Programme overview
Social Impact Business Support
The Social Impact Business Support Programme is a new initiative designed to help co-operatives, mutuals, social enterprises and other organisations using alternative business models to start, scale and thrive.
Led by Enterprise Oxfordshire Business and delivered by OSEP CIC (the Oxfordshire Social Enterprise Partnership) – itself a social enterprise – the programme extends successful support already operating across Oxford City, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts.
What support is available?
Participants will benefit from a practical, hands-on package of support, including:
- One-to-one advisory support for new and existing co-operatives, mutuals and alternative businesses.
- Workshops (online and in person) covering legal structures, marketing with a mission, finance, business planning and more.
- Peer networking and awareness-raising events with key stakeholders across the co-operative and alternative business sector.
The programme is due to run until the end of March 2026.
Why is this important?
Co-operatives, mutuals and social enterprises play a vital role in Oxfordshire’s inclusive economy.
Collectively, they play a major role in the UK economy – more than three-quarters of co-operative start-ups remain active after five years, compared to fewer than two-fifths of new companies overall. Mutuals employ over 1.3 million people and generate a combined annual income of £165.7 billion.
This new programme adds further depth to that support, focusing specifically on community-owned and mission-led organisations.
What is the programme aligned with?
The Social Impact Business Support Programme strongly aligns with the UK Government’s Small Business Strategy commitment to double the size of the co-operative and mutuals sector nationwide.
Who can benefit?
Impact driven enterprises, including social enterprises and businesses looking to shift towards – or those looking to create – a member-owned model that focuses on shared benefits, company surplus and democratic member control.
Register an interest in the programme:
To register your interest in this programme, head to the to OSEP CIC website to find out more.
“Oxfordshire’s mission led businesses are among the most resilient and impactful in our economy. This programme will help co operatives, mutuals and social enterprises adding depth to our countywide support.
“By partnering with OSEP, we’re bringing practical support and expertise to organisations that put purpose and people at their core. From one to one advice to workshops and peer networks, this programme will give Oxfordshire’s co operatives and mutuals the tools to grow sustainably.”
Helen Brind – Head of Business and Skills for Enterprise Oxfordshire
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