STEP 01

Explore Your Visa and Immigration Options

Owning a US company and being allowed to work in it are two different things. USCIS lists several pathways for entrepreneurs, including E-2 treaty investor, L-1A intracompany transferee, H-1B, O-1, the International Entrepreneur Rule (parole) and EB-5. A B-1 business visitor may come to secure funding or office space, negotiate contracts or attend meetings, but may not operate or work for the business.

Official source: USCIS: Options for Entrepreneurs to Work in the US

How Ameri-Asia helps: We can connect you with [licensed immigration attorney partners] and help you prepare your questions. We do not give legal advice or guarantee any visa outcome.

STEP 02

Choose a Business Structure

Common options include the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) and corporation (C corp or S corp). Your choice affects personal liability, taxes, paperwork and how you can raise money. Note that S corporations have ownership limits, so confirm eligibility with a tax professional.

Official source: SBA: Choose a Business Structure

How Ameri-Asia helps: Our mentors can walk you through the trade-offs before you talk to an attorney or accountant.

STEP 03

Pick a State and Register Your Business

An LLC, corporation or partnership usually registers with the Secretary of State (or similar office) in the state where it is formed, and may also need to register in other states where it does business. Your location also determines your taxes, zoning and licenses.

Official source: SBA: Register Your Business

STEP 04

Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is your business’s federal tax ID. Applicants with a principal place of business in the US can apply online at IRS.gov/EIN. If your principal place of business is outside the US, the IRS says you can apply by phone at 267-941-1099 (not toll-free, Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Eastern) or by faxing or mailing Form SS-4. Under the current SS-4 instructions, a foreign responsible party without an SSN or ITIN writes “Foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b; you do not need an ITIN to get an EIN.

Official source: IRS: Employer Identification Number · IRS: Instructions for Form SS-4

STEP 05

Open a US Business Bank Account

Keep business and personal money separate. SBA notes that banks commonly ask for your EIN, formation documents, ownership agreements and business license, and some banks ask for more. Requirements for non-US owners vary by bank, so ask each bank what it needs.

Official source: SBA: Open a Business Bank Account

STEP 06

Apply for Licenses and Permits

The licenses you need depend on what you do and where you do it. Some activities, such as alcohol, aviation or broadcasting, need federal licenses. Most businesses also need state, county or city licenses. Fees and renewal rules vary.

Official source: SBA: Apply for Licenses and Permits

STEP 07

Understand Your Taxes

Your business structure determines which federal tax returns you file. You may also owe state and local taxes, employment taxes if you hire, and sales tax depending on your state. Foreign-owned US companies can have extra reporting duties, so work with a qualified tax professional.

Official source: SBA: Pay Taxes · IRS: Small Business and Self-Employed

STEP 08

Protect Your Brand with a Trademark

A federal trademark registration through the USPTO helps protect your business name or logo. If you are domiciled outside the US, USPTO rules require you to be represented by a US-licensed attorney.

Official source: USPTO: Trademark Basics · USPTO: Do I Need an Attorney?

STEP 09

Explore Funding, Including SBA Programs

SBA does not usually lend directly. It guarantees 7(a), 504 and microloans made by participating lenders, and its Lender Match tool connects you with lenders. Eligibility is set by lenders and programs and generally depends on what the business does, its ownership and where it operates.

Official source: SBA: Funding Programs

How Ameri-Asia helps: We can introduce you to through our events. We cannot promise funding.

STEP 10

Build Your Network and Find Mentors

No one wins alone. SBA also offers free counseling through local resource partners. Ameri-Asia adds programs, events, mentors and opportunities built for entrepreneurs entering the US market.

Official source: SBA: Local Assistance

How Ameri-Asia helps: Explore our Programs, come to an Event, Join Ameri-Asia and browse Opportunities.