Selectusa

SelectUSA — A Guide for Australian Brands Expanding into the United States

An evergreen resource for understanding one of the most important US Government programs for international businesses.

As Australian brands look to enter the United States — the world’s largest, most competitive and most complex consumer market — one of the most valuable (and underutilised) resources available is SelectUSA.

Run by the US Department of Commerce, SelectUSA is the government’s official program dedicated to helping foreign companies enter the US market, establish operations, and connect with the right state and local agencies.

If Austrade supports Australians going outward, SelectUSA supports international businesses coming inward — making it a critical bridge for any Australian brand planning expansion.

1. What SelectUSA Is

SelectUSA is the United States’ global investment promotion program.

Its core mission is to:

  • attract international businesses

  • facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI)

  • connect companies with US economic development offices

  • help businesses understand regulation, incentives and compliance

For Australian founders and leaders, SelectUSA operates as a free, government-backed concierge service for entering the American market.

2. Why SelectUSA Matters for Australian Businesses

A. It Helps You Evaluate Where to Land

The US isn’t one market — it’s 50 different ones. SelectUSA helps companies compare states based on:

  • tax environments

  • workforce availability

  • logistics and infrastructure

  • cost of doing business

  • industry clusters

  • incentives and grants

This is especially valuable for brands deciding between locations like LA, Austin, Dallas, New York or Atlanta.

B. It Connects You With State & City Economic Development Agencies

Every US state has its own programs for attracting foreign companies. SelectUSA introduces you to the right teams — saving months of cold outreach.

C. It Helps Navigate Regulatory Complexity

From forming an LLC to zoning, environmental rules, employment law and sector-specific compliance, US regulation can be overwhelming. SelectUSA provides structured clarity (and connections to the right attorneys or advisors).

D. It Highlights Incentives & Grants

States often offer:

  • tax credits

  • hiring incentives

  • relocation support

  • manufacturing grants

  • innovation incentives

Australian companies rarely know these exist — SelectUSA does.

E. It Acts as a Neutral Advisor

Unlike private consulting or agency services, SelectUSA’s mandate is objective, non-commercial and designed solely to help businesses expand responsibly.

3. The SelectUSA Investment Summit

SelectUSA hosts an annual global summit in Washington, D.C. It is the largest FDI event in the United States and includes:

  • US state delegations

  • federal agencies

  • sector-specific workshops

  • investment pitches

  • trade, tech and entrepreneurship showcases

  • international delegations (Australia usually sends one of the largest)

For Australian brands considering entry, attending the Summit is one of the most efficient ways to meet the entire US market in one place.

4. Who SelectUSA Helps Most

Australian businesses that benefit include:

  • consumer brands launching US operations

  • food & beverage companies

  • advanced manufacturing and hardware

  • fashion, apparel and premium goods

  • tech startups entering US markets

  • sports, wellness and fitness brands

  • sustainable and cleantech companies

  • creative and entertainment-sector businesses

Anyone needing a US office, a warehouse, a distribution hub or on-the-ground presence can use SelectUSA effectively.

5. What SelectUSA Doesn’t Do

For clarity, SelectUSA does NOT:

  • provide creative or go-to-market strategy

  • help with branding or storytelling

  • act as a distributor or sales agent

  • replace immigration lawyers or legal counsel

It is a government-level market entry resource, not a commercial execution partner.

6. Where to Start

Visit the official SelectUSA website: https://www.trade.gov/selectusa

From there, you can explore:

  • state comparisons

  • industry-specific guidance

  • regulatory overviews

  • event calendars

  • Summit registration

  • contact points for your sector or region

Final Thought

SelectUSA is one of the most valuable — yet often overlooked — resources available to Australian companies entering the United States. It provides clarity, structure, connections and confidence during the most complex stage of expansion.

Together with Austrade and G’Day USA, it forms part of a powerful triad of government-backed support for Australian brands pursuing American growth.