{"id":27803,"date":"2025-10-13T11:10:51","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T10:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/?p=27803"},"modified":"2025-11-18T12:46:03","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T12:46:03","slug":"the-open-university-and-natwest-launch-open-business-creators-fund-to-empower-women-entrepreneurs-across-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/business-law\/the-open-university-and-natwest-launch-open-business-creators-fund-to-empower-women-entrepreneurs-across-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"The Open University and NatWest Launch \u2018Open Business Creators Fund\u2019 to Empower Women Entrepreneurs Across the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Launched on Monday 13th<\/sup> October in a video by Baroness Martha Lane Fox<\/strong> on The Open University\u2019s social media channels, the initiative offers individual grants of up to \u00a32,500, backed by \u00a350,000 in sponsorship from NatW<\/strong>est. The fund is open to all women aged 16 and over, residing in the UK.<\/p>\n

At the heart of this year\u2019s competition is Validate, a powerful business development platform provided by The Open University. Validate walks applicants through every step of building a business \u2013 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\u2014making this not just a competition, but a learning experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is more than a competition, it\u2019s a launchpad for women entrepreneurs<\/strong>,\u201d <\/em>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.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In addition to funding and mentoring, Open Business Creators \u2013 in partnership with NatWest \u2013 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.<\/p>\n