Record-breaking monthly event empowers entrepreneurs
More than 100 aspiring entrepreneurs benefitted from a startup networking event organised by Oxfordshire County Council in September.
The monthly event, next taking place on 17 October from 6pm, provides a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.
The sessions are organised by the council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) and each event includes one or two business presentations, a question and answer period, and ample networking time.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community & Corporate Services, said: “What our award-winning BIPC has achieved in such a short period of time has been astounding. Over 1,500 people have already been supported with their start-ups and their ideas, and the startup huddle is just one of a range of ways that people can benefit.
“Many of the services offered are free of charge, including this one. By providing free resources and support, we can help people in Oxfordshire turn their dreams into reality and help their businesses thrive.”
Located in the Oxford Central Library at Westgate, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one-on-one support or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.
Its success was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.
The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.
For more information on the BIPC, visit the centre on the second floor of Oxfordshire County Library or go online at oxfordshire.gov.uk/bipc.
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