Programme overview
Cherwell Business Support Programme
Entrepreneurs, start-ups and businesses wanting to grow in Cherwell are set to benefit from two returning business support programmes.
Our two programmes will support organisations to develop, commercialise ideas and bring them to market, as well as supporting already established businesses to grow.
The first phase of our Spark and Accelerator programmes ended in Spring 2025.
Gain inspiration as to why you should take part in the second phase via our project showcase.
For start-ups
Cherwell Business Spark
The Cherwell Business Spark programme will help people to start their own successful business.
For established businesses
Cherwell Business Accelerator
The Cherwell Business Accelerator will provide expertise and support to help small businesses grow.
Outline of support
The Cherwell Business Spark strand of the programme will help more people to start their own successful business, or create a profitable ‘extra income stream’, with support covering key areas including business fundamentals, understanding customers, marketing and sales, financial planning and developing a first-year action plan.
The Cherwell Business Accelerator will back SMEs in the area with ambitions to grow and thrive. The support is built around a series of webinars and workshops to help you to create a three-year business growth action plan, as well as providing a leadership development programme for senior managers in the business, plus one-to-one support on key areas such as productivity and innovation.
Eligibility
These programmes of support are only available to residents and businesses in Cherwell. If anyone is interested in business support outside of Cherwell District, they will be directed to the main Growth Hub support via Enterprise Oxfordshire which is available across all of Oxfordshire.
Enterprise Oxfordshire will be delivering the programme on behalf of Cherwell District Council, with the project funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
“We’re excited to be delivering a further cycle of this business support programme on behalf of Cherwell District Council. Building on the success of last year’s programme, it will provide entrepreneurs and small business leaders with specialist guidance, advice, practical skills and strategies, as well as a window to a new network of likeminded local individuals and businesses.”
Helen Brind – Growth Hub Manager for
Enterprise Oxfordshire
Need some help getting started?
Meet the Business Support Tool
Our commitment to the whole of Oxfordshire very much remains the case. We continue to offer a vast array of support to our business community at whatever stage they are at and our business support tool – which takes a short time to complete, resulting in a bespoke business action plan – remains the best way for organisations to make initial contact with us
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