Opening a company in the USA is not as complicated and expensive a procedure as it seems from Russia. Most transactions can be done online

​Against the backdrop of the economic crisis in Russia, accompanied by the devaluation of the ruble, many entrepreneurs turned their attention to the US market. First, the United States has been and remains the largest economy in the world. And secondly, everything related to intellectual work (development, consulting, marketing) in the USA is traditionally very expensive, so many local firms are looking for cheaper and higher-quality service providers abroad. We also decided to develop our platform for purchasing media advertising - GetIntent - on the international market, for which we registered a company in the USA. It turned out to be not difficult at all.

Registration

First of all, you need to decide what type of company you are opening - an operating company or a parent company. The operating company manages the business - deals with settlements with customers and suppliers, payment of salaries, etc. Head - owns the business and is the “entry point” for investors. An operating company must be opened where activities will be physically carried out. And the head one, if we're talking about about America, most likely in the state of Delaware. The main thing is not to make the standard mistake of opening an operating company in Delaware; the effect will be the same, but the maintenance will be much more expensive. We registered an operating company in the state of New York, since both our office and all the major players in the advertising market are in New York.

You can register a company online, without leaving your home, by paying for the service with a bank card. Here, for example, the MyLLC.com website will help, which we used (the cost of the service is about $700). In principle, you can do everything yourself, but it is better to consult a lawyer (for example, to choose the right type of corporation when registering - most likely it will be a C-corporation, but there are other options). You can again find a lawyer online, for example on the website Priorilegal.com, and pay for his services (about $200) with a bank card.

Opening a bank account

A company cannot exist without a bank account. Unfortunately, you will most likely have to fly to the US to open an account. As a measure to combat money laundering and other shady transactions, banks are required to adhere to the “know your customer” principle. It is enough to write a letter to the bank by e-mail, in the response letter the employee will tell you in detail about the tariffs and the opening procedure. Most startups choose Silicon Valley Bank, but it's probably a fashion statement—and not the best one at the moment. good choice. True, we also chose Silicon Valley Bank.

Postal address and office

To conduct operating activities, you will definitely need a postal address. Surprisingly, many even large clients pay for services by sending bank checks by mail. A mailing address is included in the service package of almost any coworking space. Theoretically, you can run a business without an office, but you will most likely need a meeting space, a desk, etc. There are several large coworking chains in the US that provide different services. The most popular network is WeWork. They have a full range of options available: from a mailing address and the right to use meeting rooms with an hourly rate ($100 per hour), to separate offices for dozens of people. We just chose this network. At the beginning of our activities, we paid $450 per month to rent one place.

Accounting

Accounting is required for any business in the United States. You can do simple things like invoicing yourself, but to determine accounting policies and file returns, you must use the services of a certified public accountant (CPA). We pay such a specialist $500 per month. But there is a suspicion that we are overpaying because we do almost everything ourselves, that is, all transactions and bills go through the QuickBooks online service, which costs us $10 a month. This is an analogue of the Russian 1C, only easier to use and cheaper.

Hiring staff

A startup is, first and foremost, people. You can search for employees on social networks. In the US, LinkedIn is used for this, not Facebook - here this network is exclusively for friendly communication, so do not add business acquaintances as friends if you do not want to look strange. You can go to themed parties, which are easy to find on Meetup.com, but it is more profitable to use the services of a professional recruiter - after all, the time of the business founder is more expensive. Recruiters charge on average a little more for their services than in Russia, but comparable - from 15 to 30% of the candidate’s annual income.

The USA is a country of both sellers and the Protestant ethic (cult of labor). Therefore, candidates tend to actively sell themselves, but reputation is important even in such a “fluid” industry as sales. Candidates are not inclined to change jobs every six months, it will just ruin their resume. So you can be sure that if you hired a person, he won’t just leave you.

There are also several online services for paying salaries (and taxes) to employees. The most popular is TriNet, but it is worth noting the increasingly popular JustWorks. They work like this: you give them access to a bank account, and they themselves withdraw the required amount and distribute payments (part goes to the employee, part goes to the tax authorities, part goes to cover the employee’s insurance, etc.). We use TriNet ourselves, paying $140 per employee per month (the initial fee for joining the system was $2000).

Instead of output

At the beginning, we spent less than $4 thousand on all the formalities - registration, opening a bank account, services of a lawyer and accountant. The presence of a large number of online services greatly simplifies the work. But to open a business, going to the USA is still necessary - and conquering the international market is worth it.

Many people are looking to open their own business in the USA. For some, this is an opportunity to immigrate in the future, and for others, it is a huge investment potential. Whatever your goals, we will tell you how to open your own business in America using California as an example!

Business in the USA

“How to open a business in the USA?” - a very popular question on the Internet. And this is not surprising, because starting your own business in America is quite simple. Everything happens quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy, because most actions are performed online. The registration process and cost vary slightly from state to state, as do taxes. In California, they are not the lowest, but there are huge investments and large business incubators, and it is much easier to interact with them when your activities are regulated by the laws of one state.

Photo: shutterstock

Open a business in America: options

There are several options for starting a business in the States. The first two are designed for foreigners, and the third, rather, for residents. Let's talk briefly about each of them.

Option 1. Transfer your old business

If for the last three years you have held the position of manager (top manager, leading specialist) of a commercial enterprise that has been successfully operating for more than a year and you have subordinates, you can obtain a non-immigrant work visa. This is called multinational executive transfer. It is issued for 5 or 7 years. But keep in mind that your American company must conduct a business similar to the one you did so successfully in your home country.

Option 2. Invest in the US economy

Perhaps the most expensive business opening in the United States. Investor visas (E-2, EB-5) are not available to everyone, but only to citizens of those countries with which the United States has an agreement. Among them are Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, etc. (Russia is not included in this list). The full list can be viewed. The amount of investment is not officially regulated and is considered separately in each specific case, however, it is usually between $100,000 and $500,000 minimum. You can buy either a ready-made business or a franchise.

Option 3. Open a new business

And finally, you can open your own new business in the States. If you are a resident and have an SSN, everything is simple. However, how can a foreigner open a business in the USA? Actually, it's not that difficult. For example, you can find an American with an SSN or hire an American representative. Read below for step-by-step instructions on how to open your own business in America.

How to open your own business in the USA: step-by-step instructions

STEP 1: Preparation

First, study existing business practices and decide on the most suitable one. Assess your chances in the market, draw up a business plan, find an investor and partners, if necessary.

Photo: shutterstock

STEP 2: Checking the company name

Before opening a business in America, you need to come up with a name for the future company and check if there is a legal entity in California with the same or very similar name. You can check title availability and even reserve one on the official website of the Secretary of State.

An American address is required for a company registered in the USA. Many registration companies provide this service for a fee. In California, this must be a physical address, not just a post office box.

Photo: shutterstock

STEP 3: Register with the State Secretary General

The registration form can be filled out electronically directly on the website. There you can also find some tips for filling it out. In addition to the company name and founder information, you must provide a California address and information about your legal representative. The cost of registration depends on the chosen form of doing business and varies on average from $85 to $115. However, it is worth considering the additional costs of a representative and opening a PO Box if you require one.

Photo: shutterstock

STEP 4: Tax registration

A Tax Identification Number (EIN for residents or TIN for foreigners) is needed to pay taxes, open a bank account, and hire employees. You can get it for free from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To become an EIN holder, you just need to fill out an online form or send a printed form by mail. If any of your employees or representatives have an SNN, this will make it much easier for you to open a business in the US. To obtain a TIN, a non-resident must print, fill out and submit the form along with other necessary documents by mail. You can also apply through an authorized agent or use the assistance of one of.

To learn more about upcoming taxes, visit taxes.ca.gov

Valery Elovskikh, business development consultant in the USA

As for the process of registering a company, you have several options: register the company yourself, use the services of specialized Internet services, or register with the help of a lawyer. All information on registering a business: checking the name of the future company, necessary forms of documents, cost of services, etc. - you can find on the website of the secretary of state in which you live. If we talk about the timing, then registering a company normally takes from 25 working days. If you pay for urgent registration, you can do it in 1 to 10 business days. This is provided that you have all the documents ready

Photo: shutterstock

STEP 5: Licenses and Permits

Just opening a business in America is not enough; special licenses and permits are required to operate. You can find out which ones you need. To do this, you need to fill in only two fields: the name of the city where your business will be located; and what you are going to do (sell flowers, repair cars, deliver packages, etc., select from the list). After this, the site will give you a list of licenses and permits required to carry out your activities.

STEP 6: Opening a bank account

After receiving a tax identification number, you can go to the bank and open an account. The banks themselves set the requirements for the documents provided, but confirmation of registration with the Secretary of State and a tax identification number is indispensable.

Photo: shutterstock

In a huge number of American family comedies, scenes appear every now and then where a teenager earns additional income by mowing and watering neighbors' lawns, selling soda or cookies on the street, babysitting other people's children, etc. These are not just moments from a film - these are pieces of life real people. Many millionaires started their journey this way.

From an early age, residents of the New World learn to earn money. Some people stop earning pocket money when they get a higher-paying job. However, there is a small percentage of those children who, over time, realize their skills and abilities in a profitable project for them.

Often it is the ideas conceived in the mind of a teenager and implemented by him that bring huge profits. So how does business function in America? What is its purpose and what should successful ideas include? Let's figure it out.

Doing business is the foundation of business

If we slightly exaggerate all the available information about the New World, we can say with confidence that America is a country where almost everyone is preoccupied with the pursuit of money. And this is the absolute truth. Back in 1925, the thirtieth President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, said that business in America is about doing business. This statement conveys the essence of the modern development of a prosperous democratic country.

Agriculture as a constant in the development of the state

Quite a few years have passed since the first colonists set foot on the lands of the New World. Not only the territorial structure of the country has changed, but also the economic model of its development. If two hundred years ago almost the entire population of America was involved in agriculture, now this figure barely exceeds a few percent.

At the same time, farmers own about 65% of all agricultural land in the country. The rest of the area, intended for growing crops and livestock, is managed by corporations and numerous companies. Currently, all American agriculture is a single entity called “agribusiness.” Despite all the changes that have occurred over several centuries, farming is an unchanging and permanent part of the country's economy.

Idea No. 1. Milk at home

A huge number of goods produced by farmers and agricultural organizations boast not only an affordable price, but also excellent quality. Food products labeled "Made in America" ​​always find a buyer. Demand creates supply. In tandem, they set an affordable price and, more interestingly for manufacturers, help make huge profits. This is why agricultural business in America is always profitable.

To implement some of the agroideas, it is not necessary to have large start-up capital and vast land areas. Of course, in the center of Manhattan a person is unlikely to be able to start even a small farm. But for residents of the private sector or rural areas, these ideas are a goldmine.

One of the interesting and popular ideas is home delivery of fresh goat or cow milk. Americans not taking care of their health is an outdated fact buried under an avalanche of time. Currently, many US citizens jealously monitor the presence of preservatives and carcinogens in certain food products. Therefore, fresh and natural milk is always in price and is in great demand.

Idea No. 2. Selling eggs

An example of children running a successful farming business is Ryan Ross. Any adult can envy his success. IN three years old This Canadian kid sold eggs from chickens raised on his own backyard near farmers' markets and crowded places. He received $15 in net income daily.

Having included several other areas in his business, Ryan became practically a millionaire by the age of nine. Agree, this idea is easily implemented not only in Canada. Raising chickens and selling eggs can be a good start for a successful agricultural business in America, Russia and other countries.

Idea No. 3. Eco-friendly products

Having a piece of free land near a house can give its owner significant income. Growing mushrooms, spinach, herbs, strawberries, food canning - this is what small businesses in America are also built on.

Ideas for larger projects may include breeding crayfish and rabbits, setting up farmsteads for tourists, and much more. The demand for quality food products is steadily growing, so the correct development of almost any area related to the production of environmentally friendly food will bring profit to its owner.

Idea No. 4. “Husband for an hour”

All types of business in America affect almost all areas of human activity. Currently, the “husband for an hour” service is becoming increasingly popular among the US population. The meaning of this service is as follows: a qualified worker comes to your home and fixes minor or major breakdowns. Bedside table doors that have fallen off their hinges, rickety chairs, poorly functioning door handles, leaking taps and clogged water pipes - all this can be fixed by a “husband in an hour.”

Interestingly, this business is very common in America: not only single people, but also married couples use this service. It is noteworthy that any handmade(repairing objects, shoes, laying tiles, etc.) is highly valued in America. Service fees are also at the proper level.

Idea No. 5. Taking care of our little brothers

American business ideas are based on the implementation and development of a specific idea, and not on a simple desire to make money. Almost any project is promoted via the Internet. Even pet walking services can be found through the World Wide Web.

By the way, boarding dogs and cats, as well as additional services for caring for them, is a very popular service in America. A huge number of people, going away for the weekend, do not have the opportunity to take their beloved pet with them on the trip. The question of overexposure arises. Additionally, you can provide pet walking services, because not everyone has enough time to provide their dog with a proper walk.

Idea No. 6. Home craft

Many of the profitable projects can be implemented at home. It is not necessary to start by renting an office or warehouse. Sewing covers for mobile phones, making soap and decorative candles at home, creating artificial fountains and plants - many American business ideas can easily be realized within the confines of your own apartment.

If you are a master of any craft, this is a huge plus. Carpentry workshops at home, repairing electrical appliances or manufacturing various household items - this business always finds a response among the population. And if you add a “zest” to your creativity (non-standard shapes, stickers, combining styles, etc.), people’s delight will know no bounds!

Idea No. 7. Scheduled lunch

Preparing and delivering lunches to the office is also a very popular area. Agree, not all companies are happy to offer their employees a kitchen or canteen. Bringing your own lunch is a bit inconvenient. And the taste of food can change dramatically in a few hours.

Visiting a cafe or restaurant during lunch break is not always possible, and sometimes it is expensive. Therefore, a huge number of managers and other office workers are turning to homemade food delivery services to the office. If you are a good cook and have the ability to deliver cooked meals to the specified address, this idea will become a source of profit for you.

Idea No. 8. Start-up

Currently, the US population is increasingly interested in projects called Start-up. Translated it means “launch, countdown.” This is a relatively new business in America. This term refers to any newly opened company (it may not even be officially registered), the foundation of which is an innovative idea or technology. In other words, a “startup” is a kind of venture project.

The most successful examples in the IT industry are social networks Facebook, Wikipedia, Utube, etc. This popular business in America is implemented not only in the field of high technology. It is correct to consider a “startup” a company that carries out some kind of development and successfully implements it (Microsoft, Apple, HTC, etc.). What is noteworthy is that most of the founders of such organizations are students.

Idea No. 9. Tricks for coffee lovers

Any new business in America, Canada, Russia or another country will generate income for its owner if:

1. The idea of ​​the project is new and interesting to people.
2. It’s hard to live without this product/service.

An existing and successfully implemented project can be an excellent foundation for a new idea. For example, the coffee industry. This product has become an integral part of the life of every second American. The daily ritual begins with a cup of this invigorating drink. And it doesn’t matter where a person drinks coffee: at home, in a cafe or office.

The main problem that a lover of a tart and aromatic elixir faces in one way or another is the temperature of the drink. Often, coffee goes from the “still hot” state to the “already cold” phase. It is for the purpose of maintaining optimal temperature Coffee Joulies drink offers coffee lovers specially designed pebbles that realize this idea.

At the very beginning, they cool the drink, absorbing excess heat. Then the consumed energy is gradually released to warm coffee, tea or any other liquid. Currently, the sale of such thermodynamic pebbles is a fairly profitable business in America.

Idea No. 10. Taste and color...

The country's population is spoiled by cuisines different countries. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will be able to attract their attention with an Italian, Chinese or Japanese restaurant. But if you have a few grandma's recipes in stock that go well with many foods, you have every chance of winning the attention of the spoiled public.

Bacon and rosemary ice cream, fries with oregano and strawberry jam, yellow peas with spices and yogurt - experiment and people will love you!

In conclusion, I would like to say that opening your own business in the USA is not difficult. The main thing is to choose the right idea and interest the population in your product.

www.naturalflower.ru

The United States of America has always attracted people who want to get rich and achieve fame. Ships from all over the world sailed to the New World, filled with enthusiasts and adventurers who wanted to achieve a better life for themselves and their families. It is not for nothing that the term “American Dream” has been coined, which characterizes the ability of any person, regardless of his nation or class affiliation, to become successful, rich, and famous. Now, in the wake of the economic crisis in Russia, many of our compatriots have appeared who want to move their business to the United States or open a new enterprise there. However there is features of business in the USA , which must be taken into account if you want to succeed in this country.

Forms of business organization in the USA

As in Russia, the USA has its own organizational and legal forms of doing business, similar to our LLCs, individual entrepreneurs, JSCs, and so on. Each of them has its pros and cons.

Individual Entrepreneur (Sole Proprietorship)

The most simple form entrepreneurship in the USA, characterized by a minimum number of conditions and rules for registration. In the States, individual entrepreneur status can be obtained in a matter of minutes, and taxes will be required from you as from an individual. A noticeable disadvantageSole Proprietorshipis that the entrepreneur is responsible with his personal property. In addition, American banks are extremely reluctant to issue loans to local private entrepreneurs.

Partnership

Partnership in the United States is divided into two types - general partnership (General Partnership) and limited liability partnership (LLP). In the first case, the partners bear full responsibility for the obligations of the enterprise. Taxes are levied on the income of each partner in the partnership. In the second case, liability extends only to the personal contributions of partners. This form is convenient for collaboration highly qualified specialists in the field of audit, consulting, IT industry, and other intellectual fields.

Corporation

The corporation is best option for long-term business with the prospect of obtaining American citizenship. The clear advantage of a corporation is that it is solely responsible for its own property, without imposing personal liability on the founders. At the same time, it requires more documentation for the organization.

Note

Initially, a so-called C-Corporation is registered. This is a serious form of business that is subject to double taxation (both as a legal entity and as an individual). To pay taxes solely as a legal entity, you must apply to your local tax authority to transfer to an S-Corporation.

Limited Liability Company

The friendliest and most popular form of enterprise, especially for small businesses. Combines the advantages of corporations and partnerships. The founders also do not bear personal responsibility for the company's property. With proper organization, an LLC can avoid double taxation. Unlike a Corporation, creating an LLC requires you to overcome fewer bureaucratic barriers. The only disadvantage of an LLC is that the company can be closed if one of the founders leaves the company.

How to become an entrepreneur in the USA?

Let's say that you have decided on the form of the future enterprise. Now the hard part is getting a US visa that would allow you to do business here. And there are several options here:

Transferring business from Russia to the USA

If you have worked in your home country for 3 years in a management position, then you can move your business to the USA. This procedure is called Multinational Executive Transfer. You will receive a non-immigrant visa valid for 5-7 years. But it is worth noting that your American business should not be different from what you did in Russia.

Investing in the American Economy

This opportunity, unfortunately, is available only to citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries. The investment size typically ranges from $100,000 to $500,000, but can be higher. A future entrepreneur can buy a franchise or an existing business.

Receiving a guest invitation

Your business partners can issue you a guest invitation. With it you can contact the migration service, where they will nominate you necessary list documents for obtaining a work visa. This visa will help you obtain the right to conduct entrepreneurial activity in the USA.

How to register a medium-sized business in the USA?

You have received a business visa and have decided on types of business in America ? Then you need to move on to the next one important step— registration of your company.

Note

Registration of a company in the USA is simplified to the maximum. You can register your company even while sitting at home in front of your computer, through specialized sites (for example, MyLLC.com) and by paying the required amount for services.

You can also use the services of a qualified lawyer (which can also be easily found on thematic forums and resources). The specialist will tell you about all the nuances of the chosen form of enterprise and will bring your future company under the legal framework within a certain state. Almost all necessary conditions and a list of documents for company registration can be found on the official websites of the secretaries of states. Here you can check if the name of your future company is taken.

From the conditions for company registration, it is important to highlight the following, the most important:

Availability of premises and postal address. The premises must correspond to the type of activity that you plan to engage in. Rent of premises in the USA can vary from 1 thousand to 4 thousand dollars per year. You also need a mailing address, since tax authorities and other companies prefer to send working documentation by mail. If you don’t have money to rent a room, you can use the services of a coworking space. Coworking chains (such as WeWork) provide office space at a low cost. The entrepreneur thus receives not only a postal address, but also a full-fledged office for holding meetings, meetings and round tables.

Availability of insurance. According to US law, all businesses must be insured. The cost of insurance is about 4 thousand dollars per year.

The state in which you plan to register your business is of great importance. Most of the enterprises are registered in the state of Delivery, which enjoys significant tax breaks. Enough good conditions for doing business in California, Nevada, Texas.

After registering the company and paying the state fee, you can proceed to receive an identification tax account. The account is necessary for the company to pay taxes according to the law. To receive it, just print and fill out the followingformand send it to the IRS mailing address. It is also necessary to identify a list of necessary licenses and permits that are necessary to carry out a particular activity. Their full list can be found on this website.

Finally, to carry out financial transactions, you will need to open a checking account at a local bank. Your personal presence will be required here, since in the USA banks are extremely concerned about the transparency of all transactions performed. You can clarify all the necessary information about opening a bank account through the bank's email.

Hiring and Running the Best Business in America

We have a company, but for now you are the only employee. It's time to start looking for workers to organize your new business in America . Many people use the social network Linkedin for this, which has established itself as good platform to hire skilled workers. You can also use the services of professional recruiters who will quickly find reliable workers for you. When hiring workers, it is worth remembering that the minimum wage in the United States is $7.25, but this figure may vary depending on the legislation of individual states.

To handle financial transactions and accounting, you will definitely need a certified public accountant. The cost of his services is about $300-500 per month. You can also connect an electronic accounting system, like the domestic 1C. QuickBooks is the leader in this area.

It is noteworthy that the development of online technologies in the United States makes it possible to automate the process of paying employees salaries. For this, there are services such as TriNet, JustWorks and others. These sites deal with the distribution of wages among employees. To connect to them you need to make a one-time fee, and then pay a monthly subscription fee.

You will also definitely need a decent lawyer, since in the harsh American business environment, a foreigner will definitely need qualified legal support. The law in the USA is equal for everyone, and if your rights were violated, you can sue the offender, even if you do not have citizenship of the country.

The fact that in the United States electronic document management has been brought to perfection greatly simplifies the registration process and saves your time. You can register a business and find employees without leaving your workplace or even visiting the country. Personal presence is only required when opening a bank account.

What is the most popular business in the USA, and what is trending this year?

Many people are looking for a business in America that does not exist in Russia, since new ideas appear in the USA almost every day. And all this is due to the fact that for a hundred years the United States has been a hotbed of development of entrepreneurial culture, which attracts the best minds from all over the world.Here is a list of commercial areas that are currently the most profitable:

• organization of private clinics
• advocacy
• renovation work
• private dentistry
• retail trade of clothing and footwear
• car repair and diagnostics
• restaurant business
• pharmacy

Here is a list of the most relevant business ideas developed in the USA:

Food subscription

Large customers who want to receive fresh vegetables or aromatic coffee to the table every day subscribe to private farms that satisfy their culinary preferences, ensuring the delivery of the desired products.

Salad designer

Some people are annoyed by olives in a Greek salad, while others cannot tolerate lettuce in a Caesar salad. Food outlets with a “salad designer” service will help customers independently create the salad of their dreams from individual components!

House for plants

Many Americans, when going on vacation, place their pets in special nurseries, where they are cared for in the absence of their owners. Recently, the practice of creating special houses for caring for plants, where you can leave the green inhabitants of the house during a trip, has become popular.

In general, organizing a business in the United States is an extremely promising and profitable business, since the United States is the first economy in the world, and the development of financial institutions makes the dollar the leading world currency. A foreign entrepreneur in the United States has every chance of obtaining citizenship if he has worked for the American economy for more than 5 years. Therefore, by opening your own business in the States, you can easily come to the realization of the real American dream.