There’s a good chance you’ll find a government scheme to support your foray overseas, whether from your country of origin or target market. Singapore’s new Enterprise Development Grant, for example, will allow qualifying businesses to upgrade their capabilities, innovate and expand their operations overseas. Businesses considering moving into Hong Kong, for example, can tap one of several support schemes, such as government-led incubator programmes and financing schemes. A competent corporate services provider like BoardRoom can help assess your market readiness and help you get up to speed on the government schemes you can benefit from.

Your company might be a leader in your domestic market, but such success isn’t guaranteed in a new market. For starters, be sure to do comprehensive checks on manufacturing and production standards in your target market to ensure your products make the grade. For businesses looking to move into Singapore, in particular, a good place to start would be getting up to speed with prevailing business and industry standards.

While cultural norms in Asian markets like Singapore and Hong Kong are widely influenced by both the East and West, it’s worth getting acquainted with the nuances of local business culture before venturing overseas. For example, business people in these markets are shrewd negotiators, though communication at meetings can often be subtle. “Face” is very important to business people in these markets, so it’s important to be able to read between the lines in every situation. In a nutshell, good manners, respect for others and professionalism go a long way when doing business in the region.

Expanding overseas is an adventure in itself, but there’s always the nitty gritty to take care of. Markets like Hong Kong and Singapore each have their own unique statutory requirements for businesses, which require a considerable eye for detail to get sorted. While it’s good to get familiar with the compliance requirements in each market, it’s probably worth hiring a professional to do the heavy lifting. Corporate services providers such as BoardRoom have a wealth of experience in this area, enabling businesses to focus on what they do best. Click here for a helpful guide on the useful services you can benefit from.

Having ready access to adequate funding is essential when considering overseas expansion – whether through loans, grants or other sources. If you are opting for a loan, a good credit rating is essential for your business to get the funding support it needs. For greater convenience, consider using a bank which is present in all the markets you intend to operate in. For hassle-free day-to-day operations, consider outsourcing your accounting and payroll functions to a competent corporate services provider such as BoardRoom.

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