Becoming an entrepreneur
Do you want to develop your entrepreneurial mindset? Develop your own ideas? Found your own startup or social enterprise? Make a difference in the world? If the answer to any of these questions is yes then Oxford can really help get you started.
You can develop your entrepreneurial and employability skills through a range of resources and opportunities, including:
- idea development competitions
- a University startup incubator
- entrepreneurship programmes and networking events
- many more opportunities on EnSpire Oxford and Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre (OSEC).
Be inspired
If you’re not sure whether entrepreneurship is for you or what it entails, find out more and get your ideas flowing by exploring the many resources available to you right here at the University:
- EnSpire Oxford is the University of Oxford’s entrepreneurship hub. Through EnSpire, you’ll be able to navigate the wealth of existing entrepreneurship activity found within the University, expand your entrepreneurial mindset and take advantage of a range of extra-curricular activities, including programmes, events, experiential learning and networking opportunities.
- Find out more about the entrepreneurs Oxford has inspired by reading the Entrepreneurs Uncovered interviews and Startup case studies.
- Check out the Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise briefing from The Careers Service to help you develop your entrepreneurial side.
Dip your toe in
Want to try it out? Join IDEA’s Engaging with Entrepreneurship programme, and build your entrepreneurial skillset with the range of entrepreneurial activities available here at Oxford:
- The Oxford Hub offers great opportunities for students to get involved with the local community, such as Hub Trustees and Social Enterprise
- The Student Consultancy programme – training and term-time team experience supporting a local business or organisation with a strategic problem
- Demystify business and increase understanding of professional life with The Careers Service Insight into Strategy and Management programme
Get involved
Enhance your employability through entrepreneurship, and be part of an ecosystem that has valuable social impact on our world.
- Student Entrepreneurs’ Programme (StEP): join a team of students to develop an innovative business based on University of Oxford research
- Oxford Entrepreneurs: a University society open to students and alumni offering networking sessions, events and other learning opportunities
- Develop an idea with social impact with the free Social Shifters platform and course
The Startup Incubator is free and aimed at members and alumni of the University of Oxford wanting to start or grow entrepreneur-driven ventures.
Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre
Whether you're starting your own business, wanting to build on your entrepreneurial skill set or simply interested in all things innovation, the University's Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre (OSEC) will aid in pursuing your ambitions through a variety of streamlined programmes, world-class events and a local/global expert network.
The Centre offers a variety of programmes and initiatives for students, researchers, staff and alumni, the majority of which are free. Sign up to the newsletter for termly updates on the initiatives and events on offer, including:
- E-School (requires SSO) – Browse the online learning platform which includes over 2400 minutes of easy-to-consume, on-demand content to help aspiring entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their own startups, or build on their innovation skills. The short, insightful videos are created by world-leading entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and academics alongside people from the military, sports and the arts.
- oNetwork – A curated group of highly experienced entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders who give their time to our students and alumni through structured programmes and in one-to-one sessions. Our Executive-in-Residence, David Scrymgeour, is available on a weekly basis during term-time to provide in-person and online support to students, alumni, and those affiliated to University of Oxford develop their business plans.
- Oxford Venture Builder – Supported by EnSpire and delivered by Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre, Oxford Venture Builder is for anyone with a business idea they are looking to explore or develop. Includes an intensive bootcamp, mentorship, hands-on support, and plenty of networking opportunities culminating in a pitching night. The programme provides participants with the tools and knowledge to research the market, validate their ideas, and develop products and services.
- Oxford Seed Fund – If you’re affiliated with the University of Oxford and are looking for funding for your early-stage business, you could receive up to £100k and expert support from our Oxford Seed Fund team.
- Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Forum (OSEF) – An annual conference held at Saïd Business School to promote and inspire entrepreneurship and innovation and showcase the Oxford entrepreneurship ecosystem. The day includes keynote speeches from thought-leaders, interactive panel discussions, an exhibition space and networking opportunities aplenty. Please note this event is ticketed, with generous discounts for students.
