Good Food Oxfordshire recently attended an event at The Junction in Didcot, marking the launch of the new OSEP Business Support Programme for South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. The event highlighted the diverse range of support available for local businesses, showcasing how this initiative can bolster the community.
OSEP: A catalyst for social enterprise
OSEP, a prominent social enterprise in Oxfordshire, is at the forefront of efforts to strengthen local businesses. Backed by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), OSEP's latest project focuses on addressing key challenges in the region, including promoting community well-being, reducing social isolation, and enhancing employment opportunities in under-resourced areas.
To achieve these goals, OSEP has partnered with a range of organisations: Co-operative Futures, Aspire Oxfordshire, Makespace, SOFEA, Soha Housing Association, and African Families in the UK. Over six months, these partners will collaborate to deliver targeted initiatives that empower local entrepreneurs and create a healthier, more connected community.
Key areas of support
1. Training and Capacity Building
For new and early-stage enterprises, OSEP offers a Bootcamp Training Course covering essential topics such as:
Financial management
Marketing strategies
Securing funding
Navigating legal structures
2. “Getting into Business” Support
Aspire Oxfordshire provides tailored assistance for individuals exploring self-employment or sole trading as a career path, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.
3. Business Development Mentorship
OSEP and its partners, including Aspire and Co-operative Futures, provide in-depth business support, such as:
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One-on-one mentoring
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Strategy development
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Legal incorporation guidance
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Financial forecasting
How to get involved
If you are based in South Oxfordshire or the Vale of White Horse and would like to access tailored 1:1 support, find out more:
Attend the Social impact business bootcamp
Sign up to the one day intensive business bootcamp running on 7th February at The Junction in Banbury, designed to give early stage entrepreneurs a solid foundation to developing a successful business, by embedding processes and practices that have a positive social or environmental impact.
