Funding for small and medium-sized entrepreneurial initiatives is to become available through a tie up between the University of Bristol and Santander Bank.
The funding is part of a collaboration worth £300,000 over three years through the Santander Universities network that will also provide scholarships for students and researchers who want to work and study abroad.
Speaking at a ceremony in Bristol, Ana Botin, Santander's chief executive in the UK, said: “The partnership between the University of Bristol and Santander dates back to 2008 but by renewing it we will help even more students succeed. Santander is interested especially in supporting the young entrepreneurs which Bristol has such a strong record of producing.”
Some 63 Bristol students have already studied and worked in Latin America with the help of Santander funding as part of their degree while scholarships have also enabled 24 students from Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia and Chile to come to Bristol to study for a masters.
The relationship has also seen a range of societies benefiting from financial support such as Raising and Giving, Student Community Action, Bristol Feminists Society, Bristol University Sustainability Team and a range of theatrical and musical societies.
Vice chancellor Professor Eric Thomas said: “Bristol University prides itself on being a truly global university. Being part of the Santander group of universities enhances our opportunities to interact and exchange ideas with academic colleagues and students from many institutions in many countries. Santander is a great enabler in this international dialogue and we’re delighted with our continued relationship.”
Santander Universities Global Division has signed 975 agreements with 15 countries, including China, Brazil, Mexico, and the US. The network began its UK activity in 2007 and now has 51 members.
