Date: Wednesday, February 14^th. Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm CST

Description:

The legal system in the United States is unique and can be complex, especially for individuals doing business here for the first time. These complexities of U.S. business for foreign nationals can seem daunting, but it is essential to learn how to navigate such in order to thrive in the American business landscape.  Understanding the dynamics of U.S. business and relevant immigration processes can provide foreign nationals with countless benefits that can help them succeed and make informed business decisions.

Top Learning Objectives:

1. Selecting the most appropriate structure for your business and the process to bring the entity into existence;
2. Considerations when making an investment in the United States;
3. The requirement of a business plan both to maximize the business’s probability of success and for the immigration process;
4. Resources available to new U.S. businesses; and
5. Work-authorized visa categories available to foreign nationals needing to work for and/or direct the U.S. business and the application process.

About the speakers:

• Benjamin Schatz – Partner,  Foster LLP
• Marissa S. Rodriguez – Partner, Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton LLP
• Natalie Cerón Cuellar – Partner, Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton LLP
• Carolina Hoyos – Project Manager, UTSA SBDC International Trade Center . Carolina Hoyos is the Project Manager of the Texas International Accelerator Program at UTSA SBDC International Trade Center. Carolina has performed a renowned trajectory in foreign direct investment, international business and economic development for over 18 years due to her roles at US and Latin-American public and private entities that promotes foreign investment and international trade. During the last years Carolina has worked for national and local governments in Colombia where she has led more than 80 foreign investment projects from multinationals such us Coca-Cola FEMSA, AB Inbev, PepsiCo, General Motors, Honeywell, IKEA,  H&M Group among others. She has promoted investment and economic development for Colombia in key industries such as food and beverage, retail and advance manufacturing with projects worth over US$800 million.
• Jocelyn Garcia – International Business Development Specialist , UTSA SBDC International Trade Center . Jocelyn Garcia is an International Business Development Specialist at the UTSA SBDC International Trade Center’s Texas International Business Accelerator. As an International Business Development Specialist, she conducts market and industry research for foreign entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in establishing or expanding their operations to Texas. For the past nine years, she has developed investment business plans, market analyses, and other resources foreign entrepreneurs can utilize for their business operations in the state and visa applications. Jocelyn holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a concentration in International Business and a minor in Marketing from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish.