Never underestimate the power of making new connections. Networking may be one of the most valuable exercises when you work in a start-up as you’ll never know who you may meet that could take your venture further.

Oxford Entrepreneurs
Europe’s largest student Entrepreneurship Society. Through their regularly organised annual events you’ll get the opportunity to meet with potential investors and mentors.

OxLEP
The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) is responsible for championing and developing the Oxfordshire economy and focuses on establishing effective relationships between businesses, academia and the public sector.

B4
B4 is a network of core established businesses around the Oxfordshire area. From potential clients or customers to suppliers for your own business, it’s well worth taking a look at their networking events.

Oxford Startups Meetup
Mostly focused on software start-ups however open to all. Founded in 2013 the group has a large network of members from a range of different backgrounds and at different stages of their start-up.

There are different ways to seek out angel investors. Whether you would benefit from a programme that will guide you through the essentials such as writing a business plan and how to pitch; or you’re confident in your abilities and your number crunching and are looking to get straight to business, explore the different avenues.

FAB Accelerator
A key opportunity for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to take part in a programme designed to mentor to you for a pitch for investment with genuine investors at the end of the course.

Oxford Investment Opportunity Network 
OION is one of the UK’s first business angel networks and specifically works with start-ups. They focus on companies with strong barriers to entry but with a serious vision for growth.

Oxford Innovation
For ambitious and more established start-ups and SMEs, Oxford Innovation, with 30 years’ experience, specialises in business development, investment and finance, and internationalisation.

There is no “how to” guide to guaranteed success, but for everything else you need to know, from how to set up a company or how to take on staff, there’s plenty of practical advice and help for start-ups

Enterprising Oxford
A great basecamp for those who are at the very early stages of their venture. With plenty of advice for the idea stage of your start-up alone, they then go on to provide guidance on the basics. Although part of University of Oxford, it’s a useful resource for non-students also.

Oxfordshire Business Enterprises
For free, face-to-face advice speak to one of their advisors who, between them, have vast experience in various industries such as finance and accounting, manufacturing and procurement, sales and marketing, and more.

Startups
Excellent general business advice for all sorts of start-ups including franchises, freelancers and home-businesses.

Give your business idea the right environment and space to grow with co-working spaces. Read our article on how joining a co-working space could be the best first move for starting your own business.

Oxford Foundry
Just launched this October 2017, the Oxford Foundry is a new space for Oxford University students. From co-working spaces to workshops, the area offers young entrepreneurs a space to start their ideas.

The Wheelhouse
For all general public requiring professional co-working spaces and meeting rooms. The Wheelhouse also offers free 2 hour trials.

Showcase your start-up by exhibiting at events. They’re a great opportunity to achieve a lot in one day: raise awareness, meet potential investors, network with influencers, meet potential partners, see what the competition is up to and attend seminars to learn more.

Venturefest
Venturefest Oxford was set up in 1998 as an annual event that brings together innovators, investors and entrepreneurs to make connections that lead to new investments, new businesses and new ideas in the high-tech sector.