Business Ideas
Business ideas from most sectors are welcome. There are some sectors that are not eligible as certain industries are not permissible under the SEIS and UK visa programmes. Ineligible businesses include land development, coal production, shipbuilding and operating hotels.
Businesses should
Yes, you must have thoroughly researched and developed your idea in order to answer the questions on the application form and to prepare your pitch deck. You do not have to have started your business prior to joining the Programme. You cannot apply with multiple ideas.
Do all the team members have relocate to the UK for 12 months?
Team members in receipt of the graduate entrepreneur visa are required to remain in the UK for the duration of the Programme and should not leave the UK for extended periods; defined as three weeks over the course of the Programme except in cases of in case of personal necessity, compassionate reasons or medical treatment by agreement with the Programme. If a team member does not want/need to relocate to the UK and there is a strong business case for this, please get in touch with us to confirm eligibility.
Where will I be based in the UK?
The CCE team will place you in one of 12 locations across the UK, this will be carefully selected to ensure it fits with your business idea. Training will be in London and travel expenses will be reimbursed where appropriate.
Do all intellectual property(IP) agreements have to be transferred to the UK?
Any intellectual property owned by the business when they join the Programme or created while on the Programme (if registrable) should be registered in the UK.
Does the company have to establish headquarters in the UK?
Yes, the company created must have its headquarters in the UK and remain registered in the UK for at least the duration of the Programme. Not all employees have to be based in the UK, however the management of the company should be in the UK.
Other than the seed funding, are there any living expenses provided for the selected startups?
No there are no additional funds available, however teams can use the seed funding to help support themselves.
Is there any support to help me develop my idea before I apply?
Unfortunately we are not able to support you to develop your idea to apply, however you may be able to find help at your university or through start-up organisations in your country.
Do I need to have tested or started my business before application?
You will need to have thoroughly researched your idea in order to answer the questions on the application form and to prepare your pitch deck, you do not have to have started your business.
