Disabled business owners often encounter systemic barriers that can make entrepreneurship less accessible, despite it being an appealing career path for many.
But there is growing support available. Through the LILAC Centre, Small Business Britain is working to strengthen opportunities, influence policy, and improve conditions across the private sector.
Alongside this wider change, Michelle Ovens, CEO of Small Business Britain, offers some top tips on how disabled business owners can access support and help their businesses to thrive and grow.
- Find your community
Building and growing a business can often be an isolating experience, especially for disabled entrepreneurs, so surrounding yourself with a support network made up of people with similar experiences will be essential for your success. They will help to feel understood and confident in building your venture. Attending networking groups, either in-person or online, is a great place to start.
- Find a mentor with lived experience
Seek out an established entrepreneur with lived experience of disability. Their firsthand insight into navigating business challenges alongside disability, and their understanding of your unique circumstances could prove to be invaluable.
For instance, the LILAC Centre has recently launched a free mentorship programme in partnership with Lloyds, created with and for disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent founders. Alongside offering practical support, the programme aims to leave you feeling more confident, energised and ambitious.
These networks, and work with a mentor, can be a vital source of emotional support, shared resources, and strategic guidance.
- Manage your own capacity and surround yourself with a support system
You have full control of your business, and it should work for you. This means being proactive about implementing reasonable adjustments in your own operations. Work flexible hours if you need to manage your energy, utilise assistive technology to streamline processes, and take on only what you can sustainably manage. Protecting yourself and your capacity is non-negotiable for long-term success.
Know yourself, understand your limits, and be firm about what you can't handle. You'll do your best, most innovative work when you are fully charged and operating within your sustainable energy envelope, and it is essential to proactively plan for eventualities when you can't deliver at your maximum.
Alongside this, whether it's your first hire, an outsourced contractor, or a virtual assistant, surround yourself with people who not only excel at their jobs but also understand and respect your needs and boundaries as a Disabled founder.
- Research and secure specific funding and grants
Access to finance is a common challenge for many entrepreneurs, but specific accessibility barriers exist for disabled founders. There are funding options and grants available with you in mind. Dedicate time to thoroughly researching these specific avenues of support, as they can significantly help you secure the capital needed to grow.
To help you navigate this, the LILAC Centre has an upcoming session on funding and finance in partnership with Lloyds. You can sign up for this session here, and stay in touch with the LILAC Centre on
- Leverage technology, AI, and a supportive team to boost efficiency
Technology is an extremely powerful tool for growth, and for boosting access. Data from the Lilac Review’s Final Report shows that 63% of disabled entrepreneurs are already using AI to gain a competitive edge, and for good reason: 69% report increased efficiency, and 40% report cost saving, among other benefits.
Tools available include free chat bots for content creation, marketing, and managing emails, dictation tools that can ease the burden of business admin, and note-taking software for meetings, among many others. Integrating these as necessary into your day-to-day operations can help you to automate tedious tasks and improve your workflow, bridging gaps caused by fluctuating capacity and turning potential weaknesses into operational strengths.