Step by Step: How to set up and scale operations in Colombia, a practical guide inspired by Floritec’s case

 1. Define your entry model and the real scope of operations 

Before registering a company, align on three decisions that shape everything else:

• What you will execute in Colombia, R&D, manufacturing, services, or commercial activity.
• The level of investment and assets, especially if you will build, equip, or adapt facilities.
• The capabilities your local team needs, roles, hiring, payroll, and social security.

• Outcome: an operational roadmap with scope, milestones, budget framework, and internal responsibilities. 

2. Incorporation and administrative setup from day one 

Once scope is clear, the next step is incorporating the company and leaving the structure ready to operate, not just to exist legally. 

Key elements typically include:

• Entity type and corporate structure aligned to the operation.
• Formal registrations and required authorizations.
• Minimal admin roles, whether in house or outsourced.
• Controls for traceability, reporting, and internal oversight.

Ongresso supported Floritec from the initial stage, providing the administrative guidance needed to create a formal operation aligned with legal and operational requirements. 

• Outcome: a formally incorporated company ready to operate, hire, and run payments correctly. 

3. Accounting and financial control

When infrastructure investment is part of the plan, accounting becomes a visibility tool that keeps decisions grounded. Clear records, consistent follow up, and simple controls support transparency, protect the investment, and keep execution moving. 

Practical actions:

• Set up cost centers early.
• Define approvals, supporting documents, and expense policies.
• Run monthly closes with clear indicators.
• Keep reconciliations and traceability across payments, contracts, and procurement. 

With Floritec, Ongresso supported operational control and investment tracking through disciplined documentation and regular reporting.

• Outcome: stronger visibility, organized documentation, and better control to support decisions. 

4. Employment administration 

Daily execution relies on the team, and a solid employment administration keeps operations stable. With consistent payroll and social security processes, companies strengthen compliance and continuity, while teams stay focused on delivery.

Good practices:

• Align contracts with roles and regulations.
• Run payroll on a fixed calendar.
• Keep social security documentation complete and traceable.
• Align internal policies for recurring activities. 

Ongresso supports Floritec by managing core processes, including payroll, social security, accounting, and general administration.

• Outcome: on time payments, stable operations, and less admin load for technical teams. 

5. Regulatory compliance and operational oversight 

When leadership stays focused on the core business, administration runs best with clear oversight and consistent routines. This builds order, transparency, and continuity, and it also keeps execution moving smoothly.

For Floritec, Ongresso provided regulatory compliance support and overall operational supervision, supported by ongoing communication to track resources and keep administration efficient.

• Outcome: operational continuity and trust, backed by stable, repeatable processes. 

6. Consolidation and scaling once the foundation holds

Today, Floritec has completed the setup of the space required for operations and is fully focused on R&D activities in Colombia. As the project matures, the administrative engine must scale with it, strengthening processes and controls as needed. 

At Ongresso, we remain committed to supporting Floritec, ensuring the administrative foundation stays strong so the company can keep growing and reaching its goals in the country. 

Conclusion 

Expanding into Colombia works best when the process is built with structure, because compliance and administration are not an afterthought, they are part of the engine that enables progress. If your company is planning to enter Colombia, or you have already started operations and need a stronger administrative base, an integrated support model helps optimize resources, reduce operational burden, and improve decision making. 

Planning to operate in Colombia and want a solid foundation from day one? Let’s talk. Ongresso supports incorporation, administration, and compliance so your team can stay focused on the core business.