The information on this page was current at the time it was published. Regulations, trends, statistics, and other information are constantly changing. While we strive to update our Knowledge Base, we strongly suggest you use these pages as a general guide and be sure to verify any regulations, statistics, guidelines, or other information that are important to your efforts.

US Government Resources

We have compiled a list of government and global resources to help you learn more about the US govenment , people, foreign direct investment organization, and aspects of doing business in the country. Use this information to help you make informed decisions about locating your business, or a division of your business, in the US.

Official U.S Government Resources

• Official U.S government website

• The Whitehouse

• United States Senate

• House of Representatives
  
   

Official U.S Government Statistics Resources

• Data.gov, the Home of the U.S. Government's Open Data - This is the central hub for U.S. government open data, providing access to datasets published by agencies across the federal government. You can find data on a wide range of topics, including demographics, economics, health, environment, and more.

• U.S. Census Bureau - The Census Bureau is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government that collect and publish data on a wide range of topics, including employment, unemployment, wages, prices, and productivity.

• Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) - The BEA is the principal agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce for providing economic accounts of the United States. They collect and publish data on a wide range of topics, including gross domestic product (GDP), personal income, and international trade.

Official U.S Government Trade Resources

• International Trade Administration (ITA) -  This agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce spearheads trade promotion, assists U.S. businesses with exporting, and enforces trade laws.

• U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) - This independent executive branch agency negotiates trade agreements, enforces trade agreements, and develops trade policy.

• U.S. Department of Commerce - This is the parent agency of the International Trade Administration (ITA), it contains resources on various trade-related topics.

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce -  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization and network advocating for business interests and providing resources for small businesses and chambers of commerce across the US to startups in fast-growing industries, leading industry associations, and global corporations.They are the only organization that optimizes the relationship between government and business at scale, across the economy, and around the world for all the businesses and associations they represent.

• American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) - The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives serves more than 9,000 leaders from 1,300 chambers of commerce, including 93 of the top 100 metro areas in the U.S. You can also find links to local chambers through state-level chambers or ACCE's directory.

US Tax Authority Resources

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - This website offers comprehensive information and resources for all matters related to federal income taxes, including filing and paying taxes. forms and instructions tax information for individuals, businesses, and other entities etc.
  
  Note: The United States has a federal system of government, meaning each state also has its own tax authority responsible for collecting state income taxes and other state-specific taxes. Therefore, depending on your specific needs, you might need to visit the website of the relevant state tax authority. Here are some resources to help you find the correct state tax authority website:

• National Governors Association (NGA) - This organization represents the governors of all 50 states and territories. You can access a directory of state government websites via their website.

• Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA) -  This organization represents state, local, and federal tax agencies. You can search their website for a specific state tax authority website.

US Labor and Employment Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) - The U.S Deaprtment of Labor is the main agency overseeing labor standards, benefits, and employment programs of the country.

• Employment and Training Administration (ETA) - This agency administers various employment and training programs like Job Corps and CareerOneStop.

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy workplaces.

• US States Labor Departments - Each state in the U.S has a dedicated labor department with information on state-specific labor laws, unemployment insurance, and workforce development programs. Find the state's department through directories like USA.gov or the National Governors Association.

• USAJOBS - The official website for US federal government job openings.

• CareerOneStop - The CareerOneStop is a US government resource that provides comprehensive resource for career exploration, job search assistance, and skills development.

Official U.S Export Agencies Resources

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - The Small business adminstration offers resources and programs specifically for small businesses interested in exporting.

• Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) - The export-import Bank of the US provides financial assistance to U.S. exporters and international buyers.

• Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) -  The bureau of industry and security manages export controls and licenses for certain goods and technologies considered strategically important.

• U.S. Export Assistance Centers

• USA Small Business

Official U.S Import Agencies Resources

Although the United States does not have dedicated "import agencies" in the traditional sense, there are several government entities that play roles in the import process, each with specific responsibilities and regulations.Here are some of the agencies that regulate import in the United States.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - The US customs and border control protection is responsible for securing the borders and managing the entry of goods into the U.S. This includes processing import declarations, collecting duties and taxes, and conducting inspections.

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - The FDA regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and other related products imported into the U.S.

• Department of Agriculture (USDA) - The department of agriculture in the US oversees the inspection and quarantine of certain agricultural imports, protecting plant and animal health.

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - This agency regulates the import of certain chemicals, pesticides, and other materials to protect human health and the environment.

Industry Associations in the United States

There is no single directory that lists all the industry and business associations in the United States. The sheer number and diversity of industries make it impractical to have a single, comprehensive resource. However, there are several ways you can efficiently find the association(s) relevant to your specific needs.You can find a list of some professional service industry associations in the US on the  SELECTUSA website and a list of trade associations on the international trade administration website.

Here are some additional tips on finding industry associations specific to your business:

• Start with your specific industry: Use keywords related to your sector to search for associations online. Industry publications, news articles, and even social media groups can offer leads.

• Professional networks: Connect with professionals in your field through platforms like LinkedIn and ask for recommendations for relevant associations.

• Chambers of commerce: Local chambers of commerce often have information about industry groups active in their regions so check them out.

US Licensing Authorities Resources

Find resources to federal and state liscenses and permit agencies on the U.S.Small Business Administration licenses and permits page.

Intellectual Property Authority Resources in the U.S

• United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) - This website offers information and resources on all aspects of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property protection in the United States.

• U.S. Copyright Office - The U.S copyright office is responsible for registering and protecting copyrights and other related rights.

• International Trade Commission (ITC) - This US government agency investigates intellectual property violations involving imported goods.

• National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) - This U.S government agency coordinates federal government efforts to enforce and protect intellectual property rights.

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) -  This organization which is part of the U.S department of commerce develops standards and guidelines related to patents and other forms of intellectual property.

US Immigration Authorities Resources

• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - The USCIS is the primary immigration authority in the United States. The also handle various immigration processes, including applying for visas and green card, becoming a U.S. citizen , requesting employment authorization, filing petitions for family members and seeking asylum or refugee status.

• The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is charged with managing ports of entry and enforces immigration laws at  U.S borders.

• U.S. Department of State (DOS) - The United States Departments of States issues visas and handles consular affairs abroad.

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - The immigration and customs enforcement enforces immigration laws within the United States.

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) -  The department of homeland security oversees other immigration agencies in the U.S including USCIS, CBP, and ICE.

U.S Finance and Economy Resources

• Department of the Treasury - The Department of Treasury is responsible for fiscal policy, tax collection, and financial regulations in the U.S.

• Federal Reserve System - The Central Bank of the United States, responsible for monetary policy and financial stability. 

• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - The U.S SEC regulates securities markets and protects investors in the United States.

• Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) - This commission regulates futures and derivatives markets in the United States.

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) - This coporation protects depositors' money in U.S Banks.

• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) - The OCC ensures that national Banks and federal savings associations operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, treat customers fairly, and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

• Congressional Budget Office (CBO) - The congressional budget office provides nonpartisan analysis of federal budget and economic issues

• State Department of Finance: Each state has its own finance department responsible for managing state finances and taxes. Search for "[State name] Department of Finance" to find the relevant website.

• State Treasurer: Similarly, each state has a treasurer responsible for managing state funds and investments. Search for "[State name] Treasurer" to find the relevant website.

• Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) - The Council of Economic Advisers is an agency within the Executive Office of the President, that is charged with providing the President objective economic advice on the formulation of both domestic and international economic policy. 

US Foreign Direct Investment Resources

• SelectUSA - US Trade and Investment  -  SelectUSA is a U.S. government-wide program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce program dedicated to attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) into the US.Their mission is to facilitate job-creating business investment into the United States and raise awareness of the critical role that foreign direct investment (FDI) plays in the U.S. economy.

• Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) - The committee on foreign investment in the United States reviews transactions that could result in foreign control of a U.S. business to assess potential national security risks.

• U.S. Department of State - The US department of state helps promotes sound investment policies in support of U.S. economic growth and protects national security in the context of foreign investment.

• U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) - The USTR negotiates trade agreements and enforces trade laws, which can impact foreign investment.

• State and Local Level:

  • State Development Agencies: Each state has its own economic development agency that may offer resources and incentives for foreign investors. Search for "[State name] Department of Economic Development" to find the relevant website.

  • Local Economic Development Organizations: Many cities and municipalities also have economic development organizations that can assist foreign investors. Search online for "[City name] economic development" to find these organizations.

International Organizations Headquatered in the United States

• World Bank -  Though headquartered in Washington D.C., it operates globally and plays a crucial role in international development. The US is a founding member and major contributor.

• International Monetary Fund (IMF) - Similarly headquartered in Washington D.C., the IMF promotes global monetary cooperation and stability. The U.S plays a leading role and holds significant voting power.

• United Nations (UN) - While the UN's main headquarters are in New York City, it operates worldwide. The U.S holds a permanent seat on the Security Council and is a major financial contributor.

U.S Business Grant Resources

• Small Business Administration (SBA)

• Grants.gov

• National Science Foundation (NSF): There are certain NSF grants that encourage international collaboration which open opportunities for foreign businesses partnered with U.S entities.