The Open University has relaunched its Open Business Creators Fund in partnership with NatWest and the Department for Work and Pensions, offering grants to support women entrepreneurs across the UK.
Backed by £50,000 from NatWest, the initiative provides individual grants of up to £2,500 to women and those who identify as women, aged 16 and over. The fund aims to support people from marginalised groups who are in the early stages of their business journey.
Applications opened on 13 October with a launch video by Baroness Martha Lane Fox, shared across The Open University’s social media channels.
At the centre of the initiative is Validate, the OU’s business development platform, which guides applicants through every step of building a business — from defining ideas to mapping out operations and value propositions. Each participant leaves with a complete business portfolio, regardless of whether they receive funding. “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.”
Alongside the fund, the programme will include a three-part webinar series in October and November, exploring key themes of confidence, capability, and connection. Speakers include Mags Byrne, Stef Genesis, Ronke Maye, Soyna Barlow, Justice Williams, and Claudine Reid MBE, with contributions from NatWest and OU experts.
Applications close on 21 November 2025, with winners announced on 19 December 2025.
For full details and to apply, visit the Open Business Creators Fund website.
The Open Business Creators programme also includes a free three-part webinar series in partnership with NatWest, designed to help women entrepreneurs build confidence, capability, and connections. Read more and register here: Open University Hosts Free Webinar Series to Support Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs.
