NEW Enterprise Support Programme
We are currently working with Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils to deliver Government Funded support via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Providing support to social enterprises, BCorps, Cooperatives and other impact driven enterprises.
We define an impact-driven enterprise (sometimes referred to as a social enterprise) as an organisation that:
- Has a clear social or environmental mission at the core of its operations;
- Reinvests the majority of profits towards achieving that mission rather than for private gain; and
- Balances social impact and financial sustainability, operating with a viable business model.
This includes cooperatives and other business models that prioritise community benefit, democratic governance, and shared ownership, provided they align with the above principles.
To help build their capacity through training, peer networks and bespoke 1-1 support. To register your interest in the programme please complete this form
Our delivery partners on this programme include Aspire Oxfordshire, Co-operative Futures, Makespace, African Families in the UK and Good Food Oxfordshire all helping to drive positive social change.
To support you to set up, sustain or grow your socially impactful business, we are offering:
- TAILORED 1:1 SUPPORT
- TRAINING SESSIONS
- PEER NETWORKS *More information coming soon!*
You can register your interest in 1-1 support by completing this short form here
Contact Makena by email makena@osep.org.uk for more information or sign up to our newsletter
Representing the sector
OSEP supports place-based approaches to promoting a local economy that is ultimately more inclusive, reduces inequality and promotes community wealth, through proactive social enterprise infrastructure development in Oxfordshire.
Members of the OSEP team sit on the Oxford Inclusive Economy Partnership, the Economic Growth Steering Board, and the Enterprise Oxfordshire Sub Group to feed into strategic economic plans and development, as well as developing partnerships with key Oxfordshire stakeholders to highlight the importance of social enterprise.
OSEP is here to support social enterprise, purposeful businesses and charities in Oxfordshire. You can find useful signposting and resources here, or book a 121 with OSEP’s Enterprise Support Manager here.
Social value expertise
OSEP is a locally rooted organisation that champions and supports social enterprises, bringing together strong community connections, deep local knowledge and a clear understanding of social value. Our position within the local landscape allows us to bridge the gap between purpose-driven enterprises and private businesses, helping companies strengthen their social impact while meeting procurement and ESG goals. Alongside our networks, expertise and supply chain insight, we also offer tailored consultancy services – from social value strategy and measurement to supply chain development and partnership building – enabling businesses to maximise both their commercial and community impact. For more info please contact us at hello@osep.org.uk
Past programmes eScalate Programme 2020-2023
Over the last 3 years, OSEP has worked with Enterprise Oxfordshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership, to deliver eScalate, a three-year project, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which ended in April 2023 to support Social Enterprises, social entrepreneurs, enterprising charities and purposeful businesses. Provided business support to over 500 social enterprises, purposeful business and enterprising charities in Oxfordshire through grant funding, peer support, workshops and 121 mentoring.
Power of Purpose Week 2021
POP2021 was a festival of events and activities in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders across Oxfordshire celebrating business as a force for good.
