2. Why EXPAND into the US?
The main reason for
growing into the U.S. to
gain access to a market
10-times larger than
the Canadian market.
Once you cross the
Peace Bridge and enter
the U.S., there is a
population of 58 million
people within a radius
of 300 miles. To put that
in perspective, that is the
equivalent of driving
between Burlington and
Ottawa and having the
entire population of
Canada along the way.
3. Expansion vs. Relocation
➡ Many Canadian companies that we work with have the
goal of RELOCATING to the US. This is certainly one
of the options, but not the only option.
➡ We like to help companies EXPAND. The main reason
we encourage companies to expand instead of relocate
is quite simple, risk reduction. The US is a huge market
with risks and rewards. By properly expanding, you can
minimize the risk to the Canadian parent, while setting
up the US subsidiary for a prosperous future.
4. HOW To Expand in the US
➡ Partnership
➡ Purchase
➡ Expansion
5. Key Drivers to Consider
➡ Workforce
➡ Site Selection
➡ Incentives
6. Workforce
➡ Labor Laws The L-1 visa is a visa granted for intra-company transfers, is
a fairly straight forward process for the Canadian company
• At-Will Employment expanding into the US. The L-1 is a temporary visa with a
• Holidays/Vacations wide range of eligible uses. Unlike other types of visas or
visas commonly referred to as “green cards”, the L-1 does
➡ Employee Benefits not have a limit on the number of visas issued each year.
• Tax/Legal
• Funding Options
• Health Insurance
➡ Immigration
7. Site Selection
A local guide is always
recommended. Be that a
realtor or an economic
developer, local expertise
in a market cannot be
stressed enough. Again,
regardless of where you
expand in the US, look to
local experts to guide
you through local trends.
Often times public funds
are earmarked for
developments that may
not be obvious to the
casual observer. Your
ability to leverage public
dollars can greatly
enhanced through these www.buffaloniagaracls.com
local connections.
8. Incentives
➡ Tax abatements ➡ Product development
➡ Low-cost financing ➡ Research and development
➡ Grants ➡ Low-cost power
➡ Workforce training
➡ Site development
9. Influencers to Consider
➡ Utility Infrastructure/Cost
➡ Educational Institutions
➡ Ease of Management
➡ Lifestyle
11. To receive news and information monthly about Buffalo
Niagara and expanding to the U.S., go to
www.buffaloniagara.org/Home/Doing_Business/Canadian
and register to receive the Access U.S. newsletter.
Carolyn Powell
cpowell@buffaloniagara.org
(716) 541.1740
1.800.916.9073
12. 665 Main Street, Suite 200
Buffalo, NY 14203
www.buffaloniagara.org
(716) 842.1357
