FAQ
Everything you need to know about market entry.
Answers to the most common questions about entering the Australian and Latin American markets across energy, mining, agriculture, and logistics.
How do I enter the Australian market as an international company?
Entering the Australian market requires a structured go-to-market approach: market research to validate demand, competitive positioning, buyer identification, and a commercial landing strategy. Balance Energy provides end-to-end support — from initial market assessment through to your first customer. Most companies see their first qualified meetings within 4-8 weeks and first commercial deal within 6 months.
How do I enter the Chilean or Latin American market?
Chile is often the best entry point to Latin America for energy and mining companies. Balance Energy provides market entry programs including market research, target company identification, regulatory navigation, legal and back-office setup, and direct introductions to key players including major mining operators and energy companies. We have offices in Santiago and Antofagasta with an 8-person local team.
What industries does Balance Energy work with?
We specialise in four sectors: Energy & Cleantech (renewables, grid technology, energy storage, smart grids, EV infrastructure), Mining Technology or METS (IoT, predictive maintenance, automation, fleet management), Agriculture & AgTech (precision agriculture, smart irrigation, crop analytics), and Logistics & Supply Chain (supply chain optimisation, fleet management, warehouse automation).
How long does a typical market entry take?
Timelines vary by product and target market. Typically, the initial Insight & Strategy phase takes 8-12 weeks, first qualified meetings happen within 4-8 weeks of market activation, and first commercial deals close within 6-12 months. Some clients, like Ohmium, achieved an MOU signing in just 4 months.
What does a market entry engagement cost?
Engagements are structured as monthly retainers, typically ranging from $5,000-$15,000 AUD per month depending on scope and market complexity. Initial strategy phases may be offered as fixed-scope projects. We align incentives with success fees to ensure our goals match yours.
Do I need a local entity to do business in Australia?
Not immediately. Many companies start with market validation and initial sales before establishing a local entity. Balance Energy can act as your in-market representative during the early stages. When you're ready to establish a permanent presence, we can advise on entity setup, visa requirements, and operational considerations.
Do I need a local entity to do business in Chile?
For sustained operations in Chile, a local entity is recommended. Balance Energy provides full back-office support including company incorporation, tax and accounting, corporate governance, and legal advice. We handle the operational complexity so you can focus on your product and customers.
What is the Australian METS sector?
METS stands for Mining Equipment, Technology and Services. Australia's METS sector contributes over $114 billion in revenue, supports 400,000+ jobs, and exports globally. It's one of the world's largest ecosystems for mining innovation, making Australia a prime market for mining technology companies looking to scale internationally.
How does Balance Energy differ from a traditional consulting firm?
We don't just deliver reports — we execute. Balance Energy acts as your local team on the ground, attending meetings, representing your brand, and driving opportunities. We combine strategic consulting with hands-on commercial execution, network activation, and pipeline management. Our team is bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural, removing friction in cross-border business.
What is the green hydrogen opportunity in Chile?
Chile has some of the world's best conditions for green hydrogen production, with exceptional solar and wind resources. The country has a national green hydrogen strategy targeting 25 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030. With 2-3 GW already installed, 6 GW under construction, and 40 GW in the pipeline, Chile is a leading destination for hydrogen technology companies. Balance Energy has supported companies like Ohmium in entering this market.
Can Balance Energy help with government grants and trade programs?
Yes. We maintain active relationships with government trade bodies including Austrade, Global Victoria, Trade & Investment Queensland, ProChile, and InvestChile. We can help you navigate available grants, trade missions, and government-supported market entry programs in both Australia and Latin America.
What regions in Australia do you cover?
We have presence across Brisbane (Queensland), Perth (Western Australia), and Melbourne (Victoria). Perth is the hub for mining and resources, Brisbane covers energy and agriculture in Queensland, and Melbourne is strong for cleantech and general technology. We can support market entry across all Australian states.
What regions in Latin America do you cover?
Our primary base is Chile, with offices in Santiago and Antofagasta. From Chile, we support market entry across Latin America including Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Chile often serves as an ideal entry point due to its business-friendly environment, free trade agreements, and strong mining and energy sectors.
How do I get started with Balance Energy?
Start with a free 30-minute strategy call. We'll learn about your technology, goals, and timeline, and assess the market opportunity. From there, we build a tailored market entry plan. Book a call at balancenergy.co/contact or email info@balancenergy.co.
Where is Balance Energy located?
Balance Energy has offices in Australia (Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne) and Chile (Santiago, Antofagasta). Our founder Felipe Hödar is based in Australia, originally from Chile, providing authentic connections across both regions.
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