Get inspired & discover lessons from community businesses & co-ops in Oxfordshire with Co-operative Futures

What will I gain from this session?
Have you ever found yourself saying “I wish someone had told me that!”? Join us for this session which invites existing community businesses to share honest reflections on their experiences of starting-out and some lessons learned the hard way. The event will hear from 3 community-business leaders in conversation as well as give everyone the opportunity to share where they’re stuck with their business and gain advice and offers from others. There will be plenty of time for informal networking (with delicious food!) with other like-minded businesses in the city.

If you are a start-up with a social purpose or a new business looking to become community-led, this will be an opportunity to gain advice from those who’ve been there before. If you are an existing community-owned business or co-operative come and share your experiences and meet with others.

Co-operative Futures are using this event to launch their new peer-mentoring programme. New co-operative and community businesses can access two days of funded peer-support from existing co-operative businesses – come to the event to find out more about this opportunity. If you are interested in becoming a paid mentor, you can also sign up at this event.

Speakers
Jo White is the Executive Director of Co-operative Futures which provides business and consultancy advice to emerging and existing co-operative and community owned enterprises. Jo has over twenty years’ experience of working in and supporting co-operative and mutual organisations and has a detailed knowledge and understanding of how they are generated and developed.

Alice Hemming is the Co-operative Development Worker at Co-operative Futures based in Oxford. She provides specialist 121 support for new and growing co-operative and community-owned businesses. Having set up co-operatives herself, she also knows the highs and lows of starting out!

The Venue
Tap Social Movement is an award-winning craft brewery, events and hospitality business, which grew out of a passion for great beer and social justice. It provides training and employment to people serving and recently released from prison sentences to assist in effective rehabilitation and seeks to champion the cause of inclusive employment in the hospitality industry. The White House on Abingdon Road is one of 3 venues run by Tap Social in Oxfordshire.

This session will be held upstairs at The White House. We encourage attendees to walk, cycle and use public transport, however there is parking available in Hinksey Park, or it’s a 10 minute walk from the Westgate Car Park.