Whether you are starting a business, looking to grow, recruit new staff or reduce your environmental impact, a range of support is available in Oxford and the wider county.
This page brings together trusted organisations, resources and programmes that can help you develop your business. If you are not sure where to start, please contact our team and we will point you in the right direction.
Quick links
- Business rates
- Licensing
- Recruitment and skills
- Local business networks
- Oxford Living Wage
- Selling to the Council
- City centre management
- Business premises
Business news and updates
Keep up to date with the latest business support, funding opportunities, events and initiatives from Oxford City Council and our partners.
Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC)
Located at Oxford Westgate Library, the BIPC provides free support for entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses. Services include one-to-one advice, market research tools, workshops, co-working opportunities and access to a grant-finder database.
Find out more on the BIPC Linktree website.
Enterprise Oxfordshire
Enterprise Oxfordshire is Oxfordshire's business support hub, offering free advice and support to start-ups and established businesses. Support includes business growth, funding, skills, innovation and net zero.
Find out more on the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
Co-op Futures
Thinking about setting up a co-operative, community business or social enterprise? Co-op Futures provides specialist advice on governance, legal structures and business planning.
Find out more on the Co-op Futures website.
Local business networks
Whether you're a start-up or an established business, local networks can help you make connections, share ideas and unlock growth opportunities. Discover local business communities and networking groups in Oxford.
Find out more on our Local business networks page.
Boost your business for less
Download our free guide packed with practical, low-cost marketing ideas to help you attract customers, build your profile and grow your business online and in person.
Download the ‘Boost your business for less’ guide.
Recruitment and skills
Local support is available to help businesses recruit, retain and develop their workforce. Explore recruitment support, apprenticeships, training opportunities and connections to local education providers.
Find out more on our Recruitment and skills page.
Funding and grants
Whether you are starting out, growing your business or developing a new project, a range of funding opportunities may be available. The Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) (Linktree website) provides access to a free GrantFinder database, Enterprise Oxfordshire can help you navigate the funding landscape, and Ethex (based on Cowley Road) supports organisations seeking to raise finance for projects that deliver social or environmental impact.
Selling to the Council
Register on the In-Tend Portal to receive notifications about procurement and tender opportunities with Oxford City Council - find out more on our Selling to the Council pages.
Search procurement opportunities published by public sector organisations on Find a Tender - find out more on the Find a Tender pages of GOV.UK.
Become an Oxford Living Wage employer
Join the growing number of employers in Oxford committed to fair pay. Accreditation is free and can help support recruitment, retention and employee wellbeing while demonstrating your commitment to fair pay and responsible business practices.
Find out more on our Oxford Living Wage pages.
Match My Project
Looking to deliver social impact through your business? Match My Project helps organisations connect with local schools, community groups and charities, making it easier to offer volunteering, mentoring, work experience, donations and other social value activities that benefit local communities.
Find out more on the Match My Project website.
Net zero support 
Reducing your carbon footprint can help lower costs, improve resilience and meet customer expectations. Enterprise Oxfordshire has brought together a range of resources, tools and business support to help Oxfordshire SMEs on their journey to net zero.
Find out more on the Net zero pages of the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
Other useful links
- UK Government business support
- EnSpire Oxford
- Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Federation of Small Businesses
Not sure where to start?
Contact our team and we'll help connect you to the most appropriate support for your business:
- Businesses in Oxford city centre: email citycentre@oxford.gov.uk
- Businesses outside the city centre or general enquiries: email economicdevelopment@oxford.gov.uk
