Entries open for 2026 Enterprise Oxfordshire awards

The event honours outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovators, and business leaders in Oxfordshire.

Entries are now being accepted following an extension to the deadline, now set for Monday, August 10.

Sarah Beal, business support service manager at Enterprise Oxfordshire Business, said: “Our track record of impact, combined with opportunities such as the Marketplace and Celebration Event, showcases the real value of engaging with Enterprise Oxfordshire Business.

“These platforms give businesses and entrepreneurs the chance to connect, showcase what they do and access the support that can help them take their next step with confidence.”

Held at Oxford Town Hall the marketplace and awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 4.

The event brings together the county’s business community for an evening of networking, knowledge-sharing, and celebration.

It includes an exhibition marketplace and an awards ceremony.

The awards recognise achievements across categories such as Business Leader of the Year, Start-Up of the Year, and Growth Business of the Year.

Businesses or individuals who have engaged with Enterprise Oxfordshire Business since April 2022 are eligible to participate.

Entry is free across all award categories.

The annual event is part of Enterprise Oxfordshire Business’ ongoing efforts to support the county’s business community and promote commercial success.

Last year’s ceremony, also held at Oxford Town Hall, highlighted the value of connecting entrepreneurs, showcasing services, and celebrating business achievement.

The marketplace format gives businesses a space to present their services and connect with peers.

Earlier this year, the Growth Hub Cluster Impact Report highlighted the contributions of Enterprise Oxfordshire Business and similar hubs in neighbouring regions between April 2020 and March 2025.

During this period, the hubs collectively supported 92,719 businesses, delivered 178,563 hours of business support, and helped launch 3,934 new businesses.

They also helped to create 6,970 jobs and safeguard 6,093 positions.

For every £1 of core government funding, the cluster generated an additional £24 to support SME growth and delivered £35 in economic and social value.

Ms Beal said: “Events like this, alongside our wider Growth Hub support, demonstrate the real impact that targeted, accessible business support can have.

“Whether a business is just starting out or looking to scale, we want to encourage people across the county to engage with us, access support and be part of Oxfordshire’s growing business community.”

Enterprise Oxfordshire became the new trading name of OxLEP in April last year.

This followed a two-year transition and now operates under a Teckal company model with Oxfordshire County Council as its sole shareholder.

Details about award categories, sponsors, and exhibiting opportunities are available at www.enterpriseoxfordshirebusiness.com/marketplace-and-celebration-2026.