Business Basics
The basics of business. . . valuable information and essential resources for building a business.
Check out our top picks, then use the filters below to further customise your search.
Fundamentals of Starting a UK Business
Government Advice and information for starting a business in the UK.
First Questions to Ask - Part 1
Dr Stuart Wilkinson gives advice on the questions to ask when you have that big idea.
How to Start a Startup
Sam Altman from Y Combinator leads this exciting online class from Stanford.
What is Intellectual Property (IP)?
An Oxford guide to IP and where to find information and support
Startup Tips Videos
Oxford students and alumni talk about their top tips for starting a business
Entrepreneurship @ Oxford
Our handy map shows you how to navigate the Oxford entrepreneurship ecosystem.
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Humanities Business Engagement and Partnerships
Supporting the breadth of academic research interests in the Social Science and Humanities Divisions.
Are You Ready to Start a Business?
So you've been thinking about starting a venture recently, but how do you know if you actually are ready?
Get Your Startup Started
In this course, you’ll learn how to pitch your business and secure the funding you’ll need to launch your new company.
Oxford Hub
A centre for social action that’s open to everyone, and that takes a collaborative approach to solving some of today’s most pressing issues.
Oxford Centre for Teaching and Learning
The Centre for Teaching and Learning provides voluntary courses for university and college staff at the University of Oxford.
What does it mean to be Entrepreneurial?
It is not just about starting a business, or spinning out a company from research. It's a mindset, or a way of thinking.
So What is Innovation Anyway?
A definition co-written by Oxford students, the Careers Service and the Humanities Division.
OX1
Oxford's first start-up incubator programme designed by student entrepreneurs, for student entrepreneurs, which does not take equity or IP.
TED Talks for Social Entrepreneurs
TED Talks are a great source of information, advice and experience to help you with any idea you have, no matter what stage you are at.
Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship
The centre aims to maximise the impact of social entrepreneurship to transform unjust systems around the world.
IDEA Panel: How Talking About Diversity is Making Entrepreneurship More Inclusive (22nd June 2021)
On 22nd June 2021, IDEA hosted a panel dedicated to ‘How Talking About Diversity is Making Entrepreneurship More Inclusive’ with speakers from the Oxfordshire entrepreneurial community: Dr Mira Kassouf, Nathania (Tanya) Aritao, and Nicole Beach. This panel drew upon their own professional experiences to highlight different career paths for women leaders and discuss key principles for thinking about how women entrepreneurs can champion diversity and inclusion while using their talents for successful entrepreneurship.
Translational funding
Translational funding is used to bridge a ‘gap’ in development between early stage university research and its commercialisation.
Developing your Creative Practice
A development fund designed to support independent creative practitioners.
eScalate Social Enterprise Support
Supporting social entrepreneurs, enterprising charities and other purposeful businesses in Oxfordshire.
The First Questions to ask yourself when you have that big idea Part 4
Dr Stuart Wilkinson gives advice on business ideas and how to manage them.
Innovation Forum Oxford
The Innovation Forum seeks to promote innovation by building bridges between academia, industry and government.
Oxford Case Studies – Uncomfortable Oxford
Are you sitting comfortably? Then it’s time to get up and take a bumpy walk through Oxford’s past.
Why Humanities Graduates Make Great Entrepreneurs
Th benefits for business that come from humanities.
Oxford Case Studies: RisingWISE
Anne Miller is joint founder of RisingWISE, an initiative aimed at women in STEM at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge that aims to combat some of the disparities between men and women in achieving leadership roles and pursuing entrepreneurship opportunities in this sector.
How Entrepreneurs and Academics Are the Same
What's the difference between an academic and an entrepreneur?
Culham Science Centre
Creating a powerhouse of high technology innovation and enterprise in South Oxfordshire.
Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Awards
One of the UK’s largest student and graduate business pitching competitions.
Startups.co.uk
UK’s leading independent, online resource for anyone starting and growing a business, established in 2000.
Working in Startups: Understanding the Growth Cycle
Growing pains - What are the phases a start-up goes through as it grows?
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
An investment to help entrepreneurs create opportunities for education, capital and business support services.
The ‘secret’ network that transformed my startup
An unusual type of network where you could build really good business relationships.
Witney Business and Innovation Centre
If you’re looking to accelerate your business growth, Witney Business & Innovation Centre provides the ideal environment to do just that.
The Entrepreneur’s Journey: Oxford Explore and Build
A bit more in depth, a bit more work, but the effort will be worth it!
Oxford Fintech Programme
This programme on financial technology and innovation is designed to offer you the tools to face the future of finance.
Startup Tips: What to do with your idea
Oxford student and alumni entrepreneurs give insightful advice about their startups
Udemy: Build. Measure. Learn. Lean Startup
Become a Lean Startup Guru. Learn Lean Methodology from Lean experts like Eric Ries, Steve Blank, and more.
Oxford Case Studies – OxyClot
Training the next generation of global leaders in digital health innovation.
IDEA Board Experience Programme
The IDEA Board Experience Programme aims to support University of Oxford researchers and staff, who identify as women and non-binary, ...
Oxford University Innovation (OUI)
A wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Oxford, it manages the University's technology transfer and consulting activities.
Entrepreneurship in the Creative Industries
Exploring the relationship between entrepreneurship and creativity.
Tech Nation
Empowering ambitious tech entrepreneurs to grow faster through knowledge and connections; to build a UK economy fit for the next generation.
What Really Fosters Innovation (Infographic)
The importance of innovation and the conditions that foster it.
Why Students Need to Learn Entrepreneurial Skills
Thinking about becoming a student entrepreneur? Or just looking to expand your skill set? Here’s why as a student you need to learn ...
The First Questions to Ask Yourself when You have that Big Idea Part 1
Dr Stuart Wilkinson gives advice on business ideas and how to manage them.
Social Enterprise UK
National body for social enterprise – business with a social or environmental mission.
Oxfordshire Social Entrepreneurship Partnership (OSEP)
OSEP has been set up to help existing and prospective social entrepreneurs plan, develop and grow their businesses across Oxfordshire.
EIT Health Summer School
The EIT Health Summer Schools support innovation by empowering the healthcare leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
IDEA Corporate Membership with Women on Boards
If you're a University of Oxford member, you can sign-up for free access to Women on Boards NexGen Membership. Register using your ...
Urbanoid
Providing high quality serviced office working space for small businesses and organisations.
How is Entrepreneurship Relevant to my Research?
A brief reflection about how being an entrepreneur fit in with an academic career.
Why Students Need to Learn Entrepreneurial Skills
Thinking about becoming a student entrepreneur? Or just looking to expand your skill set? Here’s why as a student you need to learn ...
Code Academy: Online Coding Courses (MOOC)
Teaching the world how to code. Learn to code interactively, for free.
Science Innovation Union
A training platform, bridging the gap between academia, industry, and government.
Ethical Property
Office area set up specifically to support small, start up charities, social enterprises & local businesses.
Fundamentals of Starting a Business in the UK
Six different steps listed to starting a business in the UK.
MPLS Enterprise Programme
Opportunities for Oxford University members to get information about Oxford Entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Oxfordshire Business Support
A practical guide to supporting Oxfordshire businesses at all stages, by people with honest first-hand experience.
Making decisions
This free course will help you understand some of the processes involved in decision making.
Oxford Case Studies – Albus Health
An University spinout determined to combat this with a radical approach to asthma care.
SSE Funding List
A page where to find all the details about grants and support to social enterprises.
Bioescalator
Bio-escalator provides flexible lab space for your small and growing biomedical science company.
I Have an Idea Related to Research… Now What?
As a student or researcher you need to know the rules around IP in the university.
Meet Prime Advocates: Business for Good
Prime Advocates is a London-based not-for-profit corporate law firm and social finance consultancy. Its Social Finance Hot Desk connects pioneering social enterprise initiatives with free specialist legal advice.
Amazon Small Business Accelerator
Join the #AmazonAccelerator to access a catalogue of more than 15-hours of online training anytime, led by leading business experts. The e-learning is tailored to individuals just starting their entrepreneurial adventure, as well as those looking to go for growth!
Social Enterprise?Entrepreneurship? Innovation?
Let's shed some light on the definitions and relations between the three.
Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success
Learn how to apply tools to better solve problems, generate ideas, and excel in your chosen career.
Student Entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship education is becoming more prominent, with many students seeking to learn more about business.
Digital Skills: Digital Marketing
Empowered by Accenture, this course will teach you some of the different digital marketing strategies and techniques.
Keeping your Startup Idea in Good Shape
Some advice from the Founder of ChattyFeet to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Interview with Professor Linda Scott
Professor Linda Scott is interviewed on topics including women's empowerment, gender disparities in academia and women-led entrepreneurship after COVID-19.
TED Talks for Exploring Entrepreneurship
TED Talks are a great source of information, advice and experience to help you with any idea you have, no matter what stage you are at.
TechNation: Upscale
Helping the UK’s most promising tech companies to accelerate their growth and unlock the key to scaling successfully.
Ideas for Your Business Model
Every business needs a business model. But what exactly is a business model?
YES Young Entrepreneurs Scheme
A global competition developed to raise awareness of how ideas can be commercialised.
Oxford Case Studies: SociAbility
Matt Pierri is the CEO and Co-founder of SociAbility, whose main aim is to map the accessibility of social spaces within Oxford’s 44 colleges and halls, as well as a broad sweep of social venues, including cafes, restaurants and bars in a dedicated app.
TED Talks for Entrepreneurs
TED Talks are a great source of information, advice and experience to help you with any idea you have, no matter what stage you are at.
MaRS: Entrepreneurship 101
MaRS’ Entrepreneurship 101 (E101) online course equips you with the skills you need to launch a successful business.
Understanding Intellectual Property (IP)
As a student, you need to understand what IP is, who owns it, and what can be done with it before proceeding with an idea.
What is an MVP (hint: it’s not the most valuable player)?
The most basic form of your idea that will generate the most interest/validation.
An Accidental Entrepreneur
Dan Holloway, founder of Mycellium, talks about embracing enterprise by chance.
xEdu
Europe's leading business accelerator for edtech startups creating transformative learning solutions with pedagogical impact.
Business Fundamentals: Customer Engagement
Learn how to design business and marketing activities to engage customers through relationships instead of one-off sales.
Innovation for Entrepreneurs: From Idea to Marketplace
Developing insights on navigating the innovation process from idea generation to commercialisation.
10 Ways to Scale a Business from Startup to a Huge Company
It’s one thing to start a business and another to scale it.
Key Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
What does it take to become an entrepreneur? Do you think you could do it? There are a set of key charcteristics which many ...
RisingWISE: empowering enterprising women
Oxbridge network that aims to foster long-term relationships between enterprising early-career researchers and women working in industry.
Oxford Case Studies – Hutano Diagnostics
A start-up developing a diagnostic, tracking and surveillance platform for dangerous infectious diseases in Africa.
Oxford Women In Business (OxWIB)
A thriving student society providing a platform for opportunities for enterprising young women at the University of Oxford.
IDEA Programmes & Courses
As part of the IDEA programme, we will be running a number of pilot programmes to help increase diversity in enterprising activities - ...
Hexagon Business Centres
A unique business hub in central Witney providing serviced offices, meeting rooms, virtual office services and business support to businesses of all sizes.
WCFI
Set in 15 acres of beautiful woodland, our state-of-the-art office, meeting and conference facilities create an inspiring business environment.
How to Finance and Grow Your Startup – Without VC
If you’re an entrepreneur at any stage of your journey, and you need money, this course is for you.
What is an Entrepreneur?
Academia, entrepreneurship and . . . motorcycles? Dr Katie Jennings talks about what she thinks an entrepreneur is.
University of Oxford Entrepreneurship Support
Organisations and student groups providing opportunities to explore entrepreneurship in the University.
Head-to-head with Helen Williams of Vitaccess
Recently The Oxford Trust went head-to-head with Helen Williams, Director of Operations, at Vitaccess – a pioneering digital healthcare consultancy.
Keats, pitching and being enterprising
How negative capabilities can help to identify opportunities for becoming enterprising.
Social Impact Education
A variety of co-curricular courses aimed at providing high potential, socially-minded graduate students across the University of Oxford.
Oxford Case Studies: VeriVin
Smart technology for identification and classification of complex liquids in sealed containers.
10 Rules for a Great Startup Idea
If you are looking to start a startup , check out this great infographic from Founder Institute (designed by Andrea Chen).
So you think you want to be a director of a company…
Top questions you need to know the answers to before you become a company director. Whether you have never been a director before, or not there are some questions you should ask about yourself before you take on the responsibility
Working Flexibly: Ask Me Anything with Sarah Haywood
Sarah Haywood talks about her experiences with flexible working
The First questions to ask yourself when you have that big idea Part 3
Dr Stuart Wilkinson gives advice on business ideas and how to manage them.
Institute of Directors (IoD)
Organisation offering professional development, valuable connections and meaningful influence.
The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH)
TORCH provides a range of training and development opportunities for early career researchers in Humanities.
Social Entrepreneurship: exploring the buzzword
Let's explore the buzzword that is increasingly featuring in the business and start-up sector.
How a Degree Can Help You Run Your Startup
Three members of Bloom&Wild discuss how their degrees have helped in their entrepreneurial life
Oxford Venture Capital Network – Student Society
A network to help both Oxford students and startups grow.
Coursera: Entrepreneurship Online Courses (MOOC)
Online, free courses taught by top instructors from world-class universities and companies. So you can learn anywhere, anytime.
Creating Business Start-Ups The Kawasaki Way
Learn how to start-up a business with advice from Guy Kawasaki.
10 Ways Entrepreneurs Think Differently
How often have you thought to yourself, "I wish I had my own business"? Many people dream about how good it would be, being their own ...
Global Challenges Research Fund
The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) supports cutting-edge research to address challenges faced by developing countries.
Aspect launch new Accelerator!
Aspect’s new flagship four-month social sciences student and alumni accelerator hosted by LSE to support and scale socially-responsible student and alumni ventures is now open for applications.
Oxford Healthtech Labs
Oxford Healthtech Labs builds on years of experience running needs-driven innovation training programmes at the University of Oxford.
OSEF 2020: An Entrepreneurial Space Odyssey
Attending OSEF 2020 was a great way for new Enterprising Oxford team member Andrea to learn more about Oxford’s entrepreneurial ...
Online Entrepreneurship Courses (MOOC)
Free, online entrepreneurship courses from ALISON provide a top-notch online entrepreneurship education to create a startup business.
Unleash Your Potential: Innovation and Enterprise
Get an introduction to innovation and enterprise, and learn to generate and evaluate your own ideas.
Entrepreneurship.org
An online resource from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to help entrepreneurs grow great ideas.
When can I call myself a science entrepreneur?
Holly Reeve's journey from research scientist to startup co-founder
Community Enterprise Awards
Since 2013, over 40 different ventures have been supported, from a community cafe to a soap recycling enterprise.
Head-to-head with Katie Bedborough of Oxford VR
A company to watch, OCFI-based Oxford VR has just raised £10m Series A funding. The Oxford Trust went head-to-head with Katie Bedborough, their COO, to find out more about how their VR technology is being used in mental health treatments.
The Oxford Social Entrepreneur’s Journey
Useful information about social entrepreneurship in Oxfordshire.
Support Innovation
Providing Oxford University with unprecedented opportunities to innovate by sharing resources and ideas
Engaging with Entrepreneurship Programme
Sign up for IDEA's Engaging with Entrepreneurship Programme to gain practical experience, learn transferable skills for the workplace, ...
Free Entrepreneurship Online Courses and Activities
Looking for something to do from the comfort of your own home? Check out these free online entrepreneurship courses, videos and resources!
The Oxford Academic Health Science Network
The Oxford AHSN brings together the NHS, universities, business, patients and the public to promote best health for the population and prosperity in Oxfordshire.
The First Questions to ask yourself when you have that big idea Part 2
Dr Stuart Wilkinson gives advice on business ideas and how to manage them.
Business Plans and Other Important Documents
10 sections that could be included in your business plan.
Aspect
Aspect (A SHAPE Platform for Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Transformation) is a network for organisations looking to make the most of commercial and business opportunities from Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SHAPE) research.
Why do an entrepreneurship course if you are not interested in entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship skills are essential whether you start a business or not. So what skills are these?
“We are all going to change the world: it’s just where and how?”
Food for thoughts: measuring the impact of our lives.
Tech hubs where your start-up can flourish
Workspace is about more than a desk: it’s about access to the right equipment, services, and facilities.
NHS Clinical Entrepreneur
The clinical entrepreneur training programme is designed to offer opportunities for clinical, NHS staff and wider health professionals to develop their entrepreneurial aspirations during their clinical training period.
Tech City Digital Business Academy
Free online courses to help you start, grow or join a digital business.
Business Model Canvas Explained
The Business Model Canvas is a business tool used to visualise all the building blocks of starting a business
Social Shifters: Find your social or environmental passion and take action
Find your social or environmental passion - and take action
Online FinTech Courses
Learn and understand fintech with free online classes from top universities and institutions.
Get Interactive: Practical Teaching with Technology
This is a very practical course that will teach you how to create interactive online courses.
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EnSpire 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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