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 amazing resources and opportunities, including:
- idea development competitions
- a University start-up incubator
- entrepreneurship programmes and networking events
- many more opportunities on EnSpire Oxford.
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 entrepreneurs Oxford has already spawned by reading the the Entrepreneurs Uncovered interviews and Startup case studies.
- Check out the dedicated resources 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.
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 Entrepreneurship Centre (EC) at Saïd Business School will aid in pursuing your ambitions through a variety of streamlined programmes, world-class events and a local/global expert network.
Although primarily involved with MBA students, the EC offers a variety of programmes and initiatives for the wider Oxford community, including:
- Building a Business - A foundational-stage programme giving students the opportunity to understand and learn about what it takes to run their own business, whether they’re at the early stages of exploring a potential venture or simply want to improve a business. The programme is supported by EnSpire and delivered by the Entrepreneurship Centre.
- E-School – Browse the new online learning platform. It includes over 2000 minutes of easy-to-consume, on-demand content to help aspiring student entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their own high-growth start-ups. The short, yet insightful, videos are created by world-leading entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and academics alongside people from the military, sports, and the arts.
- oNetwork - a community of highly experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who share their expertise with Oxford Saïd students and alumni in one-to-one, small group and workshop formats. Although targeted for MBA students and alumni only, if you’re an undergraduate studying Economic and Management at the University, you are liable to join.
- Oxford Venture Builder – a programme - supported by EnSpire and delivered by the Entrepreneurship Centre - for all Oxford students and staff to develop their business ideas, offering a three-day bootcamp, mentorship, hands-on support, networking and a pitching night. The programme aims to provide participants with the tools and knowledge to research the market, validate their ideas, and develop products and services.
- Oxford Seed Fund - a select international team of entrepreneurs, investors and industry specialists looking to learn first-hand about the investment process in early-stage ventures. If you're a student at the University with an early-stage business, you could receive up to £25k and expert support from our oxford seed fund team. The fund is also open to Oxford University staff and alumni.
- 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, a pitching competition and exhibition space, with networking opportunities aplenty.
