OSEP, a leading Social Enterprise supporting social impact organisations across Oxfordshire, has secured funding to help in its work across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.
The funding comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to enhance life chances across the country by investing in communities, supporting local businesses and fostering skills development.
OSEP is working with Co-operative Futures, Aspire Oxfordshire, Makespace, SOFEA, Soha Housing Association and African Families in the UK for six months and will focus on promoting a healthy and vibrant community, reducing social isolation, and improving employment opportunities in areas of deprivation.
Key Project Components:
- Training and Capacity Building:
A Bootcamp Training Course will engage early-stage and pre-start enterprises, offering workshops on essential topics such as financial management, funding and fundraising, the social business landscape, vision and mission setting, legal structures and marketing with a purpose. - “Getting into Business” Business Support
Aspire will deliver business support specifically aimed at self-employment and sole trader options, empowering individuals with the knowledge to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. - Business Development Support:
The programme will offer 1:1 mentoring with signposting and strategy development tailored to the needs of emerging social enterprises. Aspire will also provide bespoke enterprise development support, while Co-operative Futures will deliver intensive support packages covering legal incorporation, governance, business planning, financial forecasting and funding options.
A Strategic Alliance for Social Impact
The collaboration between OSEP, Aspire Oxfordshire, Co-operative Futures, Makespace, SOFEA, Soha Housing Association and African Families in the UK reflects a strategic alliance committed to maximising the collective impact of social enterprises, charities and purposeful businesses in Oxfordshire. By working together, these organisations aim to drive positive social change and create a more resilient, sustainable social economy.
The project will also collaborate with other well-established local partners, ensuring signposting to mainstream support services and resources, demonstrating the power of collective action in building a thriving community.
Unlocking Enterprise Potential
The project will play a vital role in unlocking enterprise and skills hubs across the districts, with a particular focus on areas of deprivation, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, a healthier and more prosperous local economy.
Local Support and Vision
Councillor Robin Bennett, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, and Deputy Leader, said:
“We are thrilled to support and be part of this innovative collaboration. We’ve long been committed to a more inclusive economy in South Oxfordshire, and this project provides an excellent opportunity to support new social enterprises and small businesses, helping to ensure wealth generated here is retained locally and benefits our communities. Using this government (UKSPF) funding to support purpose-led businesses will help to foster and retain local talent and ensure South Oxfordshire remains a vibrant, inclusive and forward-thinking place to live and work.”
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Workplace and IT, added:
“I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of this funding, from sole traders providing services locally to social enterprises and co-operatives making a difference in the community. Giving more people skills for self-employment or starting their own business will result in a thriving local economy.”
Grant Hayward, Enterprise Manager at OSEP, said:
“We’re delighted that South and Vale have seized this opportunity to reinforce the foresight and leadership they’ve shown over the past few years in supporting the social economy. This initiative will prioritise the well-being and prosperity of our local communities.”
Alice Hemming, Co-operative Development Worker at Co-operative Futures, added:
“Tailored business development support is essential for growing an inclusive social economy. We are excited to work alongside local social entrepreneurs and community members to help them start new businesses and strengthen the social fabric in the South and Vale districts.”
To find out more, come along to the launch night at The Junction in Didcot on Wednesday 13th November from 5 – 7 pm to hear from the programme partners on how they can support you and your business. Head to Eventbrite to find out more.