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1:1 Support

Get focused and stay motivated

When it comes to running a business, having a mentor can be one of the most important things you can do for overcoming challenges and stimulating growth.

With over 20 experts available, they can provide you with valuable advice, help you develop new skills and knowledge, and give you access to wider business circles and industry networks in Oxfordshire.

They will also bring their knowledge and experience into your Personal Support Plan, which you can access by completing our Business Support Tool.

What our support covers

Business Support Tool

Combine advisor support and bespoke business insights with a Personal Support Plan.

Innovation Support

Specialist advice for businesses embarking on innovative projects.

Peer Support

Build new contacts and collaborations through peer support and networking.

Enterprises for Social Good

Our social enterprise specialists provide up to 12 hours of free support and guidance.

Testimonials

“The Personal Support Plan has provided me with the confidence to provide a new employment opportunity in the business.”

David Fisher, Photographer and Director, Fisher Studios Ltd

“The past year it has felt more like I am part of the OxLEP community, rather than it being an organisation that I might dip into for funding or information.”

Renee Watson, Founder and Head of Explosions, The Curiosity Box

“All the people I've met are really supportive, kind and encouraging which makes a big difference - thank you!”

Julie Macken, Deputy Queen Bee, Neve’s Bees

Looking for events?

See what’s coming up

Most of our mentoring support takes place through 1:1 sessions organised with our experts; however, we do run mentoring themed events, including Power Hours.

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Browse our success stories

Read about other business leaders and entrepreneurs who engaged with mentoring sessions.

Coaching, challenging and supporting you

There are a lot of businesses who need support and want to grow. Coaching and mentoring can be extremely important for these businesses. By providing mentorship, we can show them the ropes, help them avoid pitfalls, and give them the encouragement they need to succeed. 

Not every business thinks that this close relationship with experts is for them, and in some cases this true. If you are currently in two minds, here are some common questions answered:

What are the mentoring sessions like/how are they structured?

The sessions are often client-led, with various questions and challenges from our experts used to explore underlying issues and to help focus on the outcomes of the session.

There will be ample time for clients to explain their circumstances, what their aims are, the timescales they are working to, and so forth. Our mentors will listen attentively to what you have to say and offer considered insights and thoughts on all topics of discussion.

What follows from my first 1:1 support session?

Working with you, the experts will encourage the creation of structured next stage plans (alongside/combining your Personal Support Plan) to be looked at in following discussions.

Do I need to bring anything?

Before the meeting, the mentor may ask for as much information as you can provide to ensure sessions are of most benefit as possible.

An openness to have a conversation, a willingness to learn or think differently, and some thoughts on what progress would look like to you will all help keep the sessions fresh and interactive.

Ready for that action plan?

It all starts with our unique Business Support Tool.