EnSpire and NatWest bring Accelerator momentum to Oxfordshire
Oxford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is building real momentum, and a new partnership between EnSpire and NatWest is helping to power that growth.
Founders across Oxfordshire can now access the NatWest Accelerator, connecting local entrepreneurs to a national network of expertise, support and opportunity. It marks an important step in strengthening the support available through EnSpire to those starting, building and scaling businesses at the University, and in the region.
At the heart of this is the NatWest Accelerator app, which now includes a dedicated Oxford platform, giving founders, students, researchers and the wider community a place to connect, share ideas and access support in a way that works for them. Whether you’re developing an early idea or growing an established business, the app opens up access to tools, resources and events designed to help you move your venture forward, all alongside a community of entrepreneurs who understand the journey.
This partnership sits within the wider Equinox initiative, a major regional collaboration bringing together universities, businesses, investors and public sector organisations to drive innovation-led, inclusive growth across Oxfordshire. By working together through Equinox, partners are strengthening the connections between ideas, talent and investment, helping to ensure that Oxford’s world-class innovation translates into real opportunities for founders and communities across the region. The NatWest Accelerator plays an important role in this, providing accessible, practical support that helps entrepreneurs turn potential into real progress.
Events designed for Oxford founders
Alongside the app, EnSpire and NatWest are launching a growing programme of events in Oxford, designed to bring founders together in person to learn, connect and build confidence. Kicking things off is the NatWest Accelerator Pitch competition, offering founders the opportunity to pitch for a share of an incredible £100,000 prize fund.
“It’s great for the region that Nat West is bringing its Accelerator Pitch competition to Oxford. Supporting ideas to scale and grow, and increasing access to opportunities is key to Equinox’s mission of delivering innovation-led economic growth that benefits all. Bringing together EnSpire’s experience in supporting entrepreneurs across the University of Oxford with NatWest’s established accelerator model, is a great example of how Equinox is connecting partners to make a real difference across Oxfordshire and beyond. ”
— Dora Handrea, Head of EnSpire
The Oxford final will take place on 18th June, where selected finalists will pitch live to a panel of judges for the chance to secure funding and gain exposure to expert support that can accelerate their growth. Founders interested in applying can submit a 60-second video pitch, with shortlisted applicants invited to present at the live event. As well as funding, the competition provides a platform to build confidence and connect with the people and support that can help take your business further. A wider programme of workshops, masterclasses and networking events will continue throughout the year, offering practical support across key areas including funding, sales, leadership and growth.
“Access to funding remains a major hurdle for many entrepreneurs, and the NatWest Accelerator Pitch competition gives founders a dynamic platform to build confidence and compete for the support they need to grow.”
- Darren Pirie, Head of NatWest Accelerator
Join the Accelerator community
By downloading the NatWest Accelerator app, you can join the Oxford community, connect with other founders, and access a wide range of support - and this is just the beginning! Alongside the growing programme of events and the expanding app community, plans are underway for a physical NatWest Accelerator hub in Oxford. This next phase of the partnership will create even more opportunities for founders to connect, collaborate and access support in person.
We look forward to sharing more updates soon as this exciting development takes shape. In the meantime, join the NatWest Accelerator today via the app and start building your path to growth. Find out more about the app and partnership by clicking the link below.
