Open University and NatWest launch creators fund to support women entrepreneurs
The fund, launched in partnership with the DWP will offer grants of up to £2,500 each, with £50,000 in sponsorship from NatWest.
The 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.
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