Unlock Collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Events Grant

Entrepreneurship thrives on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation. To acknowledge and support this, EnSpire offers an Entrepreneurship Events Grant of £500 with rolling applications running every Trinity term, empowering event organisers to host impactful gatherings that inspire, educate, and connect aspiring entrepreneurs. If you’re looking to host an entrepreneurship-related event and are a University of Oxford student or staff member, this grant can provide the support needed to bring your event idea to life. But don’t just take our word for it—here’s how previous grant recipients have used their grants.

Spotlight on Past Events

1. An Introduction to Angel Investing

This event helped demystify the world of angel investing for students and aspiring entrepreneurs. Attendees gained valuable insights from experienced investors, learning about funding strategies, investment processes, and key industry trends.

"It was a great success! We received an abundance of positive feedback that the event provided the audience with really valuable insights, regardless of their familiarity with angel investing." - Grant recipient

2. Panel Discussions on Key Industry Topics

Grant recipients have organised a range of engaging panel discussions tackling pressing topics, such as:

• Breaking Barriers: Closing the C-suite Gender Gap

• The Future of FemTech

• From Oxford Students to CEOs

These panel events brought together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to share their experiences, challenges, and advice for aspiring founders.

"We had an awesome turnout for this event. The room was filled to the brim with early-stage founders and passionate students. The panel was engaging, and the audience’s questions during the Q&A were exceptionally insightful." - Grant recipient

3. Speed-Networking

Building connections is essential in entrepreneurship. Speed-networking sessions help to facilitate meaningful interactions, enabling attendees to expand their professional networks, exchange ideas, and meet potential co-founders.

"We connected female founders from across the globe with University of Oxford students, early career researchers, and innovation infrastructure experts. As a result of this event, we have garnered support to conduct expert workshops with panellists next year." - Grant recipient

4. Live Pitching 

Live pitching events have given startups the opportunity to present their ideas to potential investors and partners, gaining valuable exposure, feedback, and possible funding.

The event went very well. The pitches were impressive, the audience engaged, and atmosphere vibrant. The event was well-attended by a range of founders, investors and others with an interest in entrepreneurship. The grant paid for a venue that was ideal for the pitches and subsequent networking. - Grant recipient

5. Fireside Chats with Industry Leaders

Previous Fireside Chat events have allowed attendees to gain exclusive insights from successful entrepreneurs and founders who have shared their personal journeys, challenges, and key learnings.

"The speaker appreciated the opportunity to share their research and perspectives on entrepreneurship and AI. It fostered interdisciplinary debates and strengthened the local AI & entrepreneurship community." - Grant recipient

Thinking about applying for the Grant?

The Entrepreneurship Events Grant has proven to be instrumental in fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. Past recipients have successfully used the funding to:

• Connect students, researchers, and founders with industry leaders.

• Organize expert panels and workshops that provide valuable insights.

• Create networking opportunities that lead to future collaborations.

• Establish platforms that influence policy and drive real change.

Find out more and apply

If you’re passionate about creating an event that inspires and supports entrepreneurs, the Entrepreneurship Events Grant is here to help. Applications open for two months at the end of Hilary term. For more information on application dates and how the grant can be used, click the link below.

Apply for the Entrepreneurship Events Grant