Funded opportunities for businesses and residents
These opportunities are available until March 2025 and are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Business Spark
The Cherwell Business Spark programme will help people to start their own successful businesses, or create a profitable ‘extra income stream’, with support covering key areas including business fundamentals, understanding customers, marketing and sales, financial planning and developing a first-year action plan.
Find out more and apply to join the programme at OxLEP Business Spark.
Business Accelerator
The Cherwell Business Accelerator programme will provide expertise and support to help small businesses in Cherwell grow and thrive.
The support will be through in person and online sessions, masterclasses delivered by business experts, a Leadership Development programme, facilitated Peer-to-Peer Sessions and expert 1:1 support.
Find out more and apply to join the programme at OxLEP Business Accelerator.
Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Business Grant Scheme
OxLEP Business are delivering Cherwell District Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Business Grant Scheme – a grant fund that aims to back capital projects for rural-based small businesses in the Cherwell area - OxLEP REPF Business Grant Scheme. This scheme is now closed for new applications.
Free Green Skills courses
Cherwell District Council has partnered with Abingdon and Witney College to offer free places on a variety of Green Skills construction courses for local businesses and residents.
The courses in domestic retrofit and renewable technologies include introductory topics for those looking to begin a career in construction and specialist modules for those already working in the industry looking to expand their knowledge and expertise.
Sign up via the Abingdon and Witney College website
No Limits programme
The council is funding the ‘No Limits’ programme in Cherwell, designed to offer support for residents into training and employment.
The programme includes assistance for those who need personalised help to get a job, including advice and support, free laptops and mobile phones to develop digital skills, as well as travel grants for those needing financial help to get to work or college.
Find out more and sign up at OxLEP No Limits.