"The Open University (OU) has joined forces with NatWest and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to relaunch the Open Business Creators Fund, a nationwide initiative offering early-stage women entrepreneurs financial support, mentoring, and access to training resources. Launched in a video message by Baroness Martha Lane Fox, Chancellor of The Open University, the competition offers individual grants of up to £2,500, backed by £50,000 in sponsorship from NatWest."
"What sets this initiative apart is that every applicant is guided through the OU's Validate business development platform - an interactive tool that helps users refine and test their business ideas. Validate walks participants through identifying customer needs, developing value propositions, understanding key partners and resources, and producing a professional business portfolio. The completed portfolio then forms part of the fund application, meaning even those who don't secure a grant gain practical skills and a tangible business plan."
The Open University, NatWest and the Department for Work and Pensions relaunched the Open Business Creators Fund to support early-stage women entrepreneurs across the UK. Individual grants of up to £2,500 are available, backed by £50,000 of NatWest sponsorship. The fund is open to women and those who identify as women aged 16 and over and targets idea-stage and early-stage businesses. Every applicant completes the OU's Validate platform to test customer needs, develop value propositions, map partners and resources, and produce a professional business portfolio. The portfolio forms part of the application so all participants gain tangible skills. A free three-part webinar series runs across October and November.
Read at Business Matters
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