International Entrepreneurs Scheme Enters Next Phase

A government backed programme that encourages graduate entrepreneurs into the UK has launched its next competition to win a place in the scheme.

Sirius, run by UK Trade and Investments (UKTI), claims to allow such candidates around the world to set up and become successful in the country.

“[The programme] brings together a vibrant mix of creative and innovative start-ups and multi-nationals working together across the UK,” claims the website.

“It is designed to create the next generation of successful entrepreneurs and tomorrow’s global businesses,” the site adds.

The scheme provides financial support, mentoring, visa endorsement, networking opportunities, office space, training and bank accounts.

Sirius was initially launched in September last year, receiving around 1500 applications from 93 countries.

The list was then shortened to 40 star-up businesses that were chosen by a panel of independent “entrepreneurship experts.”

Technology event InnoTech, coffee biofuel company Bio-Bean and the smartphone charging device SaveSquared were the success stories.

From December, the people behind these ideas have received intensive training, mentoring and networking sessions across the UK.

“The first Sirius programme was a huge success. The sheer calibre and talent of the applicants we received from all over the world testament to the attractiveness of the UK and the opportunities it can provide,” claimed Paola Cuneo, Sirius campaign director at UKTI.

“UK Is Attractive For Business”

Professional services provider KPMG released research in March that found that the UK is among the most competitive locations for business.

Meanwhile, last month, London’s Tech City chairman Joanna Shields claimed that the country has the potential to be the digital capital of the world, noting “phenomenal growth” in new tech companies.

© 24N.biz