Tag Archives: Business Immigration

5 elements of a good business plan

cover photo for article about the 5 elements of a good business plan

Writing a good business plan can be a challenging task. In essence, business planning is the first major challenge an entrepreneur faces as it is a blueprint of their venture. In this article, I will outline 5 elements that make a good business plan. This is based on my own experience as a tech founder, consultant and writer.  Writing a good business plan goes beyond proposing a viable business proposition. It entails clear articulation, milestones, well-written content and a thorough blueprint of how your business will succeed.  There are plenty of articles that will refer to the basic and compulsory parts of a business plan such as SWOT analysis and regard them as factors contributing to a good business plan.  However, my aim in this article is to provide you with the correct mindset and approach to: With the aforementioned in mind, let’s highlight the 5 key elements of a good business plan. Inclusion of the key standard sections  Okay, so let’s briefly highlight an obvious part, which many entrepreneurs surprisingly fall short of.  Regardless of the purpose of your business plan and where you are, several key sections must be included in every business plan. These key sections are: Clear & realistic business vision Entrepreneurship and starting a business require vision. And it is fantastic to set high goals. Nevertheless, this is where many entrepreneurs make a mistake. And the mistake is that they “fly too high” and set goals and visions that are essentially unrealistic.  Your vision and anticipated goals should be realistic and based on market trends supported by research.  Clear business milestones  The ideal business plan is not a fancy document to impress your investors or other parties. It is the blueprint of your business as a commercial entity.  And what does a blueprint entail? Clear procedural steps with timelines and outcomes.  Moreover, this is not just related to one part of the business plan, for example, product development.  Each aspect of the business (plan) should be subjected to prior anticipation with clear input/output estimations, whether it is product, marketing, sales or anything else.  Objective market research and avoiding the “founder bias” As stated earlier, I will not highlight standard business plan sections.  However, this part is crucial and you notice that I have used the word “objective”. You may have a business proposal that does respond to a genuine market need. However, this is where what I call the “founder bias” kicks in.  The “founder bias” is when a founder only states market research that supports the notion that there is a need for their product and/or service. This eliminates the “objectivity” aspect.  Your plan must be supported by objective market research, and this is why a business consultant like me is useful.  By highlighting all the facets of the market, you demonstrate enhanced commercial awareness. Plus, it enables you to anticipate and prepare for unexpected market shifts and how to respond accordingly.  Money, money, money (the financials) Regardless of the type of project, the primary goal of a venture is making money. Even if you are starting a non-profit/charity, your finances matter the most.  This is one of the most neglected aspects of many business plans. You must anticipate and account for cash inflows and outflows of your business.  And I get it: this is perhaps among the most difficult aspects, and hence why it is often neglected. However, without a financial analysis that is subject to scrutiny, you are almost always doomed for failure. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs and all founders with their businesses, including their business plans.

Innovator Founder Visa | Policy Analysis

Just over a month ago, I created a YouTube video exploring the policy flaws of the UK’s Innovator Founder visa. This article is essentially a reflection of the same video, highlighting three fundamental policy flaws surrounding the Innovator Founder visa requirements.  *Please note that this content is merely a reflection of my personal opinion and evaluation and does not constitute immigration advice in any shape or form. If you are seeking immigration advice, please refer to OISC to find a registered immigration advisor/solicitor.* According to the UK Government’s website, the Innovator Founder visa allows international entrepreneurs to set up businesses in the UK. Full details of the visa rules can be found HERE.  The purpose of this article, however, is not to outline the general information about this visa. I have written this blog post to: –Highlight the flaws that other founders may resonate with; –To draw the attention of policymakers towards the anticipated flaws of the Innovator Founder visa and how it may potentially harm the UK in the short and long term So, let’s explore the flaws of the Innovator Founder visa policy. The low number of Innovator Founder visa endorsing bodies  This is perhaps the major weakness of the Innovator Founder visa policy.  This is especially the case when one takes a comparative evaluation between this visa path and its predecessor, the Innovator visa.  There are currently 3 endorsing bodies overseeing all applications made under the Innovator Founder visa pathway. This excludes the Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) which is administered by the Department for Business and Trade. The aforementioned is in contrast to over 20 endorsing bodies that had the authority to issue endorsements for the former Innovator visa. Moreover, the previous endorsing bodies included well-established and reputable accelerators such as Founders Factory. To summarise the key issues in relation to the number of endorsing bodies: High endorsement & visa fees  Another major issue which may discourage many prospective applicants is the high visa fees associated with this visa pathway.  Let’s look at the initial costs associated with the Innovator Founder visa (and these are for single applicants only): As you see, you are paying a minimum of ÂŁ3000 to simply make an application under this visa pathway.  By setting such high fees, the UK Government has failed to consider the long-term economic contribution of international entrepreneurs to the UK.  Not applicable to all The Innovator Founder visa is likely to not be applicable to every single founder. And the manner in which this is evident is through the three key business idea requirements, which are: Whilst on the surface, the abovestated factors may seem appropriate, they are not practical in action.  For instance, the viability requirement may only be evident once a business actually begins trading. Yet, this visa is also aimed at entrepreneurs who wish to “set up” their business in the UK. Another instance where the lack of applicability of this visa path is reflected is the removal of the former Startup and Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visas. These visa routes were specifically aimed at founders who were to set up their business in the UK. Personally, I underwent the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route myself under the endorsement of Newcastle University.  Currently, the Innovator Founder visa is a mashup of all founders, from all backgrounds and regardless of their business nature/stage.  Final notes  Entrepreneurship is fundamentally unpredictable and involves a core element of risk. Combining this with stringent and unfeasible immigration requirements does not provide an optimal outcome for any stakeholder. Moreover, it will only serve to weaken the UK’s global position as an entrepreneurial hub.  I appreciate that policymakers ought to ensure that genuine and innovative migrants move to the UK. Nevertheless, policies should be drafted in such a manner that involves a thorough comprehension of entrepreneurship and also mitigates the risk between the government and international entrepreneurs.  Need help with the Innovator Founder visa? I am the UK’s #1 & leading business consultant for international entrepreneurs. Whilst I do not provide immigration advice, I am able to assist in multiple areas such as drafting your Innovator Founder visa business plan.  For a full overview of my services, please refer to my homepage here.  About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.

5 lessons that you learn when you immigrate to another country

cover photo for article about lessons learned after I immigrated to another country- immigration

Deciding to immigrate to another country is life-changing. It will affect virtually every aspect of your life. I immigrated to the UK from Iran when I was only 17 years old, all alone. Today, over a decade later, I want to share 5 lessons that immigration taught me.  If you are considering immigrating to another country, chances are that you want to make a change in your life. That’s awesome; I have so much respect for anybody who takes active steps to improve their lives.  However, if this is your first time immigrating, which is the case with most people, you are probably unaware of the implications that this may have for your life.  As such, I wish to share 5 key lessons that I learned after I immigrated to the UK during my formative years.   1. Most people don’t care about you  This begins to hit you as you find yourself alone in your new “home”. I don’t mean that you will necessarily be lonely, I certainly wasn’t. For the most part, my years as an immigrant were the most social years of my life. I made so many friends and I actually cannot count the number of people that I met.  However, this does not mean that you can rely on others. You really are on your own, and your problems are unique to you.  Let me give you an example: many of my friends, and my close circle of friends in university were British. Despite our close friendship, they simply could not resonate with me or my “immigrant” problems such as worrying about staying in the UK after graduation.  This is a tough lesson, initially. Nevertheless, it is also a chance to build that “immigrant resilience” and self-sufficiency that helps you achieve greater things later in life.  2. And the above includes family members  Now, I do not wish to generalize here, as everyone’s family members are different. And by this, I am not necessarily referring to immediate family members such as parents.  However, when you do immigrate, you will face barriers and problems in your life. And guess what? Tough times show you who really cares, and who does not.  Do not be surprised if you notice that you have lost contact with family members whom you regarded as life companions.  It is a sad reality in the world that failure and hard times are also very lonely.  3. You may lose your identity after you immigrate  Once you settle in after you immigrate, and integrate, you may lose touch with who you really are.  You may begin to question your identity, your core values, your culture and so on.  This is not necessarily a bad thing. Having this “comparative” outlook broadens your mental horizon.  However, it can be a difficult issue to face. Moreover, I firmly believe that our “values” strongly affect how far we get in life. Questioning your values will help you understand what your life purpose really is, and isn’t.  4. Do not expect a red carpet to be laid down for you Let me be absolutely clear here, and I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news: immigrating, in many scenarios, means that you are socially subordinate. The logic is essentially that “you have immigrated to this country because it is somehow better than yours”. Thus, be ready for many people to misunderstand your culture and where you come from. 5. The only way to survive is becoming stronger and wiser  As I said, you are on your own. This is a fact of life, and it is reinstated even more once you become an “immigrant”.  You will face injustice, discrimination, and unfairness. Yes, it sucks. But that’s a reality.  My advice to you: do not fall into the victimhood mentality. Improve your physical and intellectual capabilities every single day.  When I came to the UK as a college student, I was a skinny teenager who could barely write a formal email. Today, I’m an athlete, and a leading business consultant and hold a master’s degree in law.  These are the lessons that I learnt after I immigrated to the UK. I hope these help you prepare for your journey and give you a realistic outlook of what to expect.  About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.

5 disadvantages of moving to the UK as an international entrepreneur or skilled migrant

article cover image for 5 disadvantages of moving to the UK as an international entrepreneur or skilled migrant

If you are an international entrepreneur or skilled migrant, and thinking of moving to the UK then you have likely considered the pros and cons of doing so. This article will highlight 5 disadvantages of moving to the UK as an international entrepreneur or skilled migrant.  I have recently made a YouTube video covering the topic of moving to the UK as an international entrepreneur or skilled migrant. So, if you’re a “video person” then feel free to browse this topic on my YouTube channel.  Nonetheless, let’s talk about moving to the UK as a founder or skilled employee. Most businesses operating in the immigration sector will overwhelm you with the advantages of considering the UK. And they are not necessarily wrong, there are plenty of advantages to moving to the UK.  However, my goal is to be as authentic as possible, and represent the interests of international entrepreneurs and skilled professionals migrating to the UK. As such, I deemed it beneficial to dedicate an entire blog article/video to the disadvantages of moving to the UK. This is in light of the current political, economic and social landscapes.  So, with that in mind, let’s look at the five disadvantages of moving to the UK on an Innovator Founder visa or as a skilled migrant.  The social life (or lack thereof)  As mentioned in the video, the UK’s culture is more reserved in contrast to many others around the world.  This is simply a fact that you must accept. Nor should you expect a host country to change its culture for you to adapt.  Nevertheless, my point here does not refer to the reserved nature of the UK’s social fabric. It refers to a sense of looming “dread” that has taken over the British Isles, especially after the 2020 Pandemic.  The majority of people in the UK, with the exception of students, prefer to simply go to work and sit at home and watch TV. Other than that, there’s the culture of binge drinking, which may not appeal to everybody.  This can also be partly blamed on the current cost of living crisis, as well as the rise of social media. The latter, in my opinion, has led to a decrease in people’s socialising skills and authenticity.  Therefore, if you come from a people-oriented society/culture, which is predominant in Eastern cultures, this can be an issue.  The UK’s polarised society  There is a major divide between different segments of the society within the UK. As explained in the YouTube video, the key dividing factor in the UK is socio-economic class. Regardless of being wealthy or not, you are somehow demonised by each class. The housing crisis Britain is facing a major housing crisis. I’m sure you can guess the outcome: you have to spend more for less.  The UK has a demand-supply deficit of over 4 million homes, according to a report by the Centre for Cities in 2023.  Hostility & micro-aggressions that drain your mental health This is a byproduct of several issues such as the current politico-economic climate. Notably, issues such as the refugee crisis and so on.  The purpose of this article is not to deconstruct these issues. I aim to paint a clearer picture of issues that international entrepreneurs and skilled migrants may face upon arrival in the UK.  The everyday micro-aggressions and general tension within the UK society will eventually be draining. Plus, they add to the many problems that come with being a skilled migrant. In my personal case, for instance, I substantially noticed this when using the NHS services, which I thought was quite unfair. Especially given that I was paying for it via the NHS Health Surcharge.  The immigration system Lastly, there is navigating the UK’s immigration system, which is constantly changing and subject to increased and strict scrutiny. Moreover, there is the issue of fee increases on a regular basis. This can really disadvantage certain migrants such as international entrepreneurs. Of course, this is not to argue that the immigration system should accommodate everybody. International founders and skilled migrants are investing their time, skills and money. Thus, this can become a negative factor.  These are the 5 disadvantages of moving to the UK as an international entrepreneur or skilled migrant.  If you are still considering moving to the UK, and need help, feel free to drop me a message.  This is particularly applicable to international founders considering the Innovator Founder visa and who need help with things such as their business plan.  About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.

Innovator Founder Visa: Business Consultant vs. Business Plan Writer

If you are considering the Innovator Founder visa, you have probably come across the terms “business plan writer” and “business consultant”. Well, at least on my website/channels you have. So let’s look at the difference between a business plan writer and a business consultant. Understanding the difference will also help you decide which one may be useful to you.  Depending on your venture and personal skills, you may need the help of a business plan writer or business consultant for your Innovator Founder visa application.  First of all, I will do the “sales” part to inform you that I am both a business plan writer and a business consultant. Nevertheless, this is not usually the case, distinguishing me from any other service pertaining to Innovator Founder visa and international founders. In fact, I am the UK’s first and #1 business consultant for international founders. Moreover, I was an immigrant entrepreneur myself and settled in the UK via several business visas.  Okay, now let’s look at each in detail, followed by a comparison table at the end.  Business Plan Writer In the abstract, the function of a plan writer is perhaps quite clear. Business plan writers possess the knowledge and skills to produce a well-written and well-researched business plan However, the key point is that a business plan writer may not necessarily be familiar with running a business or have prior experience of doing so.  The key competencies of a business plan writer are: Business Consultant  Business consultants, in contrast to business plan writers, are essentially there to advise on your business concept/protocols. Thus, they may not necessarily engage in producing business plans. However, they help you understand what needs to go on your business plan and eventually your venture.  The core competencies of a business consultant are: Summary Business Consultant Business Plan Writer In-depth industry knowledge  Understanding of business plan standards  Experience in running and scaling a business  Language/writing skills Need help? I operate as both a consultant and plan writer Whether you need help with writing your business consultant or are seeking a consultant to advise on your operations, I am here to help.  Get in touch with me today to find out more. You may also watch a YouTube video that I have made on the same topic.  About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size with the digital marketing strategy around SEO, copywriting and content.

Approaching an Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Body: 3 things to consider

*Disclaimer: None of the content in this article, or this website, constitutes any form of immigration advice whatsoever. The material in relation to immigration on this website is solely “signposting” and readers are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified advisor using the OISC’s website. Any opinions expressed on this website are those of the author and of a business nature, nor do they constitute any form of advice.* Starting a business in the UK requires an endorsement from an Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Body. These are organisations that are approved by the Home Office to issue endorsements to selected international entrepreneurs.  According to the UK Government’s website, there are currently 3 Innovator Founder visa Endorsing Bodies, which you can find HERE. Regardless of your immigration status/nationality, the process of approaching an Innovator Founder visa Endorsing Eody does have a business/commercial element. For instance, your business plan and how well you articulate your idea are integral to the endorsement outcome.  In this article, I seek to highlight 3 points that may be beneficial in choosing an Endorsing Body. This is best for your business proposition (e.g. their past portfolio and expertise in your sector). Thus, these factors are the “business/commercial” ones rather than being associated with the visa application.  Communication This is a significant factor in any form of relationship, whether personal or professional.  Moreover, you will have to work with the Innovator Founder visa Endorsing Body that you choose for the duration of your visa. Hence, it’s important to ensure there is sufficient communication that you feel comfortable with as an entrepreneur.  Pay attention to how you and the Endorsing Body communicate in the initial stage. Communication is always a reliable indicator. Communication is also evident in an organisation’s clarity about their procedures. Startup portfolio of the Endorsing Body Another helpful factor in choosing an Endorsing Body, or even another stakeholder such as an accelerator in the next stages, is looking at the past companies under their support.  One that may be decisive is industry knowledge. For instance, you have a business proposition in the Blockchain sector and the Endorsing Body has previously supported founders in the same industry. Additional support offered by the Innovator Founder Visa endorsing body Each founder has their own unique circumstances. Therefore, it is a good idea to find out whether the Endorsing Body that you are targeting offers any form of additional support.  However, as stated, this may not be applicable to every founder.  About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.

Immigration Business Plans: 3 things to keep in mind

Preparing an immigration business plan can be a tedious and stressful task. There are many things to consider when starting a business, and each must be reflected in the business plan. This is not exclusive to immigration business plans, but any form of business plan. Moreover, preparing an immigration business plan is separate from being a competent entrepreneur. This is precisely where a business consultant such as myself comes in. In this article, I aim to highlight 3 things to prioritise when preparing an immigration business plan. These are applicable irrespective of whether you writing the plan yourself or working with a consultant/business plan writer. So before discussing the key points, let’s evaluate why writing an immigration business plan can get tricky. As I said earlier, you may be a skilled entrepreneur and have a viable business proposition. However, the issue can sometimes be in communicating that proposition in the best way possible. For example, a business plan may be far better when written with native-level fluency and using visual elements.  The many factors that are inherent to a business plan require clear articulation above all. Let’s face it: First impressions are instrumental in outcomes. And your business plan is the opportunity to make that first “professional” impression.  With this in mind, now let’s take a look at 3 key things to consider when preparing a business plan. 1. Problem & Solution  Problem & solution are the key introductory elements of your business plan. Moreover, they also include an overview of what your product or service is.  Ensure to clearly emphasise the following: It is important to be thorough yet clear with this part. By “clear” I am referring to simple, graspable and non-technical language.  In summary, focus on clearly communicating the problem you solve and how you do so. 2. Numbers, numbers, numbers….. Please take this lesson from me as an entrepreneur who has been on both sides of the spectrum: “Cash is king”.  Cash flow is the bloodline of every business. Unless you are a charity, non-profit or similar organisation, your goal is to make money.  Interestingly, many founders over-focus on other aspects such as their product instead of prioritising how they will manage their company’s cash flow and revenue stream. To keep it short: 3. Use visual elements in an immigration business plan Nobody wants to read large chunks of paragraphs in a 20-50 page-long document. Utilise the power of visual elements to create an engaging immigration business plan. These can include charts, bars, graphs and much more.  These are 3 things to keep in mind when preparing an immigration business plan. If you need assistance with writing yours, get in touch with me today.  About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.

Startup Visa Business Ideas: 3 Simple Steps to Get Started

cover photo for article about how to come up with startup visa business ideas written by Sohrab Vazir

Are you thinking about your next step and exploring startup visa business ideas? Every successful venture starts off with an idea. Thus, the right business idea is the seed of future success.  In this article, I want to help you get started with exploring startup visa business ideas. This article is essentially a “how to” guide for aspiring migrant founders.  Brief intro about me: I moved to the UK when I was 17 on a student visa. Following the completion of my master’s degree at Newcastle University, I founded my own startup.  My venture, StudyFlats, simplifies renting for students going abroad. It was built upon my own experience of being an international student in the UK. I scaled this business to over 30 UK cities and also obtained Settlement in the UK via the former Entrepreneur Visa scheme.  Therefore, I’ve been there! And in this guide, I will hopefully make your life easier as a founder. Believe it or not, exploring startup ideas mainly requires common sense. Some of the largest companies in the world such as Uber are built on relatively simple concepts. Here are the steps you should take to come up with startup visa business ideas: Find a personal “pain” point Ask yourself the following questions: Starting off with things that are personally inconvenient in your life is a great first step in exploring startup visa business ideas. What are you personally skilled at? What is your passion? Do you possess a specific skill set or competence in a specialist area? Moreover, this could also be a particular life experience (e.g. going abroad). As a matter of principle, it’s essential for a founder to know the associated industry of their prospective venture. Therefore, an area in which you are already competent is a great starting point.  For example: as an international student, I realised that there were no accommodation websites for overseas students. My proposed solution was a website that targeted international students before they moved to the UK.   The key point here is that I knew my industry / international students because I was one myself.  Startup visa business ideas relevant to the host market Finally, another important point to keep in mind is how relevant and applicable your idea is to the target destination.  In this step, ask yourself these questions: Hopefully, these tips will help you in your discovery of startup visa business ideas and ultimately pursue the right one. Need help? Get in touch with me today or click here to find out more about my Startup and Innovator visa business consultancy.  About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.

How To Create an Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan?

Cover image with animation for article about How to create an innovator visa business plan written by Sohrab Vazir

If you’re considering the UK’s Innovator Founder Visa, then one of your key questions is probably “how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan?” *Disclaimer: please note that I am not an immigration adviser, nor do I offer any immigration advice. My services are purely of a business nature. Rightly so, one of your key concerns should be how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan. In this article, I will briefly highlight 3 steps that you should take in order to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan.  However, it’s perhaps more accurate to state that these steps will provide the “groundwork” guide for how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan.  Seek expert opinion Regardless of how much of a seasoned entrepreneur you may be, it’s important to get another perspective.  The Innovator Visa route is expensive and you have to invest plenty of time into it. Thus, it’s key to get it right from the start.  In this sense, I am the expert that you can speak to (more about me HERE).  Determine the viability & innovative aspect of your concept Before taking any other steps, it’s imperative to ensure your idea is both viable and innovative. Here are a few questions/pointers to help you get started: Of course, these are only a small point but they will help to place you in the right path.  Research the Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Bodies  Generally business plans follow a standard structure, with certain differences depending on the business and its industry.  One of the most helpful things you can do is to get to know the endorsing bodies. Subsequently, it’s key to understand the endorsing body or bodies that you wish to target.  In doing so, pay attention to the following: Hopefully these tips should help you get an idea about how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan…..Need help? Get in touch with me today for an informal consultation to discuss your business proposition. As a former veteran of the business immigration path, I am best equipped to help you create a solid Innovator Founder Visa business plan. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa (which was replaced by the Innovator visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies. Helpful Resources Immigration business plans: 3 things to keep in mind

3 Things to Consider Before Applying For the Innovator Founder Visa

Cover photo for article by Sohrab Vazir about 3 things to consider before applying for Startup and Innovator Visas

Applying for the Innovator Founder visa requires thought and careful planning. Not only do you have to make your business a success, but you also have to adjust to living in a new country.  None of the content in this article or website shall constitute immigration advice in any shape or form. For immigration queries, please refer to a regulated solicitor or an immigration advisor regulated by the OISC. Here are 3 things that you should keep in mind if you’re considering to apply for the UK’s Innovator Founder visa. Living expenses Aside from your business, you need to account for your living costs. Whilst this may seem obvious, the key point is long-term planning. You need to plan for several scenarios, several of which include: Planning carefully for this is essential and ensures there are no nasty surprises later on. Application, immigration & visa costs Aside from your business and personal expenses, there are other costs too. You must find out whether your endorsing body will charge you and if yes, how much.  Depending on your circumstances, these costs can vary.  Linguistic & cultural differences Again, this also depends on your circumstances. For some, this may not be an issue in the slightest. However, it may take time to get accustomed to cultural differences and different business practices.  Therefore, it’s a good idea to learn about the UK’s business culture and everyday life if you’re unfamiliar.  These are three obvious, yet underestimated, things to consider before applying for the Innovator Founder visa.  If you need business assistance for your idea/company before applying for the Innovator Founder visa, then get in touch with me today or visit my page to find out more. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.

Oops, this feature is disabled to protect against copyright infringement and enhance web security.