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Passport to start a business in California: A guide for entrepreneurs who wants to start or develop a Business in Northern California

The strength of the Franco-American business relationship increases each day as connections between enterprises and organizations continually expand and diversify.

There are:

• more than 2,423 French companies in the US, providing         
• more than 500 000 direct jobs and
• generating an estimated turnover of $160 billion.
• More than 21,000 companies export in the United States—1 exporter for every 5.

In 2003, the Main French acquisitions in the US took place in high-tech (Business Objects/Crystal Decisions Inc.; Alcatel/TiMetra), marketing services (Taylor Nelson Sofres/NFO WorldGroup Inc.), and the chemicals industry (Rhône Capital LLC/Alcoa Specialty Chemicals).California stands out as the state for hosting the most French-owned U.S. affiliates subsidiaries with the most employment.

U.S and European systems are completely different in terms of statutory regulations, financing, marketing and employment, running a business in U.S. So it requires continual vigilance and an active response to challenges, internally and externally. Success results from a variety of factors including careful planning, solid business management techniques, and creative problem solving.

All these factors depend on knowledge and skills that can be learned and developed. In some cases it is better to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and/or low-cost assistance is available from a number of organizations and agencies.

This document provides a plethora of information and resources for business entrepreneurs, owners, and managers who have arrived to California from France and intend to start a business. The contents of this guide are the fundamental elements for any French entrepreneur to be knowledgeable about while making a first business step in California.

The overwhelming strength of this document lies in its links. It has further information with numerous, up-to-date resources, helpful reminders, and contact with legal professionals, established firms, and appropriate public departments that will help you complete each section appropriately.

Testimonial

Olivier Picciotto, Twinsoft, a market leader company in Enterprise Mashups.
"I got closer to the French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco with the project to develop a presence in San Francisco. I came to San Francisco on April 2008 with three main objectives: make relations with press, Business Angels, and lawyers. My well established assumptions about French technology not appreciated in the US were swept away. We made around 200 contacts, and 17 needed a follow-up. Potential clients doesn’t mind if the product is not from the United States, and French technology has a pretty good reputation. One of my main conclusions is that San Francisco is definitively the place to be when you are in the software industry."

Read more

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris (CCIP) has published a guide entitled "États-Unis : Le premier marché au monde" with the close participation of the French American Chamber of Commerce, including the North Californian chapter.

In addition to FACCSF's Passport to Start a Business in California, this guide details what you need to know to realize a well-prepared entry into the American market.

For more information or to read the online Introduction of the guide, visit CCIP's website.

The information on this site is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed in your state. This web site is not intended to be advertising under applicable laws and ethical rules.  These materials have been prepared by the French American Chamber of Commerce with the expertise of our staff and members for informational purposes only and are not legal advice.  Anyone viewing the information should not act upon it without seeking professional counsel. The information contained in this website is provided only as general information which may or may not reflect the most current legal developments.