The Open University and NatWest Launch ‘Open Business Creators Fund’ to Empower Women Entrepreneurs Across the UK

Posted on 13 October 2025 • Business and law, University news

The Open University, in partnership with NatWest and the Department for Work and Pensions, proudly announces the return of the Open Business Creators Fund, a transformative funding competition designed to support people from marginalised groups at the idea or early stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

Launched on Monday 13^th October in a video by Baroness Martha Lane Fox on The Open University’s social media channels, the initiative offers individual grants of up to £2,500, backed by £50,000 in sponsorship from NatWest. The fund is open to all women aged 16 and over, residing in the UK.

At the heart of this year’s competition is Validate, a powerful business development platform provided by The Open University. Validate walks applicants through every step of building a business – from identifying problems and opportunities to mapping out key partners, activities, and value propositions. The result is a polished, professional business portfolio ready for submission. Every applicant will benefit from using Validate as part of the application process—making this not just a competition, but a learning experience.

“This is more than a competition, it’s a launchpad for women entrepreneurs,” said Chaitali Patel, Head of Prospects at The Open University. With the support of Validate, every applicant leaves with a stronger, clearer business concept and the confidence to take it forward.”

In addition to funding and mentoring, Open Business Creators – in partnership with NatWest – will host a three-part webinar series throughout October and November, featuring inspirational women who are driving change in their communities and industries. Anyone can visit the Open Business Creators website and sign up to attend.

• Webinar 1: Confidence – Tuesday, 21 October (12:00–13:00)
  The session will include an inspiring talk with Mags Byrne, Entrepreneur in Residence at The Open University, and Stef Genesis who will share their journey of pioneering in the esports industry. We will then dive into a hands-on workshop with OU Business School Senior Lecturer, Liz Moody, to explore how to shape and develop business ideas. Whether you’re just starting out or refining a concept, this session will help you build the confidence to take the next step.
• Webinar 2: Capabilities – Wednesday, 5 November (12:00–13:00)

Understanding your audience and your finances is key to building a sustainable business. Ronke Maye, founder of Ronke Maye Ltd shares her story of starting her own business and key tips for creating relationships with your customer or user base. Then, experts from NatWest will break down the essentials of managing costs and projecting revenue. This session is perfect for anyone looking to strengthen the foundations of their business model.

• Webinar 3: Connections – Tuesday, 18 November (19:00–20:00)
  Hear from a panel of dynamic women (Soyna Barlow, Justice Williams, Claudine Reid MBE) joined by an OU entrepreneur in residence (Russell Dalgleish) as they share real-world insights, challenges, and advice on starting your own business, making connections, and increasing visibility.

To apply for the fund, participants must complete their Validate portfolio and submit it via the Open Business Creators entry form by midnight on Friday, 21 November 2025. Winners will be announced by 19 December 2025.

This initiative reflects The Open University’s commitment to inclusive, accessible entrepreneurship—empowering women with the tools, funding, and community they need to succeed.

To learn more and apply, visit: Open Business Creators Fund

Note: this story was edited on 18 November 2025