IDEA
IDEA (Increasing Diversity in Enterprising Activities) is a set of long term and sustainable actions and interventions aimed at addressing inequalities in entrepreneurship. While the University of Oxford is a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, and has committed to supporting entrepreneurship (as detailed in the Strategic Plan 2018-23, the KE Strategy, and Innovation Strategy), there are still inequalities in the entrepreneurship ecosystem which need to be addressed. IDEA is currently focussing on gender, with an aim to broadening the scope as the programme develops.
Why do we need this?
The playing field is not, and has never been, level. Globally, women hold fewer than a quarter of senior leadership positions, and in 2020 less than 2% of European tech investment capital went to female founders. The UK government’s 2019 Alison Rose Review highlights gender inequalities throughout the entrepreneurial life cycle, showing that women entrepreneurs are at a disadvantage every step of the way. We need to act now to change this picture for current and future generations of women, and to create the conditions that will enable significantly more women to become leaders and entrepreneurs.
How do I participate?
If you’re interested in participating, simply sign up here, and we’ll keep you informed about upcoming opportunities and events. And don’t forget to join our LinkedIn group!
Here’s some of our favourite resources – use the filters below to further customise your search.
IDEA Programmes & Opportunities
Join one of our key programmes – we welcome her, him, them, everyone to participate.
Wonder Women
Get inspired by Oxford women (including students) who have started their own startups and social enterprises.
Engaging with Entrepreneurship
Find entrepreneurial activities and opportunities in one place! Open to all Oxford students and staff.
Enterprising Women Programme
Encouraging, inspiring and supporting the participation of female STEM researchers in innovation and entrepreneurship
Equality and Diversity at Oxford
If you’re looking for networks, opportunities, and resources, check out the Oxford EDU website.
Women on Boards Membership
If you have an Oxford email address, take advantage of the opportunities around board training and roles!
What’s On: IDEA
Developing YOUR Innovation Strategy
A workshop with inspiration, frameworks and connections which will help innovative business leaders with their strategy and ambitions.
Natural Netwalking in Blenheim Palace
This event welcomes Business Owners, MD’s, Managers, Professional Service Partners and Team Members responsible for Networking, offering an opportunity build valuable business connections whilst enjoying a lovely walk and talk around the stunning Blenheim Palace Grounds.
Sales Masterclass with Tina Poletto
Sales is all about getting to know your clients & their needs and this masterclass will provide you with tools to generate revenue.
International Women’s Day: In conversation with…Joeli Brearley
Kellogg Fellow Dr Yasmin Khan will be in conversation with Joeli Brearley. Founder of the Charity: Pregnant Then Screwed About the ...
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RisingWISE: promoting entrepreneurial spirit amongst women
A new Oxbridge network fostering long-term relationships between enterprising early-career researchers and women working in industry.

Oxford Women In Business (OxWIB)
A thriving student society providing a platform for opportunities for enterprising young women at the University of Oxford.

Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme
An opportunity to take a critical look at your own leadership style and strengths on this six-week online course

The ‘secret’ network that transformed my startup
An unusual type of network where you could build really good business relationships.

Oxford Case Studies: Language Amigo
Language Amigo is a new way for students to improve their spoken Spanish by providing an income to LATAM youngsters, too.

Female Founders Fund
The leading source of institutional capital for female founders raising seed capital with over $3B in enterprise value.

Equality and Diversity at Oxford
If you're looking for networks, opportunities, and resources, check out the Oxford EDU website.

WeAreTheCity
WeAreTheCity includes gender-related news, a networks directory, calendar of events and conferences, returnships, business schools, inspirational women profiles, HeForShe interviews, giving back and jobs.

Oxford Case Studies: VeriVin
Smart technology for identification and classification of complex liquids in sealed containers.

Oxford Case Studies: Pick Me Up Parcels
Emily Tench bagged a social enterprise award for Pick-Me-Up Parcels, a venture that does what it says on the parcel.

Female Entrepreneur Resources
A list of support groups and resources for female entrepreneurs in the UK, compiled by Startups.co.uk
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Enterprising Oxford is a University of Oxford initiative to help connect people to the entrepreneurship resources they need, and to promote entrepreneurship across Oxfordshire.
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