The Small Biz Gateway to China

Can you explain specifically what a company would need to do in order to move to China? What resources and how much capital would it require?

Well, you're really talking about two things here: complete relocation and/or setting up a Chinese subsidy, or simply contracting in China. Relocation or setting up a subsidy definitely takes a significant amount of time and resources, including almost certainly a trip to China.

However, if a company is simply planning on contracting in China, the game becomes significantly easier.

It's tough to put a dollar amount on how much capital a company needs to do business in China. To contract a manufacturer, it may only be a couple thousand dollars. To move an entire small business, it could be hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I would definitely recommend at the very least talking to a consulting firm. A consulting firm similar to Rhode Island-based China Strategies is preferable, as the company has offices in both China and the U.S.

What's more, by going through a reputable consulting firm, small-business owners benefit from the pitfalls of those who have gone before them. Experience is knowledge, and reputable consultants should have plenty of it.

Is there anything else vital for small-business owners to know?

For those who would like to do ... their own research, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has a great Web site to help businesses, including finding China-based companies to work with, along with providing small-business resources..

Also, the Trade Information Center of the U.S. Department of Commerce is a must-see for anyone thinking about moving or contracting to China.