Digital SMEs in the UK with their sights set on South by South West interactive should get their skates on; Chinwag and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) are currently auditioning for 40 companies to take to the festival in Texas in March 2009. Those that make the cut for this Digital Mission will get the chance to reconnoitre the local market, make connections and pursue new business opportunities.

Chinwag and the UKTI are planning a few high profile networking events and marketing campaigns, and offering the successful companies exhibition space at SXSW Interactive as well as a masterclass to help British companies understand how to establish and develop their business in the US.

The slots are open to any SME working in the digital sector ranging from web application developers, widget specialists, game developers through to web agencies, e-commerce operators, mobile developers and analytics providers. The judging panel includes our very own TechCrunch UK editor, Mike Butcher, ex-Dragon Doug Richard and Codeworks CEO, Herb Kim.

The closing date for entries is 9am on Monday, 24th November. Further information, entry criteria and the application form is available through the Digital Mission website.

This is the second Digital Mission which Chinwag has organised for UKTI; the first saw 21 British digital firms visit New York City in September 2008.