OU cheers winners of its Disabled Entrepreneurs Grants

Posted on 13 December 2024 • Business, University news

Business ideas from budding entrepreneurs with a disability have been given a financial boost thanks to a new fund from The Open University (OU).

Ideas for start-up enterprises ranging from gardening to baking and from tech to retail were amongst those who made the winners list, in the OU’s Open Business Creators (OBC) Fund.

A total pot of £25,000 in funding is being offered by the OU to help disabled individuals in the UK and Republic of Ireland to kickstart their business ideas.

The following are idea-stage grant recipients:

• Witold – an OU student from Scotland who is creating a service which aims to build youth competences concerning sustainability
• Peter – a former OU student from Scotland whose ideas centre around a mobile personal surveillance device to protect vulnerable people from abuse, harassment, or assault
• Alexis – who is creating customised and a one-of-a-kind video game apparel for gamers, by gamers.
• Christopher –  an OU Psychology student from Wales who is creating a coaching business for adults with ADHD
• Fraser – who is building an online platform that brings the classic fun of board game nights to the digital world
• Tanis – who is creating a toolkit and service to empower neuro divergent employees to thrive, and assist employers to embrace diversity

These are the early-stage grant recipients:

• Khamani – who runs an educational and creative business that offers themed craft boxes, including a range for youngsters with Special Educational Needs
• Emma – an OU Psychology student from Wales, who is creating a scheme and resources for primary schools to improve wellbeing for pupils and improve their ability to manage changes, such as transition
• Naomi – an OU Psychology student from London, selling handmade polymer clay ornaments, embroidery artwork, and digital and handmade prints which promote wellbeing
• Kevin – building a product to ease mobility and accessibility
• Elizabeth – who is running a sensory-friendly, colourful, and eco-conscious fashion brand for children
• Savannah – who runs a vegan, Jamaican inspired family bakery

Commenting on the high standard of entries, Robert Wilson, Manager, Student Opportunities, OU’s Graduate School & Research and Enterprise, said:

“I am really pleased with the range of ideas and businesses that came forward for this funding opportunity, an Open Business Creators first. We saw everything from artists to AI applications.

“Many of the applicants are using their lived experiences to tackle real-world challenges with their projects, particularly in the education and mental health space.

“It is our hope that these small grants give these entrepreneurial people the foundation on which to continue a strong start and that Open Business Creators can be a source of support as they grow.”

The fund opportunity was launched in September in collaboration with Scope, the UK’s leading disability equality charity, to support disabled entrepreneurs. Open to any UK or Republic of Ireland resident aged 16 or over with lived experience of a disability, as defined by the social model of disability, it attracted 85 registrations to the applications site.

Developing a business plan and presenting to judges

This year the opportunity was widened to include non-OU students. The scheme is designed for those who are at the idea or early business stage, giving a chance to turn their ambitions into reality.

Winners gain the knowledge and resources to start their own businesses, including developing a business plan and presenting their business idea to a panel of judges. The fund aims to boost their confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ideas and will also connect them with valuable business support networks.

Disabled entrepreneurs are a vital part of the UK economy, contributing 8.6% of turnover from small businesses. Yet, a report from Access2Funding reveals that investors are missing out on £500 million in annual returns by not backing disabled entrepreneurs.

The OBC funding opportunity acts on recommendations made in the Lilac Review’s interim report. It found that improving opportunity for disabled founders could unlock an additional £230 billion for the UK economy. Disabled entrepreneurs currently account for approximately 25% of the nation’s 5.5 million small businesses, but only 8.6% of total small business turnover. Four fifths feel they have unequal access to opportunities and resources.

For more information on the OBC contact: Open-Business-Creators@open.ac.uk or learn what the OU can offer here: Are you a new or aspiring entrepreneur looking for support? | Open University

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