Launching a Business Abroad

Assignment Overview:
Students will research a foreign country and develop a PowerPoint presentation (12–15 slides) that outlines a proposed international business venture in that country. The presentation must reflect comprehensive research into the country’s culture, economy, business regulations, legal system, and market environment.
Assignment Objectives:
• Apply basic business concepts to international settings.
• Understand how culture, politics, and law affect business operations.
• Conduct country-specific research and business planning.
• Develop presentation and analysis skills.
Assignment Instructions:

1. Select a Country
   Choose a country outside of the U.S. where you will launch your international business.
2. Choose a Business Concept
   Identify the type of business you will start in that country. (e.g., restaurant, tech company, import/export business, fashion brand)
3. Create a PowerPoint Presentation (12–15 slides)
   Your presentation must include the following slides:
   Slide Breakdown:
4. Title Slide
   o Name of your business
   o Country of operation
   o Your name, course, date
5. Introduction & Business Idea
   o Briefly introduce your company and the product/service you’re offering
   o Why did you choose this business type?
6. Country Profile
   o Population, major cities, GDP, economic sectors, etc.
   o Basic map and flag
7. Cultural Factors
   o Language(s), religion, customs, work ethic
   o Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (optional)
8. Legal & Political Environment
   o Government structure
   o Stability, corruption index, freedom of business
   o Key business laws that apply (e.g., taxes, labor, foreign ownership)
9. Business Regulations
   o Licensing and permits required
   o Local regulations for foreign businesses
   o Import/export laws, trade barriers
10. Market Research
    o Customer demographics and behavior
    o Market need or gap your business addresses
    o Competitor analysis
11. Entry Strategy
    o Will you start from scratch, form a joint venture, franchise, or acquire a local company?
    o Why is this the best approach?
12. Management and Staffing Plan
    o Who will run the company?
    o Will you hire local employees?
    o Any training or cultural onboarding needed?
13. Marketing Strategy
    • How will you advertise to local consumers?
    • Any cultural adaptations to branding?
14. Financial Considerations
    • Start-up costs (estimated)
    • Local currency and exchange rate
    • Wages, taxes, profit potential
15. Risks and Challenges
    • Legal, cultural, logistical, political, or economic risks
    • How you plan to mitigate them
16. Sustainability & Ethics
    • Will your business follow ethical labor/environmental practices?
    • How will you align with local values?
17. Conclusion
    • Recap why your business is viable and how it fits in the global market
18. References
    • Cite all sources in APA format (minimum 5 academic or credible sources)