Business Reboot In Portugal - Launching a Construction and Baking Biz - Christie Peters

Christie Peters and her family moved to Coimbra, Portugal, in early 2023. They paused their water mitigation and mold remediation businesses. After completing a fellowship with The Break for EU women entrepreneurs, she aims to contribute to the local economy while navigating tax, legal, and cultural differences.

Christie Peters and her family have been living in Portugal since the beginning of 2023. They reside in Coimbra, Portugal, the third largest city in the country, located about two hours from Lisbon and an hour from Porto by train. The Peters family paused their water mitigation and mold remediation businesses, which they’ve been operating since 2014, to facilitate their move.

Moving to Portugal has prompted Christie to navigate the complexities of setting up her businesses in a new country. Learning from friends who faced challenges in Portugal, she is taking a cautious approach to avoid similar mistakes. This includes complying with Portuguese law, which mandates having an accountant from the moment a business is registered. Unlike in the United States, where her business was structured as an LLC treated as an S Corp, the requirements in Portugal include additional costs such as providing lunch allowances for employees and paying social security, including a 13th-month salary as holiday pay.

Christie’s baking business, specializing in cupcakes and baked goods with alcohol, was started during the COVID pandemic. It quickly gained popularity, leading to a recent soft launch in December for the Christmas holiday. Initially operating from a home-based setup, Christie plans to eventually establish a food truck for festivals and markets.

Christie recently completed a month-long fellowship with The Break, a program for 360 women entrepreneurs residing in the EU. This immersive mentorship experience focused on established businesses not more than three years old. The program included individual business development and collaboration with a local Spanish entity to address economic challenges. This opportunity provided Christie with valuable insights and connections, further preparing her to expand her business in Portugal.

Originally from New Jersey, Christie lived in Atlanta for over 20 years before moving to Portugal. Despite Atlanta being good to her, it never felt like home. She missed being near the water, which is why she appreciates Portugal’s extensive coastline. The move to Portugal not only brought her closer to the ocean but also offered a slower pace of life and new business opportunities.

Christie looks forward to contributing to the Portuguese economy, addressing labor shortages, and learning local construction practices. With her extensive background in construction and real estate, she believes there is great potential for growth in Portugal’s emerging economy. Her goal is to train young people, helping them achieve economic stability and addressing the labor shortage in the country.

Adapting to cultural differences has been an important part of Christie’s journey. She has found the Portuguese to be warm and welcoming but acknowledges that building trust takes time. Learning the language and understanding local customs, such as the importance of greetings, has been crucial for her integration. Christie emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural nuances and making an effort to communicate in the local language to build strong business relationships.

One of the key lessons Christie has learned is the importance of understanding tax implications and legal differences. She advises having both Portuguese and American accountants to navigate these complexities and stresses the importance of setting up correctly to avoid costly mistakes. Her cautious approach has ensured a smoother transition and a better understanding of the local business environment.

Christie’s journey in Portugal highlights the challenges and opportunities of relocating a business abroad. By understanding local laws, cultural nuances, and taking a methodical approach, she has successfully navigated this transition. Her story serves as an inspiring example for other entrepreneurs considering a similar move, demonstrating that with careful planning and a willingness to adapt, it is possible to thrive in a new country.