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Read our latest articles covering key topics that your company needs
to understand when expanding in the USA.
At Will Employment Exceptions | Know Your Worker Rights
At-will employment sounds simple: hire or fire at any time, for any reason. The reality is more nuanced. While 49 US states operate under at-will principles, almost every one recognises legal exceptions that protect workers from unfair dismissal. Here is how those exceptions actually work in 2026, state by state.
How to Enter the US Market | Step-by-Step Strategy for International Companies
The decision to enter the US market is often the most consequential growth move an international company will ever make. The opportunity is enormous, the complexity equally so. Three main paths exist: full entity setup, Employer of Record, or entity plus virtual office. Here is how to choose between them.
GmbH vs US C-Corporation vs LLC
Germany runs on the GmbH, while US founders default to the Delaware LLC. For German owners planning a US expansion, the entity decision is the first commitment they make, and the one most often made on autopilot. This guide compares the three main structures and how to choose between them.
German Tax Discipline vs the US 50-State Tax Maze | What German CFOs Must Plan For
Germany offers one coordinated corporate tax framework. The United States offers fifty overlapping tax jurisdictions, layered sales tax rules, and fragmented payroll compliance. This guide explains what German CFOs need to understand before US expansion, including state tax exposure, Wayfair nexus, Delaware incorporation, payroll obligations, and the hidden cost of compliance complexity.
Is Your Business Ready for US Expansion? 10 Signs to Check
The US IT services market is projected to reach $737 billion by 2031. For UK and European tech businesses with real traction, the opportunity is significant. But readiness matters more than ambition. These 10 signs will tell you whether your Tech Ops foundations are really in place.
US Decision-Making | Why Americans Decide Fast and Adjust Later
American decision-making runs on speed, personal accountability, and the confidence to act on 80% of the available information. For international managers used to thorough consensus-building, this can feel disorienting. Understanding the logic behind it is essential to leading effectively in any US business environment.
Legal Termination Guide: How to Fire a US Employee Without a Lawsuit
Terminating a US employee is one of the most legally consequential decisions an international employer can make. The at-will doctrine offers flexibility, but federal and state requirements create serious liability if you get it wrong. This guide covers every step, from documentation to final pay compliance.
German Employment Law vs. US At-Will | What Mittelstand Companies Must Unlearn
Transitioning from Germany’s rigid dismissal protections to the US “at-will” system is a major shift for Mittelstand executives. Success requires unlearning the reliance on long notice periods and complex contracts. By embracing US-compliant offer letters and results-based documentation, German firms can maintain their values while gaining American operational flexibility.
US Work-Life Integration: Why the Line Is Blurry by Design
In the US, “balance” is out and “integration” is in. For international managers, this means moving away from rigid hours toward a results-oriented culture. Understanding that American employees value autonomy over their schedules is key to building trust and retaining top talent in a competitive, fluid work environment.
Foothold America’s Laurie Spicer Joins SelectUSA 2026 Tech Track
Foothold America’s Director of US Expansion, Laurie Spicer, will facilitate the official startup workshop at the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026, May 3 to 6 at National Harbor, Maryland. Join us for practical, experience-led insights on what it actually takes to succeed in the US market.
US Time Management & Why Speed Is a Leadership Signal
American business culture treats time as a strategic asset, not just a scheduling consideration. International managers who mistake a fast-moving environment for haste risk being seen as indecisive or out of sync, before they have even proven their strategic value. This guide breaks down how US time culture actually works, where it trips people up, and how to adapt fast.
US Leadership Hierarchy & Why Flat Does Not Mean No Authority
American leadership is accessible, but not leaderless. International managers who mistake a flat hierarchy for a lack of authority risk losing the room before they have even made their first big decision. This guide breaks down how US leadership actually works, why open challenge is a sign of respect, and how to adapt fast.
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