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Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy were the legal advisors for TSFE Infrastructure and Utilities Sub Fund (TSFE), for itself and acting on behalf of the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), and Suez Canal Economic Zone Authority (SCZONE).

With the Egyptian Prime Minister present, TSFE negotiated an agreement to develop various facilities including renewable energy power plants. This project is a significant step in promoting Egypt’s Green fuel market. The agreement was signed in the new administrative capital with the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development present.

C2X, an affiliate of A.P. Møller Holding A/S and A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S, aims to enable and accelerate large-scale production of green methanol in Egypt.

TSFE places infrastructure projects at the core of the Funds’ activities as they serve as a means of direct investment in Egypt’s development.

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy team, led by Mahmoud S. Bassiouny, provided legal advice to TSFE during this agreement.

But you may not have heard the challenges of taking a business from the first day to becoming self-sustaining.

According to government statistics, 20% of all new businesses fail within the first year and almost half within five years. 

The difference between the survival and failure of a business depends on how prepared the stages of business growth an investor is, which starts with understanding the stages before you start your business. This guide explores five stages of business growth in 2023.

#1 - Existence Stage

The existence stage is the beginning of a small business's journey. At this stage, an entrepreneur actualizes what was previously an idea by starting an actual business. The business merely exists, and it's more of trying out the business idea's viability, and formal planning is almost non-existent. 

More often than not, the business owner runs almost every aspect of the business. At this stage, entrepreneurs encounter difficulty getting customer acceptance and limited finances. 

To survive this stage, entrepreneurs must learn about available financing options to stay afloat while investing more in product and service improvement to earn customer trust. 

#2 - Survival Stage

If you have succeeded in creating a substantial customer base and not generating some revenue, your business is now in the survival stage. Making it to the survival stage is quite an accomplishment, but it doesn't get the business out of the woods yet. 

You already know your idea is viable by now, so you'll be looking at its survival. At this stage, the focus should be on making consistent profits and putting systems in place for scaling. Your need for human resources will increase, but before you take in new hires, it is best to leverage technologies to enhance the efficiency of the available resources. 

For example, if you are in the brewery industry, you can use Ollie or similar software solutions rather than increase your workforce. Investing in the right tools helps you streamline inventory control for your brewery, get the most out of the existing workforce, cut your overhead cost and record more profits. 

#3 - Success Stage

Also known as the maturity phase, the success stage is the phase where the business can be said to be making significant profits in thriving. Most entrepreneurs consider bringing experts such as sales executives and other departmental leaders at this stage. With expansion control, the entrepreneur can finally relinquish some important roles of running a business they had held from the existence stage. 

At this stage, the investor doesn't have to keep worrying about surviving, not to mean that failure is out of the question. Instead, the focus is on continuing the trend of success and making even more profit.  

Also, it's at this point where as an entrepreneur, you can talk about having your money work for you, unlike other stages where you have to work for your money. 

#4 - Take Off Stage

After months in the success stage, most businesses will enter the take-off stage. At this stage, companies experience exponential growth, which is the reward for spending time building your business. 

The main concern in the take-off stage is the expansion and how to fund that expansion. 

Different organizations and businesses will choose different paths for expansion. For some, it will be merging and buying into companies. Others may be looking at developing new products or moving into new markets. 

#5 - Maturity Stage

The maturity stage is the stage at which a business can be said to have achieved the highest level of success. The highest level of success can mean different things to two different entrepreneurs or organizations. But as a general rule, a business has matured if it is an industry leader. 

Also, the business must have almost exhausted all growth opportunities in its current market. The greatest challenge for businesses at this stage is stagnation and decline. Applicable strategies to counter these challenges include exploring new markets and focusing on innovation and the development of new products.

Emerging markets and simplifying cross-border trade

Many businesses are looking to trade with customers in new, fast-growing and emerging markets to become less dependent on domestic markets that have either met full potential growth, are stagnant or are in decline.

As such, cross-border transactions are growing fast, with global transactions increasing from $29 trillion in 2019 to $39 trillion in 2022. Underpinning this surge were factors like global trade improvements, cross-border B2C payments, growth in online businesses and borderless e-commerce.

As an outcome, and to compete in the global marketplace, businesses around the world are turning to their banks and fintech partners for faster, securer and more transparent payment solutions.

Online payments allow merchants and consumers to conduct cross-border trade in goods in which they have a comparative advantage. At the click of a button, people can purchase products and services from across the world. In 2021, 2.14 billion people – almost a third of the world’s population – bought goods and services online. Another survey found that in the European Union (EU), 74% of internet users had shopped online.

Transactions in a global digital marketplace across countries depend on sellers and purchasers using compatible payment systems. In many parts of the world, this is tricky. Europe, for example, has differences in payment preferences across member states and is partly the inspiration behind a Single European Payments Area (SEPA) – whereby customers can make cashless payments via credit transfer and direct debit anywhere in the EU and in many non-EU countries, including the UK.

Here, using alternative payment systems designed to be compatible with widely used payment methods, like PayPal, improve interoperability and alleviate some of these issues.

Facilitating SME growth

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are as central to economic growth and employment as they are to innovation.

Access to more traditional online payments can be difficult for unproven enterprises, so alternative payment systems have emerged as the solution for many. In providing a single easy payment mechanism, merchants can circumvent banks and card companies and instead engage with a single service provider and ensure customers can have their preferred payment method – whether a debit or credit card, bank account or other.

According to the European Commission’s Annual Report on European SMEs 2021/22, SMEs constituted about 99.8% of all European enterprises and contributed about 65% of overall employment, highlighting their economic importance. Alternative online payments support the growth and further expansion of SMEs online, enabling them to enter new and emerging markets by harnessing online trade – and supporting the domestic economy.

Without access to alternative payment methods, many SMEs would be without the support to trade globally.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Software-as-a-service (SaaS) expansion

AI has supported many enterprises’ efforts to bring in new revenue streams. Now, digital payment systems are increasingly looking to harness its possibilities. It can be applied to help with data storage capabilities, predictive models, and user experience and empowerment.

It can also support compliance, fraud detection, and cybersecurity. To protect a user’s financial security, AI-powered algorithms can analyse payments and transactions, gather data from different online payments and transactions, learn the patterns from former fraud cases, and determine a pass or fail verdict in near real-time.

AI minimises fraud for complex, high-volume transactions and human error in flagging suspicious transactions and will significantly impact the overall fraud resistance of digital payment systems. It can also be used by businesses to determine how best to pay suppliers or enhance customer service and expand market research.

With a talent shortage and a limited pool of graduates with specialist data skills impacting the ability of businesses to see through their digital transformation projects – AI can help here too. Taking on repetitive and time-consuming tasks so employees are free to handle more complex tasks where a human touch is needed.

Steered by the talent and skills conundrum, SaaS is of growing relevance for many businesses. Finding data engineers to build workflows and a skilled team to operate and manage the platforms the business uses is critical. As such, SaaS is becoming more appealing for businesses so that the only focus for business leaders is using the service while leaving the configuration, optimisation, fine-tuning, and performance management in the hands of an expert.

Digital adoption and its paperless, task-automated systems bring more environmentally friendly business practices. Today, customers, staff, and investors judge businesses by their approach to sustainability and make decisions based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. As a result, every organisation must have a strategy with corporate social responsibility (CSR) measures at its core.

Sustainability

Digital adoption and its paperless, task-automated systems bring more environmentally friendly business practices. Today, customers, staff, and investors judge businesses by their approach to sustainability and make decisions based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. As a result, every organisation must have a strategy with corporate social responsibility (CSR) measures at its core.

All industries are looking to adopt greener practices, and fintech and financial services providers are no exception. As with most sectors, banks and financial services providers rely increasingly on data centres. With greater scrutiny on sustainability, there’s a growing appetite for data centres that use sustainable energy. And the supply is there, with some even sporting carbon-negative credentials and the ability to provide energy back to the grid to support during spikes in demand.

The expectation for sustainable measures remains high for all businesses both front of house and behind the operational scenes – any organisations showcasing their CSR role in the market, and supporting sustainable initiatives and practices, will need to be authentic. Get it right and it could also contribute to attracting talent as you expand.

Powering growth in global markets for prosperity

Global payments make cross-border trade possible – opening businesses to emerging markets and facilitating SME growth, the backbone of a domestic economy. Having a provider with the right expertise in the regions you want to operate is critical to unlocking new markets. Complemented with AI to improve and streamline operations and SaaS expansion to help with the global skills shortage, even small businesses have the opportunity to bring in international custom.

The next few years will be rough for many businesses, but understanding past and present trends can help explain how best to weather them. And with this knowledge, you’ll be well placed to put your business in a position where, come the end of the recession, it’s ready to take advantage of the following stability.

Be decisive

Decisiveness is a key quality for any business leader. When you're in charge, you can't afford to second-guess yourself or dither over every decision. Of course, that doesn't mean that you should make rash decisions without considering the consequences. But it does mean that you need to be able to trust your instincts and make quick decisions when necessary.

A good example of decisiveness in action is when former General Electric CEO Jack Welch was faced with the decision to downsize his company during a difficult economic period. Welch didn't hesitate to make the tough call, and it paid off in the long run. Also, when you're decisive, people are more likely to trust and respect you as a leader.

Get a master of business administration

If you want to be a great business leader, it's a good idea to get a master of business administration. An MBA will give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that you need to be successful in business. In addition, an MBA from a top school will open doors for you and help you network with other successful leaders. Also, many of these programs offer concentrations in areas like leadership, which can be beneficial.

Moreover, when you have an MBA, people are more likely to take you seriously as a business leader. This means that you'll have more credibility and authority in the business world. Also, an MBA can help you advance your career and earn more money. So if you're serious about becoming a great business leader, getting a degree is a smart move.

Be a better communicator

As a business leader, it's essential that you're able to communicate effectively with your team. After all, how can you expect to get your point across if you're not articulate? When communicating with your employees, make sure that you're clear and concise. Be respectful, but don't be afraid to give constructive criticism when it's warranted.

It's also important to remember that effective communication is a two-way street. In other words, you should also make an effort to listen to your employees and get their feedback. After all, they're the ones doing the work, so they probably have some good ideas about how things could be improved. By making an effort to communicate effectively, you'll build trust and respect with your team.

Become more self-aware

Self-awareness is another important quality for any business leader. If you're not aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, it's difficult to make the right decisions and lead your business effectively. To become more self-aware, take some time to reflect on your successes and failures. Also, try to get feedback from others, including your employees.

You should also be aware of the impact that you have on others. This means being able to read other people's emotions and understanding how your words and actions affect them. If you're not sure about something, don't be afraid to ask for advice from someone who's more experienced. The more self-aware you are, the better leader you'll be.

Set clear goals for your employees

As a business leader, it's important to set clear goals for your employees. This way, they'll know what's expected of them and they can be held accountable if they don't meet your expectations. When setting goals, make sure that they're specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Also, involve your employees in the goal-setting process so that they have a sense of ownership.

In addition, it's important to keep your employees motivated. This means providing them with the resources and support that they need to be successful. Also, make sure that you give them regular feedback so that they know how they're doing. By setting clear goals and keeping your employees motivated, you'll be more likely to achieve success as a business leader.

Be flexible

As a business leader, it's important to be flexible. This means being open to change and willing to adapt to new situations. For example, if your company is facing a difficult situation, you might need to make some changes in order to stay afloat. Also, if you're launching a new product or service, you'll need to be flexible in order to make it a success. To be a successful leader, you need to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to change.

Flexibility also means being open to different points of view. Just because you have a certain opinion doesn't mean that it's the only valid perspective. It's important to listen to others and consider their opinions before making a decision. By being flexible, you'll be able to make better decisions and find creative solutions to problems.

Lead by example

Finally, it's important to lead by example. If you want your employees to be honest, hardworking, and respectful, you need to set the tone for yourself. Also, if you want your team to be successful, you need to show them what it takes to achieve success. By leading by example, you'll earn the respect of your employees and set the stage for a successful business.

If you want to become a better business leader, there's no magic formula. However, by following these tips, you can improve your chances of success. Remember, being a successful leader takes time, effort, and practice. So, don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep working at it and you'll eventually become the leader that you want to be.

There you have it! Becoming a better business leader requires self-awareness, clear goal-setting, flexibility, and leading by example. If you can work on these four areas, you'll be well on your way to success. Just remember the importance of taking things slowly and consistently practising your leadership skills. With time and effort, you can become the leader that you want to be.

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The UK economy grew by a record 15.5% from July to September, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday, ending a six-month recession induced by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures.

The figures match the ONS’s initial estimate of GDP growth in Q3, though they fall short of economists’ predicted growth of 15.8%. Nevertheless, the July-September growth of 15.5% represents the largest quarterly jump in GDP the ONS has posted since records began in 1955.

UK GDP contracted by a fifth in Q2, the most extreme slump on record – and analysts have warned that the economy is likely to shrink again in the run-up to 2021 as renewed lockdown measures have been imposed across England, set to continue until 2 December.

In its release, the ONS noted that the Q3 recovery was driven in large party by household spending, while business investment remained “much weaker”. Though the recovery since July has been encouraging for investors, the UK economy as a whole remains 10% below 2019 levels.

September-specific data from the ONS revealed that the economy grew by 1.1% during the month, indicating that the pace of the UK’s economic recovery has slowed significantly.

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“Today’s figures show that our economy was recovering over the Summer, but started to slow going into Autumn,” said Chancellor Rishi Sunak in a statement. “The steps we’ve had to take since to halt the spread of the virus mean growth has likely slowed further since then.”

Samuel Tombs, Pantheon Macroeconomics’ chief UK economist, predicted that GDP would shrink by around 0.5% during Q4, with little chance of recovering to September levels until spring of 2021.

New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that UK government debt passed £2 trillion for the first time, reaching £2.004 trillion in July -- £227.6 billion more than last year’s figure.

The unprecedented rise in government borrowing in 2020, with the months of April to July each posting the highest levels of borrowing since records began in 1993, can be credited to spending on anti-COVID-19 measures like the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. ONS remarked that this is the first time that government debt has risen above 100% of GDP since the 1960-61.

Ruth Gregory, senior UK economist at Capital Economics, noted that July’s borrowing figure of £150.5 billion “is close to the deficit for the whole of 2009-10 of £158.3bn, which was previously the largest cash deficit in history, reflecting the extraordinary fiscal support the government has put in place to see the economy through the crisis."

Coinciding with the new release on government debt, further data showed that activity in the UK’s private sector grew at its sharpest rate since 2013 during August. The Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) read at 60.3 on Friday, beating analysts’ expectations and easily surpassing July’s figure of 57, indicating accelerated growth across the sector.

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“The combined expansion of UK private sector output was the fastest for almost seven years, following sharp improvements in business and consumer spending from the lows seen in April,” commented Tim Moore, economics director at HIS Markit.

Meanwhile, separate figures from the ONS also revealed that the UK retail sector rebounded faster than expected between June and July, with a 2% increase in sales volume where analysts had predicted only 0.2%.

The quantity and value of total reported also saw an increase of 4.4% from February, beating pre-lockdown figures.

Naturally, innovation is a word that can be used overly freely by businesses to signify virtually any kind of thinking that is slightly different from the usual. In this case, however, we are thinking of something that will benefit companies looking to grow. Innovation in the terms we are discussing here refers to the creation of products, services, processes and ideas that can help not only your business to succeed but represent a new type of thinking in your industry. 

Having defining this, you could argue that we are ultimately still talking about ideas that will make the business money through sales. But the truth is that many innovations require a great deal of time and financial input - and not all of your innovations, sadly, will be successful. This can discourage companies from pursuing innovation, as despite the potential upside, there can be no guarantee of success. 

Businesses can innovate with R&D tax credits

Thankfully it is well established that innovation is a fantastic thing - not just for businesses themselves but for the industry, the economy, and for society in general. As such, the government has a scheme that it is designed to reward companies for innovating them - reducing their tax bill if they are in profit, or reducing their losses if they are not. 

There are two main types of tax relief offered by the government: research and development (R&D) tax credits and Patent Box tax credits. These can be fantastic ways to make the best financial use of your innovations and ensure that your company is rewarded for the work it is doing. 

But there is a problem: many organisations are not claiming the kind of R&D tax relief that they could.

There are two main types of tax relief offered by the government: research and development (R&D) tax credits and Patent Box tax credits.

Why aren’t organisations claiming as much as they can?

There are actually many reasons that companies might not be claiming what they are owed through R&D tax credits. Firstly, it is a complex procedure to claim back R&D tax and some companies may have attempted it in the past and actually found the whole job too confusing. Even standard accountants struggle when dealing with R&D tax relief and will outsource some of the work to those with more specific expertise.

It’s no surprise then that less experienced businesses are finding it challenging to claim tax relief. But there is another issue too. 

Unfortunately, it is the case that many businesses assume that they can’t possibly be eligible for R&D tax relief," says Simon Bulteel of R&D tax relief specialists Cooden Tax Consulting.They might assume that R&D purely refers to the field of science – however, this is a misconception. Actually, R&D refers to innovation across a wide variety of sectors”. 

Lack of understanding of what R&D tax relief is meant for can play a huge role in the fact that businesses aren’t taking advantage of the tax credits they are owed. Companies across industries as varied as entertainment, marketing, transport, construction and many more apply and get R&D tax relief every year.

Final thoughts

Innovation is a vital tool for growth for businesses across many different industries, especially under the present circumstances where making further sales and growing your business through profit may not be feasible. If businesses are missing out on valuable R&D tax credit relief it is because they are not working with specialists who can help them.

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It is advisable for any organisation that carries out any kind of innovation as a part of their business to speak with experienced professionals in R&D tax relief, who will be able to guide and advise them on whether it is possible for them to claim. 

Failing to do so is missing out on money and isolating your businesses from a very legitimate form of growth.

In its Monetary Policy Report for the month of May, the Bank of England presented scenarios for the UK economy, predicated on lockdown measures being eased from June to September.

These scenarios suggested that, though the economy contracted 2.9% in the first quarter of 2020, it could fall by an astonishing 25% in the second quarter, ultimately shrinking by 14% over the course of the year. If accurate, this would equate to the economy’s sharpest contraction since 1706, according to BoE’s figures.

Further projections in the report include a rise to 9% unemployment – greater than the 8% unemployment rate that was experienced during the last financial crisis.

Also on Thursday, BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to keep interest rates at their record low of 0.1%, though a 7-2 majority voted against increasing the latest round of qualitative easing to £300 billion up from £200 billion.

Adrian Lowcock, head of personal finance at investment platform Willis Owen, commented on the report’s release: “The Bank's latest forecasts are the stuff of nightmares”.

The only good news today is that the Bank expects this economic bombshell to be short-lived, and for the economy to bounce back rapidly. However, the MPC itself concedes it is flying blind to a large extent, warning that a pandemic like this is "especially difficult to quantify.”

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey expressed optimism when speaking with the BBC, emphasising that the economy would likely recover “much more rapidly than the pull back from the global financial crisis”.

Professor of Corporate Finance, Sophie Manigart, and post-doctoral researcher, Thomas Standaert, found that governments that invested but had no input were more successful in stimulating growth in companies and providing more resources to the private risk capital market.

Whereas, the researchers found that governments that invest directly in a company and have complete control of all of the decisions tend to yield the poorest results. Businesses that raised funding this way did not grow faster than companies that raised no funding at all.

The research findings came from a previous study on both literature on government investments, but also from a dataset of 345 Venture Capital funds established between 1996-2017. The researchers analysed how a number of European companies developed after receiving venture capital through four different models, ranging from full government control, to government investment, but independent decision-making. The researchers compared the performances of each firm, up to five years after the initial VC investment.

The four key investment models that the researchers analysed were:

  1. Direct and solitary – where a government invests directly in a target company and all decisions are made by the government
  2. Direct but in partnership – the government invests directly in target companies, but in partnership with private investment funds
  3. A passive government role – the government co-invests in target companies with private players who take all decisions. The government plays a passive role and is hands-off when it comes to most investment decisions; the government merely follows the private sector.
  4. A government invests in a fund-of-fund and does not mingle in investment decisions – this goes a step further than the third model by having governments invest in private funds that are managed entirely by equally private fund managers.

Professor Manigart says: “Government intervention in the risk capital market is needed in Europe and worldwide, but governments should respect the role of private players and not become dominant decision makers. Governments who simply provide this funding, but let the firm work independently and autonomously are much more likely to see growth, which can only be a benefit for investors, the firm, and customers alike.”

"Governments who simply provide this funding, but let the firm work independently and autonomously are much more likely to see growth, which can only be a benefit for investors, the firm, and customers alike.”

The researchers state that governments need to apply the fourth method more often in order for the target companies to be more innovative and successful. A good example of this model being implemented successfully is the Canadian government, who pioneered this model with the launch of the Venture Capital Action Plan, which has resulted in over $900 million in private investor capital being added to the ecosystem.

Government aid is genuinely effective for businesses, even companies like Apple and Tesla would not have survived without government funding. If there’s no financial help, then it could be argued that there would be no high-tech developments and innovations in society. Therefore, it is important that governments look to invest in the most effective way possible for growth in these companies, so that high-tech, social projects and high-employment companies have the greatest chance of growth and survival.

Analysts had originally predicted that the economy would continue to flatline at 0.1% growth, all the way into November 2019, as had been in previous months. However, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) says the MoM drop happened as a consequence of fall shorts in the production and services sectors. A fall in the pound has consequently led to overall pessimism when it comes to a pending recession.

31st January is the official Brexit deadline, and somehow the UK has managed to avoid recession, but slow growth is pushing the UK in this direction.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Gertjan Vlieghe, of the BoE Monetary Policy Committee, said he would vote for lower interest rates if data doesn’t show the economy picking up. Markets commentators also believe increasing hints that the Bank of England will cut interest rates is likely to prompt investors into overseas financial assets.

Nigel Green, chief executive and founder of deVere Group said: “This is the third senior Bank of England official within a week who has hinted that a rate cut could be imminent.

“In direct response, the pound has come under pressure, as you would expect when relative interest rate expectations change, and it has surrendered its $1.30 level.”

He continued: “The Bank appears to be confused about which risk to fear most.

“Is it a recession and deflation, caused by a no-deal Brexit at the end of this year and decreasing corporate investment over last few years?

“Or is it an overheating economy and inflation caused by a wave of relief if an EU trade agreement is signed that offers minimal disruption to business, combined with a splurge of government borrowing to pay for the Prime Minister’s increased spending plans.”

As well as the issues of cultural and language differences, there are also challenges of positioning yourself successfully among competitors and marketing your brand so that it stands out. However, the main issue that you will have to address is that of your budget. It might be easier than ever to expand your business reach, but that doesn't mean that it comes without costs. Knowing the cost of international expansion makes it easier to get right, and keeps your business safer. If you're considering international expansion, remember to factor in the following expenses.

The Budget Big Three

There are going to be many costs to take into account, but the big three should be your priority. Make sure that you understand:

Take the time to understand how the big three work in your new geographies and your financial planning will be more realistic and much healthier. Never assume that everything is the same from country to country. In some nations, costs will even vary by municipality, so you’re going to need to dedicate some time to some serious and in-depth financial planning.

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Physical Requirements

While it is possible to start selling your product around the world from your existing office, many countries will require you to have a physical outlet in their country. Knowing the local laws and getting your premises organised before you even start to sell is essential. Renting a property can be a big cost so you need to know if it’s needed. You will also need to decide whether you’re going to hire local workers to run your international branch. That will mean knowing the laws regarding wages and working hours. Look for help from those that can assist you. Companies like INS Global can make sure that you have got your budgeting right when it comes to paying the right minimum wage in China, which can be made very complex very quickly due to different municipalities having different minimum wages. Always find people, services, and resources on the ground and you’ll make it easier to leverage your position in a new market.

Your Exit Plan

One of the main cost considerations that many first-time entrepreneurs overlook is the cost of closure. Not every new business expansion is going to be a success, and it’s not good practise to simply pack up and head elsewhere. A budgeted exit plan is essential, even if it’s something that you end up never needing. You might find in some countries that closing a business is a lot more expensive than opening one, so your research is going to be essential. The last thing that you want is to lose more money than expected through the exit process. That can affect your already established brand security at home, and that’s an unnecessary risk that can be avoided with some simple foresight.

From e-commerce companies that are working from a home office to mega-corporations extending their reach further than ever, accessing the global audience has never been easier. However, as with any business growth, there are inherent risks. Budget is going to be a major factor in terms of your success, so make sure that your research is robust and that you have the finances needed to cover every aspect of your predicted expenses. Get your bottom line right and your international growth will be safer, more natural, and more profitable.

It's best to look for other sources that can help you reach your business goals, so take a look below at some of the alternative methods of fundraising you can do.

Consider the Assistance from Angel Investors

These retired business gurus or successful entrepreneurs can be your ticket to salvation when you need funding. They are people who take a keen interest in your work and activities, making them huge supporters who want you to succeed and grow. Also, they can offer their advice and business expertise to make you a better player in the market.

Not your Average Loan 

When people think about loans, they consider personal or business ones, but no one would ever expect to get funding from your inheritance money. Some owners have a lot of money coming in but the probate process gets delayed and drags. That's why loans for heirs can be very appealing when you want quick funding for your startup or company. You get a considerable amount of the money entitled to you, and you can pay the debt off when the courts finally issue your money.

Have You Thought About Crowdfunding?

This is a good way to utilize the digital world to your benefit. There are several reputable platforms with different investors that can provide you with the money you need if your business activities pique their interest. Countless investors are on the lookout for decent companies that offer something special and useful to the community, so investing in your company can be beneficial for them, too.

So, if you are looking for such crowdfunding, arrange a Meeting of investors and venture capitalists at a club. This will be really fruitful for you

You Could Go for Factoring and Invoice Advances

This can be very handy when you find a provider that can front you some money on the invoices that you’ve already billed out; it's good for companies that constantly provide products and services to customers, and you will pay it back once your customers have paid the bill in full. It's a simple method that keeps your business running and projects operating without waiting for long periods of time for consumers to pay up.

Consider CDFI Assistance When Nothing Else Works

This stands for Community Development Finance Institutes. They are private financial organizations that deliver affordable lending options, making it very easy and advantageous for many businesses that are in need of quick funding to save them from tight situations. Many businesses don't get a chance to thrive or grow because of restricted money-raising methods, so this can be the answer to their capital needs to fund their business.

Managing your finances can be a little tricky, but with the right mindset and the willingness to find better and reliable sources for funding, you can make a huge difference in your company's success. You can't just sit there and wait for your company to crumble; choose the right path for you and get the best funding that suits your needs and goals.

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