Access USA
Doing Business in the United States
AmCham Germany provides research and support for business development and investment in the United States. General information and guidelines to forming a company in the US, information about business regulations, and roadmaps to various forms of enterprises are also available.
Starting a Business
AmCham Germany has a pool of experts who can assist you in setting up a business in the US. Please contact our business service department for more information by sending an email to Katrin Utzinger.
The US Chamber of Commerce offers toolkits for financial planning and starting up a business in the US.
Investment Agencies
The National Association of Development Organizations provides training, information and representation for regional development organizations in small metropolitan and rural America.
NADO National Association of Development Organizations
The Investment Company Institute (ICI) is the national association of US investment companies, including mutual funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and unit investment trusts (UITs).
Small Business Administration provides financial, technical and management assistance to start, run, and grow individual businesses.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Foreign Investment Advising Service.
Company Search
These links provide you with the resources to search for companies across the US in various areas of expertise.
Also includes information about trade shows, supplies, exporters
Also provides authoritative legal, news, public records and business information; including tax and regulatory publications
US Securities and Exchange Commission
“Buy American” – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The American Embassy in Berlin has compiled the most frequent questions to the “Buy American” provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, “US stimulus package”) and provides the respective answers. Click here for the FAQs.
Regional Economic Development Agencies
If you plan to make an investment in the US, please contact one of the following AmCham Germany member organizations in the corresponding state/region:
Council of American States in Europe (C.A.S.E.)
The partner for European business in US site selection and the source for innovative US products
Mainzer Landstr. 176
60327 Frankfurt
Germany
T +49 69 97358-315
F +49 69 97358-199
E info(at)invest-in-usa.org
German American Business Chamber of Florida, Inc.
100 North Biscayne Blvd., Suite 2100
Miami, FL 33132
USA
T +1 305 371 4282
F +1 305 371 6145
E miami(at)gabcfl.org
Ms. Miriam Metzger, Executive Director
State of Florida
Im Amerika-Haus
Karolinenplatz 3
80333 München
Germany
T +49 89 9901-3665
F +49 89 9901-3667
E alexander.bothmann(at)invest-in-florida.de
Mr. Alexander Bothmann, Deputy Director
http://www.georgia.org/internationales-geschaftsleben-deutschland/?viam
State of Georgia
Im Amerika-Haus
Karolinenplatz 3
80333 München
Germany
T +49 89 517027-40
F +49 89 517027-45
E munich(at)georgia-europe.org
State of Illinois
28-30 Boulevard de la Cambre, Bte 2
1000 Brussels
Belgium
T +32 2 6465730
F +32 2 6465511
E brussels(at)illinoistrade.org
Martin-Buber-Str. 24
14163 Berlin
Germany
T +49 170 6881548
F +49 30 8148842-0
E jwiedemann(at)investindiana.com
State of Iowa
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Kleine Hochstr. 8
60313 Frankfurt am Main
T +49-69-283858
F +49-69-281493
E iowa(at)iowa-eu.de
Ms. Anke Goebel de Méndez, Director
State of Kentucky
Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
Poststr. 14-16
20354 Hamburg
Germany
T +49 40 23934-356
F +49 40 23934-472
E info(at)thinkkentucky.eu
Mr. Finn Weisse, European Representative
State of Massachusetts
Am Karlsbad 11
10785 Berlin
Germany
T +49 30 399025-47
F +49 30 399025-48
State of Mississippi
Martin-Schmeißer-Weg 12
44227 Dortmund
Germany
T +49 231 75443-253
F +49 231 75443-27
E come2mississippi(at)experconsult.de
State of North Carolina
European Office
Bockenheimer Landstr. 2
60306 Frankfurt/M
T +49 69 2713980
F +49 69 27139818
E info(at)nc-europe.com
State of Ohio
1 Rue de la Presse
1000 Brussels
Belgium
T +32 2 2272758
F +32 2 2272754
E europe(at)development.ohio.gov
State of Pennsylvania
Frankfurter Landstr. 76
61352 Bad Homburg
Germany
T +49 6172 92118-0
F +49 6172 92118-11
E pennsylvania-info(at)t-online.de
State of South Carolina
Almeida Palais
Brienner Str. 14
80333 München
Germany
T +49 89 291917-0
F +49 89 291917-10
E europe(at)sccommerce.com
Mr. W. Ford Graham, Managing Director
State of Tennessee
Nibelungenstr. 84
41462 Neuss
Germany
T +49 2131 1518991
F +49 2131 1518992
E contact(at)its-tennessee.com
State of Washington
Scheidswaldstr. 73
60385 Frankfurt
Germany
T +49 69 255380
E info(at)washingtonstate.de
State of West Virginia
Department of Commerce
Im Amerika-Haus
Karolinenplatz 3
80333 München
Germany
T +49 89 548841-13
F +49 89 548841-33
E info(at)west-virginia.eu
Angela Mascia, Interim Director
Helpful Tips
Living and working in a foreign country is never an easy process. Here we provide you with a resourceful set of links to help navigate through the process of establishing yourself, both professionally and personally, in the United States.
Standards and Norms
International Standards Organizations
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- International Code Council (ICC)
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- International Standards Organization (ISO)
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- National Electrical Code (NEC)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- W3C: World Wide Web Consortium
Standards developers accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Germany Trade and Invest (gtai)
The German Office for Foreign Trade (GTAI) primarily informs German companies about foreign markets. Publication and service spectrum includes: economic data and trends, sector analyses, foreign economics and taxation law, customs procedures and tariffs, international invitations to tender, public and private financed projects, business opportunities from German and foreign companies, organisation of information and networking events and coordination of the foreign trade portal iXPOS. GTAI offers up-to-date reports and guidance for investors who would like to do business in the US:
https://www.gtai.de/GTAI/Navigation/DE/Trade/Weltkarte/Amerika/usa.html
For more on GTAI, please click here
iXPOS - Das Außenhandelswirtschaftsportal
iXPOS is a Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour (BMWA) initiative. The German Office for Foreign Trade (bfai) is responsible for coordinating the website content. www.ixpos.de offers you the entire spectrum of German foreign trade promotion opportunities at a glance. The platform will guide interested entrepreneurs through the dense jungle of tools, services and information which various government and semi-independent players in Germany provide.
Market Access Database - A Service Provided by DG Trade, European Commission
The Market Access Database is an operational tool of the European Union's Market Access Strategy, supporting a continuous three-way exchange of information between: the EU institutions, Member States and European business. The Market Access Database is a free, interactive, easy to use service providing information about Market Access conditions in non-EU countries.
For more on the Market Access Database, please click here
http://mkaccdb.eu.int/mkaccdb2/indexPubli.htm
US Bureau of Industry and Security
The mission of the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is to advance US national security, foreign policy, and economic interests. BIS's activities include regulating the export of sensitive goods and technologies in an effective and efficient manner; enforcing export control, antiboycott, and public safety laws; cooperating with and assisting other countries on export control and strategic trade issues; assisting US industry to comply with international arms control agreements; and monitoring the viability of the US defense industrial base and seeking to ensure that it is capable of satisfying US national and homeland security needs.
For more on BIS, please click here: http://www.bis.doc.gov/.
US Commercial Service Germany
US Commercial Service Germany facilitates German-American trade on an industry-specific level: main office in Berlin at the US Mission. BuyUSA is a service of the US Commercial Service of the US Department of Commerce. Here you will find thousands of qualified US companies who are ready to do business with you through automated matchmaking and trade leads. Registration is free for buyers, distributors, representatives, and agents. Your BuyUSA registration allows you to post your company profile, search for and email US suppliers, receive email notices of new trade leads and submit and respond to offers to buy US products.
For more on the US Commercial Service, please click here: http://www.buyusa.gov/germany/.
US Customs and Border Protection
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). CBP combined the inspectional workforces of US Customs, US Immigration, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the entire US Border Patrol.
For more on US Customs and Border Protection, please click here: http://www.cbp.gov/.
Market Data
These links will help you find the information you are looking for regarding American markets.
- Bureau of Economic Analysis
- FedStats
- International Trade Administration
- US Census Bureau
- US Chamber of Commerce
- US Department of Commerce
- US Department of State
General Guidelines for Trade Fair Success
- Participation in a trade fair takes an extreme amount of planning and organizing. The following guidelines and links are meant to give you a general overview of the preparation involved, as well as tips and contact information for further detailed information.
- It is important to choose the trade fair wisely. Research is key in determining which trade fair is best for you and your company.
- Outline your product goals, trade fair participation goals and objectives. This is important in measuring ones success after the actual event has taken place.
- Calculate overall costs. Make a well planned budget and include all cost factors, such as stand rental, energy supply, stand construction, furnishing and design, stand service, transport, handling, clean-up, personnel and travel costs.
- Organize and prepare carefully for the trade fair.
- Take full advantage of services available through the organizer of the trade fair. (i.e. stand constructor, freight forwarders or interpreters)
- Pay close attention to how you would like your trade fair stand to represent your company most effectively.
- Make certain that the personnel at the stand is informative and well qualified, thus enhancing the interest in your stand and consequently chances for more business contacts.
- Advertise well - trade fair organizers can only advertise for the trade fair in general and cannot single out individual exhibitors. Therefore it is important to note that each individual Exhibitor is responsible for targeting their specific target groups before the event takes place.
- Be aware of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) at trade fairs in Europe. If you are selling to Europe, you should protect your IPR today or you may not be able to sell your product in Europe tomorrow. For more important information protecting your IPR, please visit the US Commercial Service's website.
Trade Fairs Participation
Most trade fairs and trade fair organizers have websites in both English and German outlining the specific participation guidelines for each trade fair. Therefore it is necessary to contact the individual trade fairs or trade fair organizers directly. There are also a wide variety of publications available which can help you not only plan for a successful trade fair, but also effectively choose which trade fair is best for you.
Trade Fair Checklists
The following checklists are published by the FAMAB e.V. (Design, Exhibition, Event). For more information about these and other checklists, as well as relevant tips and suggestions, please contact FAMAB directly.
- FAMAB Briefing-Checkliste - Messen und Veranstaltungen
- FAMAB Kalkulations-Checkliste
- FAMAB Terminplan für erfolgreiche Messeauftritte
- FAMAB 10 Tipps für die erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit
Useful Links
The following organizations provide helpful information and ideas, as well as lists and dates of specific trade fairs in both Germany and in the US, application guidelines and necessary processes:
Ausstellungs- und Messeausschuss der deutschen Wirtschaft
Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA)
AUMA offers on-line international trade fair data and tips, as well as a trade costs calculator to assist you accurately calculate trade fair costs. AUMA further offers a German trade fair library, including such publications as trade fair catalogues, newspaper articles and guides. AUMA offers trade fair information worldwide, as well.
This portal shows business trade shows and exhibitions promotion services in the US.
Deutsche Messe AG, which is based in Hannover, develops, plans and runs trade fairs and exhibitions in Germany and abroad. It has extensive expertise and experience in planning and executing around 50 trade fairs and exhibitions every year, involving 21,000 exhibitors, 1.79 million visitors and 16,000 journalists from over 100 different countries. For more on the Deutsche Messe in the US, please click here: http://www.hf-usa.com/.
German Convention Bureau (GCB)
GCB is the central representative of interested parties, and the marketing organisation for Germany as a conference location.
German-Pavilion is the website of the German pavilions at trade fairs worldwide. Current information on export-orientated German companies who take part in the official German presentations at major international trade fairs worldwide is available on the website.
EventsEye offers information on trade shows and exhibitions worldwide including trade fairs in the US.
Export.gov provides online trade resources and one-on-one assistance in the area of international business. Export.Gov provides a trade calendar.
FAMAB e.V. - Design, Exhibition, Event
FAMAB assists customers with trade fair participation, including such aspects as stand design and construction.
FKM - Gesellschaft zur Freiwilligen Kontrolle von Messe- und Ausstellungszahlen
FKM publishes basic data on trade fairs and exhibitions both in the US and in Germany. FKM further assists with trade fair planning, including calculating space figures, exhibitor figures and visitor figures.
iXPOS - Das Außenwirtschaftsportal
iXPOS provides links, lists of trade fairs and events, news, and various publications through partnership organizations.
m + a Expo Database provides current news and trade show data, seminars, workshops and training courses.
50 international trade fairs are organised by Messe Düsseldorf, among these are 23 world‘s premier trade fairs.
The Messe Frankfurt corporate group, one of the world’s leading exhibition corporations, organises more than 100 trade fairs worldwide and is one of the few global players in the trade fair sector.
The Munich Trade Fairs International Group (MMI) is one of the world`s leading organizers of trade fairs. It organises some 40 trade fairs for capital goods, consumer goods and new technologies and has special expertise in the numerous sectors.
Please visit www.messe-stuttgart.de for more on trade fairs in Stuttgart, trade fairs abroad, and international representatives.
Jobmesse-Radar lists
Das Jobmesse-Radar listet wichtige Recruiting- und Karriere-Veranstaltungen auf und präsentiert Infos und Angaben zum Programm, Veranstalter, Aussteller und vieles mehr
Internship and Study Opportunities in the US
There are numerous opportunities available to study abroad or participate in an internship in the US. The following organizations offer various programs and information about the many different opportunities to travel abroad:
"USA-Interns" is an internship program that fosters the German-American partnership and was founded by the Steuben Schurz Gesellschaft. This German-American internship exchange is done in cooperation with the US Consulate General Frankfurt and the Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts. For further information about the USA-Interns Program, please visit www.usa-interns.org or send an email to info(at)usa-interns.org.
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) - Educational & Cultural Exchanges
Fosters mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through international educational and training programs. Contains excellent links to exchange and scholarship programs.
Founded in 1963, Cultural Vistas is a nonprofit exchange organization promoting global understanding and collaboration among individuals and institutions. We develop international professional experiences that create more informed, skilled, and engaged citizens. We serve nearly 6,000 individuals from 140 countries every year, and our programs cover a wide range of career fields. We are a J-1 visa sponsoring organization for the intern, trainee, and teacher designations and we facilitate internships in the United States for more than 4,600 participants each year through our Train USA program.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals
CBYX for Young Professionals is a yearlong fellowship for Americans between the ages of 18 - 24. The program annually gives 75 American young professionals the opportunity to study, work, and live with a host in Germany and consists of three phases: two months of German language school; four months of study at a university, technical school, or professional school; and a five-month internship.
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
Study abroad and work abroad with CIEE, the Council on International Educational Exchange. CIEE provides quality programs and services for individuals, employers, communities and educational institutions. Let us help you choose your international experience.
DAAD Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst
The DAAD is the largest German support organization in the field of international academic co-operation. They offer study abroad programs, internships, and teaching and language courses.
Das Parlamentarische Patenschafts-Programm (PPP)
Der Deutsche Bundestag vergibt jährlich an Schüler/innen und Berufstätige Stipendien für einen einjährigen USA-Aufenthalt.
Deutsche- Amerikanische Juristen-Vereinigung e.V. (DAJV)
The DAJV provides its Internship Service for prospective German jurists. The DAJV informs US law firms, public offices and companies about the German legal education system and inquire in their willingness to host and educate German law students and clerks.
German American Chamber of Commerce California (GACC California)
The German American Chamber of Commerce California, a public charity organization, runs two major programs - the Business Program and the Career Program including internship placement and J-1 visa service. These programs serve individuals, corporations and academic institutions from all over the world. GACC California is closely connected with the San Diego World Trade Center and the California Chamber of Commerce, and has been serving the International Committee of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce for many years supporting local, state and federal legislation in improving local economic and environmental conditions, and implementing strategies that enhance trade and commerce with global markets.
German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (Chicago)
The Transatlantic Program works to provide American citizens with facts on Germany and to bring the two nations closer together.
German American Chamber of Commerce in New York (GACC New York)
The GACC New York offers a career service where interns and professionals are matched to jobs in the US. Focus is placed on Germans who wish to work in the US. Furthermore, they also help obtain the necessary Visas as well as offer language testing.
The GIZ offers human resources development and vocational training in the US and in Germany. A wide variety of information is available.
The Steuben-Schurz-Society has set up USA-Interns (please also see above or www.usa-interns.org) to provide German students from all faculties with the opportunity to spend eight weeks of their summer vacations with a US company.
Studyabroad.com is an online resource for study abroad information. They provide information about Academic Year, Semester, or Summer Courses, as well as about Language courses, Internships or Volunteer work, High School Exchange programs, the TOEFL Certificate, and law and business courses during the summer.
The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel
Establishes standards for, monitors, and disseminates information about reputable international youth education and exchange programs.
The US Embassy offers a wealth of information on academic exchange programs in the US as well as internship opportunities and more.
Zentralstelle für Arbeitsvermittlung (ZAV)
The ZAV is the international department of the German labor office. They help with the procurement of jobs abroad in international organizations.
High School Programs
AFS Interkulturelle Begegnungen e.V.
AFS bietet internationale Schüler- und Jugendaustauschprogramme, die interkulturelles und globales lernen fördern.
AIFS - American Institute for Foreign Study
AIFS (American Institute For Foreign Study) offers high school and au pair exchange opportunities in the USA. AIFS offers the possibility for young people to spend their summer in a traditional American summer camp where campers are encouraged to challenge themselves through new activities and make international friends around the campfire. AmCham Germany members receive a 5 % discount. For further information, please visit www.aifs.de/summercamp
Ayusa-Intrax GmbH bietet Dreimonats-, Halbjahres- und Ganzjahres High School Programme in den USA an.
www.carl-duisberg-schueleraustausch.de
Dr. Frank Sprachen & Reisen GmbH
EF Education (Deutschland) GmbH
Educational Foundation for Foreign Study bietet Sprach- und Kulturaustausch für alle Altersgruppen: Schüler/-innen, Erwachsene, Studenten, Berufseinsteiger und Fach- und Führungskräfte an.
GIVE Gesellschaft für Internationale Verständigung mbH
iSt Internationale Sprach- und Studienreisen GmbH
YFU - Youth For Understanding Komitee e.V.
YFU organisiert zusammen mit Partnerorganisationen in 40 Ländern langfristige Schüleraustauschprogramme.
More Programs
Das Parlamentarische Patenschafts-Programm (PPP)
Auch 2005/2006 vergibt der Deutsche Bundestag an 250 Schüler/innen und 100 Berufstätige Stipendien für einen einjährigen USA-Aufenthalt.
German-American Partnership Program (GAPP)
Since its founding in 1972, the German American Partnership Program has developed into the most successful exchange program between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program
Since 1927, students and host families all over the world have had their horizons broadened and their lives enriched by the generosity of Rotary's Youth Exchange program. Administered by Rotary clubs, districts and multidistrict groups, the program today involves more than 82 countries and over 8,000 students each year.
World Heritage Student Exchange
World Heritage High School Student Exchange Program is an international organization dedicated to education through student exchange.
Helpful Websites
Ausgetauscht ist ein Schüleraustauschportal mit Informationen und Kontakten für Austauschstudenten.
High School Exchange web portal with helpful resources for young people.
Lists of Universities and Colleges in the USA
The following websites offer lists and rankings of colleges and universities in the US. Articles and detailed information about different academic programs, as well as application processes are also available.
American Universities Admission Program
English Language Schools and Training Courses in the USA
There are many different opportunities to study the English language in the US. The following companies offer English classes and training for both adults and children.
StudyLingua offers language-learning holidays as well as language courses in different US states.
Berlitz offers interpretation and translation services, as well as language courses and business training.
// Study in the United States
There are numerous opportunities available to study abroad or participate in an internship in the US. The DAAD offers study abroad programs, internships, and teaching and language courses.
American Summer Camp
AIFS welcomes young people to participate in a traditional American summer camp. Members receive a 5 % discount. Please click here.
Intercultural Organizations and Networks based in the US
The links below provide an overview of the various intercultural offerings across the United States.
- American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS) at Johns Hopkins University
- American Jewish Committee (AJC)
- Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas
- German American Business Council
- German American Chamber of Commerce California
- German American National Congress
- The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF)
- The State Legislative Leaders Foundation Europe
- Steuben Society of America
- The German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA
US Government Links
- FedStats
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
- US Bureau of Census
- US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection
- US Bureau of Economic Analysis
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US Copyright Office
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- US Department of Commerce (DOC)
- US Department of Defense (DOD)
- US Department of Education (ED)
- US Department of Energy (DOE)
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- US Department of the Interior (DOI)
- US Department of Justice
- US Department of Labor
- US Department of State
- US Department of Transportation (DOT)
- US Department of Treasury
- US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- US Patent and Trademark Office