Marvin OnumonuThe Open University (OU) and NatWest launched the Open Business Creators Fund in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), aiming to support women entrepreneurs across the UK.
The fund will offer grants of up to £2,500 each, with £50,000 in sponsorship from NatWest.
It is available to all women and those who identify as women, aged 16 and over, living in the UK.
The application process uses Validate, a business development platform from The OU.
Applicants are required to use Validate to build and submit a business portfolio.
Chaitali Patel, head of prospects at The OU, said: “This is more than a competition, it’s a launchpad for women entrepreneurs.
“With the support of Validate, every applicant leaves with a stronger, clearer business concept and the confidence to take it forward.”
A series of three webinars will run throughout October and November.
The first webinar will focus on building confidence and include talks by Mags Byrne, entrepreneur in residence at The Open University, and Stef Genesis, who will speak about their experience in the esports industry.
Liz Moody, senior lecturer at the Open University business school, will lead a workshop on shaping business ideas.
The second webinar will address business capabilities.
Ronke Maye, founder of Ronke Maye Ltd, will share her experience of starting a business and give advice on building customer relationships.
NatWest experts will explain cost management and revenue forecasting.
The third webinar will cover making connections in business. Speakers will include Soyna Barlow, Justice Williams, Claudine Reid and Russell Dalgleish, entrepreneur in residence at the Open University.
They will discuss real-world challenges and advice for new business owners.
Applicants need to submit their Validate portfolio by midnight on 21st November 2025.
Winners are scheduled to be announced by 19th December 2025.
