Resources for Entrepreneurs and Expats Moving to the U.S.
Visa and Immigration Services
- HeyVisa: Our very own platform (coming soon) designed to simplify the visa process for entrepreneurs with AI-driven insights.
Business Setup
- Doola: Highly recommended for setting up an LLC or C-Corp seamlessly, especially for international entrepreneurs.
- Firstbase: Another option for forming a business in the U.S., though my personal experience suggests Doola might be more reliable.
- Stripe Atlas: A solid choice for setting up a U.S.-based C-Corp, especially if you plan to integrate Stripe payments.
- Gusto: Handles payroll, benefits, and HR needs for small businesses, simplifying employee management.
- Capbase: An all-in-one solution for setting up, managing, and growing your business, including cap tables and compliance.
- Carta: Ideal for managing equity and cap tables, especially for startups planning to scale.
- Bench: A bookkeeping and tax service tailored for small businesses and startups.
Banking and Finance
- Chase Bank: Excellent for checking accounts, and their Sapphire and Ink credit cards offer fantastic travel and business benefits.
- Mercury Bank: Ideal for startups, especially if you’re not physically in the U.S. yet. Mercury offers no-fee business banking with easy setup, making it a top choice for international entrepreneurs.
- Discover Prepaid Credit Card: A beginner-friendly way to build credit as an expat.
- Moomoo: A user-friendly stock trading app for diving into the U.S. market.
- Mint: A budgeting app to track your expenses and credit-building progress.
Housing and Transportation
- Zillow: Great for finding long-term rentals or properties to buy.
- Facebook Groups: Ideal for finding sublets or private rentals with fewer credit requirements.
- Turo: A peer-to-peer car rental service that’s perfect for short-term transportation needs.
- Waymo: A cutting-edge self-driving car service available in select cities—one of the many innovations the U.S. offers!
Healthcare
- Covered California: Explore your options if you qualify for health insurance subsidies.
- Oscar Health: A modern health insurance provider that’s user-friendly and transparent.
Networking and Community
- Shapr: A networking app to connect with professionals in your industry.
- Meetup: Great for finding local events and meeting like-minded individuals.
- Bumble Bizz: A professional networking platform to supplement in-person connections.
Everyday Essentials
- Costco: A must-have membership for bulk grocery shopping and household savings.
- DoorDash: For food delivery when you’re settling into your new home.
- TaskRabbit: Hire someone for errands, furniture assembly, or odd jobs.
Educational and Learning Resources
- Udemy: Online courses for personal and professional growth.
- Coursera: Industry-recognized certifications and degree programs.
Productivity and Tools
- Notion: A versatile tool for organizing your life and business.
- Calendly: Simplifies scheduling meetings, especially useful for networking or business pitches.
- Slack: A communication platform for team collaboration, widely used in U.S. startups.
- Asana: Streamlines project management and team workflows.
Miscellaneous
- TurboTax: Simplifies tax filing, especially for expats and entrepreneurs.
- Nomad List: A community-driven platform with insights for expats about cities worldwide.
These tools and services can make your transition smoother while laying the groundwork for a thriving entrepreneurial journey in the U.S. Stay tuned as we continue adding more valuable resources!