Starting and Growing Your Business in West Oxfordshire

Starting or expanding a business is an exciting journey—and West Oxfordshire offers a wide range of support to help you succeed. Whether you're launching a new venture or scaling up, this guide connects you with local resources, expert advice, and funding opportunities.

Getting Started 

• Business Structures Explore the options—sole trader, limited company, or partnership—on GOV.UK: 
  https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business 

• Registering as Self-Employed Official guidance on becoming a sole trader: 
  https://www.gov.uk/become-sole-trader 

• Free Startup Guides Download helpful business guides from the Start Up Loans Company: 
  https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/starting-and-growing-your-business/ (see under "Free startup guides") West Oxfordshire District Council 

• Pension support for Self-employed:  Pensions for the self-employed: what you need to know - Aviva 

Local Support Programmes

• Enterprise Oxfordshire The first place to come to when starting out is EO with their Business Support tool, they can advice on projects and programmes to support you and worth following on Linked-in too for updates on shortl online courses Business Support Tool - Enterprise Oxfordshire Business 

• Enterprise Nation Connect with advisers, network, and access actionable resources: 
  https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/starting-and-growing-your-business/ (scroll to "Enterprise Nation") West Oxfordshire District Council 

Planning for Growth 

• Business Plan Template Downloadable template via Enterprise Nation: 
  https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/starting-and-growing-your-business/ (“Business plan template”) West Oxfordshire District Council 

• Startup Donut Practical guides on writing business plans and managing growth: 
  https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/starting-and-growing-your-business/ (“Start up Donut website”) West Oxfordshire District Council 

Finance and Funding 

• Enterprise Oxfordshire Discover local grant opportunities for growth and innovation via Enterprise Oxfordshire news: 
  https://www.enterpriseoxfordshire.com/news/standout-programmes-return-for-second-phase-with-west-oxfordshire-and-cherwell-based-businesses-and-entrepreneurs-ready-to-take-advantage/ OxLEP BusinessEnterprise Oxfordshire 

• Start Up Loans Access government-backed loans with mentoring through the Start Up Loans Company: 
  https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/starting-and-growing-your-business/ (see “Free startup guides” section) West Oxfordshire District Council 
• Better Business Finance Impartial funding advice from major banks: 
  Also available via the “Free startup guides” section of the West Oxfordshire District Council page West Oxfordshire District Council 

Find Business Premises 

• Witney Business & Innovation Centre (BIC) Flexible office space, meeting rooms, hot desks, and networking events: 
  https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/business-networking-and-events/ (see under networking and events for premises info) West Oxfordshire District Council 

• Commercial Property Search Browse local commercial premises and options: 
  Also accessible via the West Oxfordshire District Council’s business support pages (look for "Commercial premises" section) West Oxfordshire District Council 

Networking and Recruitment 

• Business Buzz Networking Events Monthly drop-in networking in Witney and beyond—no membership required: 
  https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/business-networking-and-events/ (“Business Buzz”) West Oxfordshire District Council
  For details specific to Witney’s Buzz group: https://www.business-buzz.org/oxfordshire/witney/ business-buzz.org 

• Jobcentre Plus Employer Support Recruitment assistance, advice, and access to programmes like SWAPs (Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes): 
  https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/starting-and-growing-your-business/ (see “Jobcentre Plus employer support”) West Oxfordshire District Council 

Need Help? 

For tailored guidance, reach out to the Economic Development Team at West Oxfordshire District Council: 

• Email: business@westoxon.gov.uk
• Phone: 01993 861482

 

Section	Resource	Live URL
Business Structures	GOV.UK – Set Up a Business	gov.uk/set-up-business
Register as Self-Employed	GOV.UK – Become a Sole Trader	gov.uk/become-sole-trader
Start-Up Guides	West Oxfordshire District Council	Starting and Growing Your Business
OxLEP Business Spark	Enterprise Oxfordshire	Business Spark Programme
Enterprise Nation	SME Community & Resources	enterprisenation.com
Business Plan Template	Enterprise Nation	Business Plan Template
Startup Donut	Business Planning Guides	startupdonut.co.uk
OxLEP Grant Schemes	Innovation & Visitor Economy Grants	OxLEP Funding
Start Up Loans	Government-backed Loans & Mentoring	startuploans.co.uk
Better Business Finance	Impartial Finance Advice	betterbusinessfinance.co.uk
Enterprise Oxfordshire	Business Support Tool & Growth Hub	enterpriseoxfordshirebusiness.com
Business Buzz Networking	Local Networking Events	business-buzz.org/oxfordshire
Witney Business & Innovation Centre	Office Space & Events	witney-bic.co.uk

Related Pages

• Business support and advice
• Business networking and events
• Funding and Support Opportunities for West Oxfordshire Businesses