Aspiring entrepreneurs are being urged to take advantage of a scheme backed by multi-million Sir Richard Branson to help with loans and mentoring.

The Virgin StartUp Live, a not-for-profit company backed by Sir Richard, has been touring the country and is set to be in Cambridge on September 4.

Virgin StartUp Live aims to reach 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and is on a mission to help them get their businesses off the ground.

Since its creation in October 2013, Virgin StartUp, has offered financial support, mentoring and business advice to over 200 aspiring entrepreneurs.

The company provides start-up loans of £500-£25,000, backed up with one-on-one mentoring, advice, resources and opportunities to work with companies across the Virgin Group.

It will be in Cambridge at Lord Ashcroft International Business School, Anglia Ruskin University on Thursday September 4, 5.30pm to 8apm.

Virgin StartUp will provide practical start-up guidance, networking opportunities and inspiration.

Experts will be on hand to guide would-be applicants through the Virgin StartUp application process. Attendees will also gain insight from local start-ups already doing it for themselves, plus receive advice from notable business leaders, who are all lending their support, for free, to support the next generation of British entrepreneurs.

In Cambridge, Julie Deane, founder of The Cambridge Satchel Company and Sophie Frost, founder of Yucoco will be on hand to offer their expertise and share their start-up stories. Business advisors from NWES will also be on hand to offer focused advice and will work with applicants after the event to develop their funding applications and ideas into fully fledged businesses.

Commenting on the launch of Virgin StartUp Live, Sir Richard Branson said: “We’ve been thrilled at how well the last set of events went down and I hope the Virgin StartUp Live Tour proves to be just as big a hit. The speaker line-up looks fantastic - it’s great to see such strong support from these high profile business men and women who are taking time out to help foster the next generation of exciting entrepreneurs. There are so many incredible people out there who are ready to create exciting new businesses and we’re very much looking forward to finding them!”

To find out more and sign up to any of the Virgin StartUp Live events, visit:

http://www.virginstartup.org

https://www.facebook.com/virginstartup

https:/www.twitter.com/virginstartup