and limitations to each type of visa, and it can be complicated to figure out which one is best for you. Consider your long-term plans: Are you thinking about staying in your new location for an extended period?  Are you considering permanent relocation or a lifestyle that involves splitting time between two countries?

The decision to move to a new country is incredibly brave and requires a lot of soul-searching. Many immigrants starting a business find that a flexible visa and business plan are best since immigrants often experience transition difficulties after moving. Returning home for visits is an important consideration when it comes to selecting your visa type, as there may be time restrictions.

Challenges Immigrants Face

The challenges for those immigrating to the United States vary from person to person, but many people struggle with cultural barriers, difficulties with language and communication, and not having a built-in support network. Prejudice is a significant barrier for many immigrants. Reach out to others and talk about your experience, find support from advocates, and take legal action if you are being harassed or discriminated against.

Connection with Loved Ones

Along with accessing support in your new country, stay in touch with loved ones back home as much as possible to maintain a positive quality of life. Your friends and family will be pleased to hear from you, and you might be surprised how therapeutic it is to connect with familiar faces and hear of the activities back home.

Long-distance relationships can be challenging, but digital advances have offered a range of options for staying in touch. Apps like Skype, Zoom, and Facetime, and social media are common methods of contact. Nothing can replace in-person contact, but these options can help maintain the connection. Writing letters, making phone calls, and hosting themed video chats are excellent ways to keep in touch. Use these resources to join in with family celebrations and traditions.

If you wish to send money to friends and family back home, consider using a safe financial transfer service so that your funds arrive quickly and reliably. For example, if you have family in India, you can use a service like Remitly to transfer funds in just four hours. And if you’d like to send gifts or care packages to loved ones, you can use a low-cost courier like Parcel Monkey.

You bring diversity and value to your new community. Your startup can be successful in your new country with some careful planning, and you can create the business you have always imagined while maintaining your connection with loved ones back home.

Remember “thisisyourbestyear”.  Women are sometimes creatures of habit, but as a woman, you take lemons and make lemonade, turn leftovers into a gourmet meal.  You can start a successful business in our new home with the proper preparation.

*Tina stays busy as a life coach and works hard to help herself and her clients achieve a healthy work-life balance.