Last week, Biz Latin Hub team members in Colombia and Mexico celebrated Australia Day, the country’s national day recognizing the British First Fleet’s arrival to Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1788. The Australian Embassy in Bogotá celebrated this national anniversary alongside Australian partners and associates.
As a multinational Australian company in Latin America, Biz Latin Hub proudly sponsored the event.
In Mexico, Biz Latin Hub staff also attended the ANZMEX’s (Australia, New Zealand and Mexico Business Council) celebration of Australia Day in Mexico City. The team have regularly engaged with ANZMEX members and events in Mexico, with the aim to promote new business opportunities and interconnected networks between the 3 countries.
On being an Australian company in Latin America
Australian military veteran Craig Dempsey moved to Latin America in 2012 to seek new commercial opportunities in the region. In 2014, he partnered with British expat David Wright to co-found Biz Latin Hub. He is the company’s Managing Director.
“I’ve learned a lot from my experience growing Biz Latin Hub alongside David,” says Craig. “We started this business to support others like us moving into the region, noting how difficult some bureaucratic procedures can be for non-Spanish speakers.”
Since 2014, Biz Latin Hub has expanded beyond its headquarters in Bogotá, Colombia, to 15 other countries.
“I see many Australian companies thriving in Latin America, especially in areas where we show a real strength in as a country, such as mining,” says Craig. “On top of that, there is a high regard here for the Australian ‘brand,’ and companies moving into Latin America should leverage that trust.”
Australia Day celebrations in Mexico and Colombia
The ANZMEX event in Mexico City paid tribute to the recent and ongoing bushfires in Australia and the amazing response globally and in Mexico. The New Zealand Ambassador to Mexico Mark Sinclair acknowledged the ever-strengthening ties between Australia and New Zealand.
The event highlighted the increasing connections between the 3 countries, and the importance of maintaining and growing this relationship for the future. Biz Latin Hub staff met with fellow individuals that have a strong passion for encouraging growth between these prosperous nations.
Speaking at the Australia Day event in Bogotá, Sophie Davies, Australian Ambassador to Colombia, said (translated from Spanish): “This year I would like to focus on what we have in common: our shared values with Colombia. Sometimes we seem to be very distant from our geographical position, but it is more what unites us than what separates us.”
Getting involved with the Australia-Latin America community
t’s important to stay connected with other private and public sector institutions and professionals operating between Australia and Latin America. Platforms such as The Startup VC and Craig Dempsey offer valuable insights, networks, and opportunities to collaborate across regions.
If you’re starting a business abroad, seek advice from local specialists about the legal obligations that apply to your project. Connecting with the relevant Embassy in your country can also provide additional guidance and support.
Other supporting organizations
The Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC) works to strengthen connections between the two regions, and empower businesses crossing borders to succeed. The Council just celebrated its 30-year anniversary of operations. Biz Latin Hub has been a member of the ALABC since 2018.
In 2019, the ALABC presented Biz Latin Hub the Award for Business Excellence during the Australia-Latin America Business Excellence Awards. These awards are supported by the Australian Council on Australia Latin American Relations (COALAR), an agency operating under the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Somos21 is a network connecting professionals between Australia and Latin America for increased collaboration and exposure of new commercial and personal opportunities. People operating between these 2 regions can sign up to the network and explore Somos21’s news and communities for opportunities to connect with others.
We support Australian companies in Latin America to do business
We’re proud supporters of every Australian entrepreneur and business looking to expand into Latin America. As a company founded by Australian and UK expats, and supported by a globally diverse team, we understand the unique challenges that foreign entrepreneurs face when building a presence abroad.
Through our comprehensive market entry and back-office services, we provide a single, reliable point of contact to help you get established and operational across the region. Our experienced teams of legal, accounting, and corporate support specialists operate across 16 jurisdictions in Latin America and the South Pacific, including Australia.
Our Business Excellence Award from the Australia-Latin America Business Council highlights our commitment to strengthening commercial and cultural ties between these regions. For additional insights and opportunities in cross-border business and venture development, explore The Startup VC, a platform dedicated to connecting innovators and investors shaping the future of entrepreneurship between Australia and Latin America.
Learn more about our team and expert authors.
