Innovation finance training for Colombian entrepreneurs

A group of 15 aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners from Colombia took part in an innovation finance programme, designed by Kingston Business School.

The nine-day course focused on seed funding and early-stage venture capital, financing models that have built many successful brands in their early years including Apple, Microsoft, Google and Amazon.

Delegates benefited from masterclasses, role playing and case studies, delivered by experienced industry practitioners and academics, as well as a dedicated website updated daily with presentations, photos and further reading.

The group also visited state-of-the-art business accelerators – organisations that support small businesses with development and growth – and British investors.

They put their new knowledge to work by pitching ideas to a panel of investor experts.

"It was a great opportunity to learn and understand very well the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the UK. I will go back home very inspired to implement some of the ideas that I got through this programme," said Marcela Calderon.

"The visits to the funds, business angels association and venture capitalists were very enlightening," said Omar Calvo.

A month after their UK trip, most of the group said they had made significant progress in their businesses and all 15 delegates said they would recommend the course to others.