UKTI, Polecat, Make Your Mark, Microsoft, Ten and Techcrunch are arranging UK entrepreneurs to go to San Francisco. The aim is to explore new opportunities for growth with key people in the Silicon Valley.

Engaging UK entrepreneurs with the American market is certainly something which is required. I’m sure it will bring forward opportunities like sales, networking and collaboration for the entrepreneurs. There is a lot to be learnt from the Silicon Valley, what can beat a all paid for flight, internal transfers and hotel accommodation educational journey

Entrepreneurs would get the opportunity to attend the Web 2.0 Expo, meet with Silicon Valleys movers and shakers etc.

I like the fact that the business doesn’t have to have a long trading background. Instead it can demonstrate compelling early-stage fast-track potential (i.e. Business results/plans or Management track record).

Although one of the requirement is:

“Can Demonstrate some commitment to sustainable business practices (eg, positive environmental or social outputs)”

Does that imply Web Mission will give preference to Social Entrepreneurs/businesses ?

When I put this question to Jim Lawn at Polecat, his reply was

Polecat will be providing input into the UK Trade & Industry selection process from a sustainability perspective, looking at how a business can articulate its impact across the triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit. To be clear, no preferential treatment will be given to social entrepreneurs/businesses. The businesses that go out to San Francisco will be sound 21^st Century UK web businesses looking to extend their reach into the US; as such they will also be able to articulate their intended impact on People, Planet and Profit. More than happy to talk this through further with anyone considering applying.

This is really an exciting opportunity. I’m not sure why any entrepreneur in the UK would want to miss it !

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Tags: WebMission, Silicon Valley, UK Entrepreneurs