Funded Business Support Programmes

Three women sat around a laptop working on a business together

We are a non-profit, neurodivergent-led business support organisation on a mission to make self-employment more accessible, inclusive and sustainable for neurodivergent people.

Our team of experienced, neurodivergent business experts support entrepreneurs and freelancers to build businesses that work with their brains, not against them.

We’re actively seeking partners OR funding to help us run business support programmes which are free at the point of access, so we can support those in financial hardship or from marginalised backgrounds.

We want to equip more neurodivergent people with the tools, knowledge and confidence to take control of their income, embrace their strengths, and build sustainable businesses on their own terms.

Why our programmes exist

A person sat at a laptop smiling

Most business resources and programmes don’t meet the needs of neurodivergent business owners.

They’re often inaccessible to different learning styles and don’t take the unique needs and challenges of many neurodivergent people into account.

Even worse, traditional business advice often encourages neurodivergent people to mask in order to be accepted – and this leads to exhaustion, burnout and lack of self-confidence. 

We want to support neurodivergent business owners to create and lead their businesses their way, while embracing every aspect of their unique neurodiversity, personality and strengths.

Why our work is needed

A blonde woman pointing up at the word ADHD written in chalk on a blackboard

  • Only 22% of autistic people are currently in employment. And yet, the UK Autism Strategy focuses on employability, without any recognition that self-employment may be a better option for many autistic people to manage their energetic, communication and sensory needs.

  • 40% of entrepreneurs are likely to be dyslexic, four times the national average. And yet, so much business advice focuses on written materials and communication

  • People with ADHD are 60%-80% more likely to have entrepreneurial intentions. But they can often struggle with focus, prioritisation and motivation which traditional business frameworks demand of them. 

These are just a few examples of the barriers we’re helping neurodivergent people to overcome on the road to self-employment, supported by a team of successful neurodivergent business owners with lived experience.

Neuroinclusive Business Start Up Programme

In 2023, we received funding from Innovate UK to develop and deliver a comprehensive, fully neuroinclusive business startup programme designed to take neurodivergent entrepreneurs from idea to viable business.

Our programme includes 14 hours of teaching material which can be delivered online or in person, and covers:

  • Introduction to self-employment

  • Legal structures and tax essentials

  • Cashflow forecasting and business planning

  • Goal setting, time management and productivity

  • Marketing, sales and networking skills

Everything we deliver is designed to be inclusive, accessible and neurodivergent-friendly, with flexible formats that support different learning styles, energy levels and communication needs.

As a follow-on, all programme participants will be given access to our membership community, providng ongoing peer-to-peer support, expert-led sessions and a safe space for business owners to learn, grow and thrive without pressure to mask or conform.

Programme Results

100%

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were very satisfied with the programme quality

67%

had started their business

83%

said their business confidence improved

100%

improved their understanding of business

What our programme participants say

  • “The course was really, really helpful for me. I had done a business course before, but lots of it wasn’t helpful or applicable to me as a neurodivergent and disabled person. I enjoyed all the sessions on the Joyfully Different course. What’s been most helpful is being presented with lots of different options, rather than being told ‘this is the way to do something’ and knowing that won’t work for me. I also liked having gaps between sessions, as it meant I took time to think about things. I genuinely have nothing negative to say about the course, it was so good. It gave me a lot of confidence to be able to apply for funding and do things I just wouldn’t have done.”

    Emory Southwick

  • “I have never been on an inclusive course especially for neurodivergent founders, so this was a dream come true. In the past I have been on high intense programmes with technical jargon, no breaks, no space to be yourself or to ask silly questions, and in-person meet ups that were difficult to get to or intimidating. The speakers and hosts at Joyfully Different have lived experience of disability which I love and makes all the difference. We can relate to them, they are very real and honest people, and approachable and friendly. I hope to keep in touch with everyone after the course and continue to progress and push myself, but also give myself grace and kindness.”

    Sarah Hill

  • "All the facilitators are REALLY great, really passionate, really articulate and really knowledgeable and generous with their wisdom gleaned from personal experience! It was a huge honour to learn from them. I really appreciate the personal check-ins and holistic understanding of business beyond just work life. "

    Anonymous Participant

Additional Business Support Services

As well as our full business startup programme, we can also support with the following.

Peer Group Programme & Sessions

Programme of 6 x 1-hour peer support sessions (or pay-as-you-go sessions) delivered weekly or fortnightly, for neurodivergent business owners to bring their challenges and blockers and access help from lived experience experts and their peers 

Delivered by experienced business consultants and facilitators, these sessions provide a safe space for neurodivergent business owners to discuss their unique challenges and experiences, accessing a community and sense of genuine belonging, as well as gaining expert business support

Joyfully Different Membership

Access to our membership platform including:

  • Library of resources and masterclasses on growing a business as a neurodivergent business owner

  • Live weekly business support sessions

  • Twice-weekly body doubling

  • Regular, live workshops

  • A supportive community of fellow neurodivergent entrepreneurs

  • Business promotion & more

Interested in funding our social impact work or collaborating on delivering neuroinclusive business support?

Fill out the form letting us know a bit more about your organisation with some ideas of how we might work together, and we’ll be in touch via email to arrange a call.