Business leaders and burgeoning entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take part in significant business support programmes, returning to the West Oxfordshire and Cherwell districts this autumn, following a successful first phase.
The West Oxfordshire Business Spark and West Oxfordshire Business Accelerator programmes, alongside the Cherwell Business Spark and Cherwell Business Accelerator programmes are set to see dozens of the county’s SMEs and those with a business idea gain access to vital support and expertise across a variety of critical areas.
The activity is being delivered by Enterprise Oxfordshire on behalf of both West Oxfordshire District Council and Cherwell District Council, all funded via the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
With sessions for both programmes set to begin in mid-September, businesses and individuals are being encouraged to register their interest at their soonest opportunity.
The Business Spark programme backs those ready to start their own successful enterprise or create a profitable additional income stream.
Support covers areas such as business fundamentals, understanding customers, marketing and sales, financial planning and the development of a first-year action plan.
Meanwhile, the Business Accelerator programme works alongside established businesses, backing their growth plans and the potential creation of further jobs within those organisations.
Support delivered includes a bespoke business review, a three-year growth action plan, a leadership development offer for senior managers, plus one-to-one support in areas such as productivity and innovation.
The reemergence of the programmes follows a successful first phase delivered during 2024, which saw dozens of West Oxfordshire and Cherwell-based organisations – and those looking to start their own business – receive significant support, develop new skills and ideas, as well as gaining much inspiration too.
Nigel Tipple – Chief Executive of Enterprise Oxfordshire – said: “We are delighted to bring to the residents and businesses of West Oxfordshire and Cherwell a second phase of this programme, in particular, so quickly following the conclusion of a successful first phase which has already delivered impacts to our local economy and communities.
“Both the Business Accelerator and Business Spark programmes are delivered via a team of experts and inspiring speakers who can absolutely be the catalyst to help organisations and individuals embrace the next, or indeed, the first step on their respective business journeys.
“Delegates will benefit from a mixture of in-person and online sessions, creating the opportunity for participants to also build effective networks with likeminded people and organisations too.”
Cllr Duncan Enright – Deputy Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council and Executive Member for Economic Development – said: “We’re proud to be supporting local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs through the return of the Spark and Accelerator programmes.
“The first phase delivered real value to our communities, from helping residents turn their ideas into viable enterprises to supporting existing businesses in scaling up and creating jobs. These programmes are a fantastic example of how targeted support, backed by government funding, can strengthen our local economy and nurture innovation right here in West Oxfordshire.
“In a recent study*, West Oxfordshire was named as the best rural district in the UK for starting a business. Programmes like these aim to help new businesses thrive and grow, providing fulfilling careers and prosperity for everyone in our district.”
Cllr Lesley McLean – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Property, and Regeneration at Cherwell District Council – added: “We’re proud to collaborate with Enterprise Oxfordshire to equip local businesses with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to transform ideas into impactful ventures.
“Cherwell’s economy is gaining momentum, making this an ideal time for entrepreneurs to take bold steps forward. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale an existing business, this next round of programmes offers a unique opportunity to accelerate your growth.
“I strongly encourage both aspiring innovators and experienced professionals to seize this moment and make the most of the support available.”
For those businesses and individuals who participated in last year’s Spark and Accelerator programmes, Enterprise Oxfordshire add that there are opportunities for delegates to take part in phase two – this includes previous Spark clients whose businesses are now trading, registering their interest in the Accelerator programme to support their emerging growth plans and ambitions.
Enterprise Oxfordshire add that organisations and individuals can continue to benefit from multiple other areas of support and advice, away from this West Oxfordshire and Cherwell-specific activity.
The latest provision follows on from an impressive track record of support delivered by Enterprise Oxfordshire, which has seen the organisation – between October 2016 and March 2023 – engage over 6,200 businesses, providing around 18,000 hours of support and advice, worth over £28.75 million.
Nigel Tipple added: “Our proven success and commitment to our business community means we are perfectly placed to both understand the needs of businesses and individuals and would encourage those interested in our support – whether just starting out, growing or taking on a new business challenge – to reach out and kick-off their journey with us.”
Last year’s Spark and Accelerator activities were delivered when Enterprise Oxfordshire were operating as OxLEP.
Enterprise Oxfordshire became the new trading name of OxLEP on 1 April this year, with the change marking the completion of a two-year process that saw the economic development functions – previously led by Local Enterprise Partnerships – altered so that they were to be overseen via a mechanism agreed by respective upper-tier local authorities, in this instance, Oxfordshire County Council.
Since becoming Enterprise Oxfordshire in April, Oxfordshire County Council now act as the organisation’s 100% shareholder, known as a Teckal company arrangement.