Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
Tag Archives: Migration
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
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?
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
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.
The Link Between Immigration and Entrepreneurship: An Insight
Immigration and entrepreneurship are two seemingly distinct, yet interrelated, socio-economic phenomenons. The changing natures of commerce and human mobility continue to evolve per global trends and affairs. In this article, I will investigate the link between immigration and entrepreneurship. The other key objective is to identify the influencing factors of the connection between immigration and entrepreneurship. In doing so, I will first provide a brief historical outlook. Thereafter, I will evaluate the latter In light of the fundamental changes through technology and globalisation. Before proceeding further, it is beneficial to provide the readers with concise and separate historical overviews of immigration and entrepreneurship. This enables this research to: “Brief history on Immigration and Entrepreneurship” Immigration: historical & contextual outlook Migration theory Understanding the correlation between immigration and any other socioeconomic phenomena demands a comprehension of human mobility and displacement in a historical context. Immigration is a phenomenon that most of the global population is aware of in some shape or form. Besides, this is a trend that is unlikely to change in light of the anticipated prospective global migration landscape. Interestingly, the work of Rystad (1992), dated three decades ago, makes an exclusive reference to this argument. He states that global migration has to be regarded as a “permanent phenomenon” instead of a “temporary movement”. An interesting point that must be highlighted is that Rystad made this observation in 1992. Fast forward to over thirty years later and Rystad’s view continues to demonstrate its validity. Understanding a socioeconomic phenomenon such as migration demands an insight, however brief, into its existence through a historical lens. It is unfortunate that the limited scope of this article does not allow for a sufficient analysis of migration history. However, the work of Manning (2013) provides a useful starting point. He highlights several key important historical events of human migration as well as their outcome for both the migrants and their destinations. For instance, in an ancient historical context, Manning (2013) refers to the mass migration of the speakers of Indo-European languages to Iran (known as “Persia” by then) and India. The importance of this event is the substantial cultural change in their destinations as a result of migration. Furthermore, Manning’s work is highly relevant to this article as he categorises migration into four different types. He divides migration into the following categories: The fourth form of migration (cross-community) is perhaps the focal point of analysis. Nevertheless, it’s imperative to note that the author argues that most forms of migration have derived significant social, and technological changes in their destination communities (Manning, 2013; pp. 4-6). Why do people immigrate? Lastly, understanding the incentives behind migration allows for a better comprehension of the correlation between immigration and entrepreneurship. Therefore, I will refer to the work of Manning (2013; pp. 7-8) as in my view he offers a thorough categorisation of why humans migrate. According to the author, voluntary human migration may be motivated by the following four factors: From the aforementioned, it can be argued that, overall, improvement of circumstances, self-transformation and risk are common elements. What is entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship is defined as: “the control and deployment of resources to create an innovative economic organisation (or network of organisations) for gain or growth under conditions of risk and uncertainty” (Dollinger, 2008; pp.9-10). The aforementioned presents an accurate description of entrepreneurship as it acknowledges several key components that form the philosophy of entrepreneurship. Thus, we may categorise its principal elements in the manner below: “Entrepreneurship is the control and deployment of resources to create an innovative economic organisation (or network of organisations) for gain or growth under conditions of risk and uncertainty” Dollinger, 2008 Analysis Background & author’s note Before proceeding to highlight external academic work and/or research, I would like to highlight a key point. Dollinger’s definition of entrepreneurship emphasises resources and risk. As the following sections of this research will focus on the “risk” element, there is a key gap in the existing literature. This gap is evident in the lack of reference to how migrant resources can be a driving factor in increasing migrant entrepreneurship rates. Per my personal experience, many migrants either have no resources (i.e. cash, liquid or physical assets) OR they have a fluidity of resources. For instance, prospective migrant is far more likely to convert their (physical) assets into cash for the purpose of immigration. The aforementioned demands extensive research and analysis which are beyond the limited scope of this research. Nonetheless, it is important to identify, acknowledge and further evaluate the “resource” factor of migration in the context of entrepreneurship. Immigration and entrepreneurship: the link As the starting point of this, I will begin the analysis with a Harvard Business Review article by Vandor (2021). Vandor adopts the stance that immigrants are overall more entrepreneurial and more likely to start businesses. His work is valuable to this research as he draws his hypothesis using several studies. Moreover, he also examines the personal factors surrounding individual migrants. Thus, the aforementioned facilitate a better understanding of the link between employability and entrepreneurship. First and foremost, it is useful to consider some studies concerning migrant entrepreneurship; notable statistics include: In a theoretical context, it was previously stated that “risk” is a mutual factor between pursuing entrepreneurship and migration. The statistics above also further support the idea that a direct link between entrepreneurship and migration is present. However, establishing the latter also begs the question of “how” they are relevant. Perhaps this is the vulnerability of the existing literature surrounding this topic. This is evident in Vandor’s rationale behind the link in question, as well as highlighting the differing viewpoints. In reference to existing research, Vandor (2021) refers to issues such as employment discrimination and adverse policy effects. However, through a study conducted by himself, Vandor argues that the inclination to pursue either entrepreneurship and the decision to migrate share a common factor. This mutual element is the willingness to take risks. Remarks As stated earlier, the scope of this research is…
My Experience of the UK Business Visa System
If you’re considering a UK business visa, learning about other people’s experiences is helpful. For those unfamiliar with me or my work: I started my business in the UK as a 22-year-old international graduate on a business visa. After successful extensions and further UK business visas, I obtained permanent residency in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain). This was all through my initial business: StudyFlats. Firstly, allow me to elaborate that this is the old visa system and many aspects of this article may not be relevant today. Nor is this any form of immigration advice and it is solely my personal experience. I received two endorsements from Newcastle University for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (the former version of the current Start-Up Visa). I subsequently obtained a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (T1E). The latter was the former version of the current Innovator Visa), although with different requirements. As part of the T1E visa extension requirements, the two below were the primary; Whilst they may seem relatively straightforward (though demanding), it was, in fact, quite the opposite. The manner in which the two requirements above were required to be demonstrated to the Home Office was quite complicated. For instance, your proof of investment or job creation would not be acceptable via bank statements/payment proof alone. I was required to enrol my staff on PAYE (provided by HMRC). Plus, the investment proof was subject to stringent requirements. The investment aspect on whether the money was invested via share capital or director’s loan. Below are just “some” examples of the concerns that I had; As stated, I received two endorsements from Newcastle University for my start-up, StudyFlats. Generally speaking, the process of obtaining endorsements can be long and complex. However, it is difficult to define a universal set of problems on this note. This is because endorsing institutions each have their own requirements. This is the case even under the current UK business visa system. This was very confusing and strict to adhere to. One example was when I wanted to rent an office space (as remote working was not yet the norm in 2019). I discovered that, by law, each person is entitled to a minimum space of 11 cubic metres. As I in fact was employing 4 people (instead of 2), this required plenty of time and consideration. Read more about this on the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). As mentioned earlier, the investment aspect itself was quite tricky. An example of this was that the director’s remuneration could not be counted as an investment. Moreover, deciding an investment structure (share capital vs. director’s loan) could have future ramifications if StudyFlats were to raise investment. Employing staff as a solo founder/director is tricky enough. Combine the latter with strict immigration requirements and the degree of complexity is limitless. This is particularly with strict employment laws being in force. Tip: there are lots of “P” forms that you will need to learn about. Therefore, I suggest cracking on with pre-emptive research if you’re planning to recruit staff. Last, but certainly not least, the biggest struggle was just managing and growing the company. Do a simple search about entrepreneurship challenges and you will come across SO much material, and perhaps millions of problems. Entrepreneurship is a tough journey. However, it can be extremely difficult when pursued in the business framework. This is not to discourage founders. If you have a viable idea/business that you believe in, you will overcome the challenges. If I could do it, then so can you! In short, UK business visas can be complex….. However, with the right mindset, management and direction you can overcome the complexity. As stated, the current UK business visa system does substantially differ from the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. Need help with a UK business visa endorsement? As you have probably seen through my countless disclaimers (another aspect of being an entrepreneur in the UK), I am not an immigration advisor. However, I am a business consultant who can help you map the right idea and also help with your business planning. Better business planning and awareness will maximise your chance of getting an endorsement. And that’s why I’m here! Get in touch with me today for a free 1:1 introductory call. 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. For more info, please visit here.
The Realities of Being a Foreign Entrepreneur
In today’s globalized world, being a foreign entrepreneur is becoming an increasingly popular phenomenon. Subsequently, there’s a growing body of academic and non-academic material revolving around migrant entrepreneurship. In this article, I’ll seek to highlight a number of realities about being a foreign entrepreneur, building on my personal experience. Firstly, allow me to state that being a foreign entrepreneur is not “all sunshine and rainbows” (as the famous Rocky Balboa once said). It carries an enormous amount of risk and can be a quite dark life path (anybody who says otherwise either lacks the knowledge or is lying to you). My purpose in writing this guide is to provide you with a “no BS” and informative piece of advice that can hopefully enable you to consider every aspect of this journey before embarking on it. There’s a good chance your mental health will suffer Let’s face it: there’s a reason why the majority of people don’t start their own businesses. First and foremost, there’s a huge amount of risk involved with no guarantee for any return. This factor alone is enough to make entrepreneurship a non-option for most. But assuming that you’ll proceed regardless of the aforementioned, the constant risk and uncertainty are bound to affect your mental health. Immigration rules can be rigid This is a broad observation, and it highly depends on the country that you migrate to. Nevertheless, you’ll be bound by some form of immigration legislation, and may have to meet specific milestones for extending your stay in the host country. As mentioned earlier, entrepreneurship is unpredictable in itself, let alone having to meet pre-defined goals. The worse part is that you may invest time and money, and still not meet those objectives. Not only are you jeopardizing your most valuable assets, time and money, but you may even have to leave the place that you deemed to be your new home (worst-case scenario, of course). Of course, as I mentioned, this is objective given that different countries have varying rules around their entrepreneur/startup visas. Personally, I went through the foreign entrepreneur journey via the UK’s former Tier 1 GE and Entrepreneur visas, and “easy” is not a word I would use to describe that path. Prepare for (a lot of) rejections I am generally under the assumption that most people associate rejection with employment applications, or their social and romantic lives. Hence, let me elaborate: it’s highly likely that you will have to endure a considerable amount of rejections. Whether it’s from prospective clients, customers, or funders such as VCs and angel investors, you will need to be ready for it. You may face a scarcity of resources Being a migrant may limit some of the business resources that are available to you. For instance, a native person may have access to business loans made available by banks. However, the same option may be unavailable to you due to you having a time limit on your stay. Again, this is a general and objective observation. It is best practice to be prepared for minimal resources and emphasize self-sufficiency. You may be seen as a “cash cow” This is something which I personally experienced in the early days, and it did irritate me a great deal. It was perhaps partly true, as I did invest a substantial amount of money in order to obtain my visa. But the unsettling aspect was the sense of exploitation that I felt when I sought to outsource the company’s projects. To give you an example: I started my company, StudyFlats, as a solo non-technical founder. As I had no idea how websites worked, I obtained some quotes for the website to be coded. Some of these quotes were in the region of tens of 1000s of pounds, for a simple WordPress website. Needless to say, I eventually did it myself at a cost of ÂŁ300. This is just one instance to demonstrate how fast you’ll lose your money if you lack the right skills and knowledge. Being a foreign entrepreneur is a life-changing experience Lastly, I will say that being a migrant entrepreneur is an experience that will shift your perspective and life direction indefinitely. Once you overcome the obstacles and grow your concept, you will realize your true competencies as a person, which you may have never imagined. I hope this guide has given you an idea about what to expect in the bittersweet journey of migrant entrepreneurship. If you require any consultation from someone who’s been there and done it before, ping me for a chat here. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, 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.
The Challenges of Being an Immigrant Entrepreneur
Starting a business as an immigrant entrepreneur can be challenging. There are many uncertainties along the way that might make it difficult to take the leap and start your own business. In this article, I’ll explore some of the challenges you may encounter when starting your own business abroad as an expat, and what you can do to ease the process! The hardships of being an immigrant entrepreneur Starting your own business is hard enough, but add in the challenges of being an immigrant entrepreneur and it can seem downright impossible. From finding the right visa to accessing capital, there are a number of unique hurdles you’ll need to overcome. But don’t despair – with careful planning and a bit of tenacity, you can make your migrant entrepreneurship dream a reality. Here are some of the challenges you may face, and how to overcome them. One of the first challenges you’ll face as a migrant entrepreneur is finding the correct visa. Depending on your country of origin and destination, there may be a number of different visas available to you. However, not all visas will allow you to start your own business – so it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. Once you’ve found the right visa, the next hurdle is accessing capital. Without the right financial backing (though the amount varies depending on the destination), it can be difficult to get your business off the ground. You may need to consider alternative financing options such as crowdfunding or small business loans. Another potential challenge is language barriers. If you’re not fluent in the language of your destination country, it can be difficult to communicate with potential customers or partners. The Road to Success As a migrant entrepreneur, you will face many obstacles on the road to success. But, with hard work and determination, you can overcome these obstacles and achieve your goals. One of the biggest challenges you will face is finding funding for your business. Many banks and investors are reluctant to lend money to immigrant entrepreneurs because they perceive them as high-risk. However, there are a number of organisations that provide loans and other financial assistance to immigrant entrepreneurs. Another option is to raise funds through crowdfunding platforms such as Crowdfunder. You will also need to deal with visa and immigration issues. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is essential to ensure that you have the right to live and work in your chosen country. Another challenge you may face is cultural differences. This can be a barrier to networking and building relationships with potential customers and clients. It is important to research the culture of your target market and adapt your communication style accordingly. Despite the challenges, being a immigrant entrepreneur can be a very rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to build something from scratch, create jobs, and make a positive impact in your community. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve success as an expat entrepreneur. End of the Challenge As an immigrant entrepreneur, you may have faced many challenges along the way. But don’t give up! You can overcome these challenges and be successful in your venture. Here are some tips to help you end the challenge: 1. Stay positive and motivated It can be easy to feel defeated when you’re facing difficulties, but it’s important to stay positive and keep going. Remember why you started your business and what your goals are. This will help you push through the tough times. 2. Seek advice and support There’s no need to go through the challenges alone. Seek out advice and support from family, friends, mentors, or other entrepreneurs. They can offer valuable insights and help you find solutions to the problems you’re facing. 3. Be persistent Success seldom comes easy, so it’s important to be persistent in pursuing your goals. Don’t give up when things get tough. If you keep working hard, you will eventually achieve your objectives. If you’re seeking help with setting up your business abroad and require consultancy, check out my services or contact me to find out how I can help! 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.