We Open Markets. We Build Relationships
Americas . Europe . Asia
What We Do
NextStep is an international business development consultancy helping companies, trade organizations and institutions grow across borders — through coordinating trade missions, B2B matchmaking, strategic partnerships and market activation.
With over 20 years of relationships built across three continents, we turn cross-border ambition into on-the-ground links.
Understand
- Map competitors, players & entry barriers
- Assess your international readiness
- Find and vet the right local partners
Connect
- Trade fair delegations & B2B matchmaking
- Strategic introductions across 3 corridors
- Structure partnerships & represent your portfolio
Engage
- Organize trade missions, inbound & outbound
- Access high-level investors & decision-makers
- Navigate cross-cultural negotiations with confidence
Manage
- Day-to-day operational support in-market
- Optimize processes & animate business networks
- Outsourced BD and Representation for your brand
Step by Step
From organizing buyer delegations to U.S. trade fairs, to opening doors in France and connecting with partners in China — we provide the relationships, logistics, and expertise to make cross-border business happen.
1. UNDERSTAND — Know your target market before you move
For companies and institutions looking to enter or expand into new markets without costly mistakes.
- Market Analysis & Intelligence
- Export & Market Readiness Assessment
- Business Culture Immersive Workshops
- Market Entry Strategy Advisory
- Local Partner Search & Selection
2. CONNECT — Right people in the right room
Our real competitive advantage: a network built over 20+ years across three continents — and the institutional relationships to activate it.
- Trade Fair Delegation Management
- Qualified buyer recruitment
- Strategic B2B Matchmaking
- Industry Meetings & Effective Networking Coordination
- Professional Community Management & Event Coordination
3. ENGAGE — Activate on the ground
The concrete action phase: missions, roadshows, high-level negotiations.
- Full-service support for International Trade Missions & Roadshows — Outbound & Inbound
- Personalized Learning Expedition (Structured B2B missions meeting agenda, logistics, briefings) for delegations, companies or funds visiting Mexico, France or China)
- High-Level Networking Access
- Cross-Cultural Negotiation Support
- Portfolio Representation On-Site
4. MANAGE — Structure and optimize your local presence
For companies that already have a foothold in the market and need structured, ongoing support.
- Business Development & Company Representation Services
- Project Management for Company Set-Up
- Outsourced Operational Support: Day-to-day support for local operations: vendor coordination, administrative, follow-up, client management.
Trade Shows
Different shows we work on
ANTAD
Asociacion Nacional de Tiendas de Autoservicio y Departamentales
Guadalajara, México
VINEXPO Asia
Wine Expo
Singapore or
Hong Kong, China
FHC China
Food and Hospitality China
Shanghai, China
SIAL Shanghai
Salon International de l’Alimentation
Shanghai, China
SIAL Paris
Salon International de l’Alimentation
Paris, France
SIRHA Lyon
Salon International de la Restauration, de l’Hôtellerie et de l’Alimentation
Lyon, France
GREENBUILD
Different cities
USA
VIVATECH
Viva Technology
Paris, France
SFE
Shanghai International Franchise Expo
Shanghai, China
FERRETERA
Expo Nacional Ferretera
Guadalajara, México
EXPO PACK
Guadalajara, México
EXPO MUEBLE INTERNACIONAL
Guadalajara, México
NextStep Expertise
Built on two decades of relationships across three continents
"We don't just know the markets, we know the people who move them."
Gregory PRUDHOMMEAUX, Co-Founder
French, 3 years in Mexico, 17 years in China, Serial Entrepreneurs, and community builder.
Gregory Prudhommeaux is a French entrepreneur and community builder based in Guadalajara, Mexico, with 17 years of experience in China and over 3 years in Latin America. He helps companies and investment funds expand between Europe, Asia and the Americas, with a focus on building meaningful connections that turn into business results.
Since 2023, Gregory has represented companies and funds in LATAM and North American expansion and co-founded the Jalisco representation of the French Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CCI Franco Mexicaine), where he manages a community of 200+ French–Mexican companies and leads business and governmental missions with the State of Jalisco.
In 2007, he co-founded NextStep, a business networking platform that organized nearly 200 business events in Shanghai and Beijing becoming a key source of contacts and practical insights for European and North American entrepreneurs entering China. In 2009, he joined ALTIOS, the French leader in international business development, as China Managing Director, leading over 100 projects per year across sectors, from FMCG to heavy industry, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Greg later relaunched NextStep Services to support founders and SMEs in Asia through market entry, operational support and consulting. From 2020, he focused on fundraising and M&A projects, helping startups and funds raise a combined 6M+ USD between Europe and China through NextStep Studio, in sectors including F&B, beverages and online gourmet retail.
Relocating to Mexico in 2023, Gregory relaunched NextStep Services to advise companies on North American and LATAM expansion and to support international sourcing and development projects. He has worked with clients such as TERAO, Totzpa Consulting, VIBRA Sports, APRIL Insurance, Adsteel and Wheelskeep.
Gregory holds a Bachelor´s in Business from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Jean Moulin Lyon III University. He is also involved in professional communities and non-profit organizations such as La French Tech and the French Chamber of Commerce.
In 2021, Gregory was appointed Foreign Trade Advisor for France (CCE, Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France) in both China and Mexico. He is fluent in French, English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
Ana RAMOS, Co-Founder
Executive Coach · Business Advisor · Based in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Ana RAMOS is an Executive Coach and Business Advisor with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations, leaders and teams grow — across Mexico, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Born and raised in Mexico, and having lived and worked internationally for most of her career, Ana brings together strategic business thinking, deep cross-cultural expertise and hands-on coaching practice in one profile that is rare in the market.
At NextStep, Ana leads the people and business preparation side of cross-border growth. Her work covers two complementary dimensions:
Business Advisory & International Readiness Ana works with companies at the early stages of international expansion — helping them get ready before they go to market. This includes preparing the commercial and organizational dossiers companies need to approach foreign partners, distributors, trade shows or institutional contacts: company profiles, service portfolios, market entry briefs, and the strategic narratives that open doors. Having navigated complex international environments herself across three continents, she understands both what foreign partners look for and how to present a company's value proposition in a way that travels.
Cross-Cultural Facilitation, Coaching & Organizational Development Ana designs and delivers training programs, coaching engagements and facilitation sessions that equip teams and leaders to operate effectively across cultural contexts. Whether working with a Mexican company preparing for the U.S. market, a French firm navigating Latin American dynamics, or a multinational integrating diverse teams, she translates the complexity of cross-cultural environments into practical, people-centered results. Her methodology draws on neuroscience-based learning, experiential tools and over 20 years of working across Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Ana has a background in Finance & Accounting (ITESO) and is currently completing an Executive Master's in Innovation & Entrepreneurship at HEC Paris (2024–2026), reinforcing her expertise in business strategy, innovation management and entrepreneurial growth.
Ana is fluent in Spanish, English and conversational in French and Chinese.
Let's take your business further
Getting closer to your cross-border goals
Whether you are a company looking to enter or grow in the U.S., Mexico, France, or China — an institutional partner organizing trade missions and delegations — or a fund seeking on-the-ground representation in Latin America or Asia:
NextStep is your partner.
Tell us about your project, and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
