Open Enterprise Network

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a growing freelancer, or an established business owner, the Open Enterprise Network is here to help you thrive.

Tailored for Scotland-based Open University students, staff, and recent alumni (graduated within the last three years), this vibrant community offers the support, knowledge, and connections you need to turn ideas into sustainable success.

Through our dedicated web pages, you'll find a wealth of learning, funding, and development resources to support your journey. Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs through our LinkedIn community, where sharing insights, experiences, and opportunities is at the heart of everything we do.

Wherever you are on your enterprise journey, the Open Enterprise Network is your platform for growth. We’re excited to welcome you — and can’t wait to see what you build.

Join our network

Joining our community network on LinkedIn gives you a platform to connect with peers, share insights, and access valuable opportunities. It’s the perfect space to grow your network, exchange experiences, and tap into support that can help you succeed, whether you're just starting or scaling your business.

Don’t miss an opportunity to develop your business – sign up to the Open Enterprise Network today.

Programmes and Resources

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Explore a curated collection of entrepreneurial resources, including free Open University courses in leadership, marketing, finance, and more—flexible and tailored for early-stage or growing businesses.

You’ll also find expert external support, from funding and mentorship to accelerators.

Find out more about the resources available.

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Open Business Creators (OBC) is a comprehensive programme designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs studying at the Open University.

The programme also delivers funding competitions that offer financial support to help bring ideas to life. By engaging with OBC, students gain the skills, tools, and funding opportunities they need to turn their entrepreneurial ambitions into reality, with tailored support from a trusted institution.

Competitions and Events

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The Open Enterprise Network Microfinance Competition 2026 is here to help aspiring entrepreneurs bring early-stage ideas to life with a little bit of extra support.

This is your opportunity to apply for one of two pots of £2,500 in equity-free funding to help support your company’s growth and development, helping you kickstart your business!

This competition is open to current OU students and recent OU alumni (graduated within the last 3 years), and OU staff. You must also be based in Scotland, or planning to operate your business from Scotland.

(If you’ve already been awarded enterprise funding from the OU in Scotland in the last 12 months, you are not eligible for this competition).

Whether you're exploring an innovative solution to a persistent problem, tackling a societal challenge, or launching a new product or service, we’re looking for ideas that show potential and purpose. We’re open to a range of ideas. Applications demonstrating a clear path to financial sustainability will be looked upon favourably.

If this applies to you and you’d like to enter our competition, please submit an OEN Microfinance Competition 2026 form by midnight on 5 July 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Kieran McKinstry, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Manager at The Open University in Scotland.

A women standing as she speaks at a conference.

Our events are designed to inspire, connect, and build your skills. You’ll hear directly from business experts and get a chance to pick their brains, take part in fun and practical workshops, and have plenty of opportunities to network with your fellow student entrepreneurs.