In our new blog series, No Barriers to Business, we’re exploring the ways in which entrepreneurs within North East England are overcoming perceived challenges to start and grow businesses against the odds.
At TEDCO, we have a longstanding track record of working with aspiring business owners and early‑stage start‑ups from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences. We believe that while self-employment isn’t for everyone, it can be for anyone.
The strength of disabled and neurodivergent entrepreneurs
Starting and building a business is a challenge for anyone, but for disabled and neurodivergent entrepreneurs those challenges can be amplified by systemic barriers, societal attitudes, or the need to navigate the world differently. Yet a significant number of North East business owners identify in these groups — and the businesses they run make invaluable contributions to our economy and communities.
We’ve helped thousands of people start, grow, and achieve their business goals at TEDCO. According to our latest Impact Report, 16% of TEDCO clients in the North East identify as disabled or neurodivergent. Many have built organisations that accommodate their needs, align with their strengths, or transform lived experience into purpose‑driven ventures.
Nationally, disabled and neurodivergent entrepreneurs are estimated to contribute around 10% of UK GDP, highlighting just how critical their role is across the business landscape. Their presence drives greater diversity, creativity, and innovation — qualities that strengthen the region as a whole. With 16.1 million disabled people in the UK (according to Government figures), this representation isn’t just welcome; it’s essential for a thriving economy.
Why success stories are so important
It’s crucial to recognise and address the barriers that disabled and neurodivergent people may face, from employment and travel challenges to financial pressures, attitudes, accessibility, and wellbeing. According to Scope UK, 72% of disabled people have experienced negative attitudes or behaviour in the past five years, underscoring how persistent stigma and misunderstanding remain.
That’s why celebrating the achievements of these entrepreneurs matters. Their stories challenge outdated assumptions, inspire others, and demonstrate the economic and social value of making business ownership more accessible. These founders aren’t just overcoming obstacles — they’re reshaping our local economy and redefining what’s possible. Here are three stories that continue to inspire us…
Anatolij Stroj: breaking health barriers with ArtyAnt Creations Ltd
Anatolij Stroj, founder of ArtyAnt Creations Ltd, has lived with several long‑term health conditions, including hereditary high blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, and degenerative disc disease caused by sciatica.
Rather than letting these challenges hold him back, they inspired him to create the characters Myllo & Meluna— a business dedicated to helping families build healthier habits. He explains:
“I see it as my mission to help parents and children be healthy, after struggling with my own health for so long. ArtyAnt Creations offers two unique soft‑toy characters for children aged 3–7, designed to help parents encourage little ones to eat more fruit and veg, brush their teeth, drink more water and stay active through fun and play.”
Read Ant’s story here – Anatolij Stroj – ArtyAnt Creations Ltd Case Study.
Robert Little: Turning ADHD lived experience into a movement
Some people step into entrepreneurship. Others burst into it.
Robert Little is definitely the latter — a high energy, straight talking, unstoppable force who has built a business that reflects exactly who he is: fast thinking, people focused and fuelled by ADHD.
From his #1 Best Seller book (My ADHD Superpower available on Amazon) and speaking engagements to the digital content, podcast and courses he’s developing, he’s helping people understand their minds and transform their lives.
One parent shared a particularly powerful review:
“This book has been a game changer for me as an adult with ADHD — but surprisingly also my teen son. After struggling for a long time with traditional learning and reading, this was the first book he genuinely connected with and enjoyed. He finally felt understood and feels confident reading again.
Clear, engaging, and written in a way that truly speaks to neurodivergent learners. I’m incredibly grateful for how positive this experience has been for us both.
Other parents — especially those with children who struggle with focus or conventional learning — need to get this book. We can’t wait for book 2.”
Read Robert’s story here – Robert Little
Kayleigh Fearn: Supporting Neurodivergent Communities
When Kayleigh Fearn set out to build her own psychotherapy practice, she wasn’t simply starting a business — she was creating the kind of therapeutic space she knew was missing for many in the neurodivergent community.
Adults and children. Teens navigating big emotions. Parents of SEND children trying to hold everything together while feeling misunderstood, judged or left behind. All needed support that honoured their experiences rather than squeezing them into systems not built for them.
With her values rooted in compassion, lived experience and a deep understanding of neurodivergence, particularly ADHD and autism, Kayleigh believed therapy should meet people where they are, not where systems expect them to be. She wanted something different. Something values‑led. Something real.
“It’s deeply rewarding to work in a way that is fully aligned with my values. Being able to offer clients consistency, relational safety, and therapy that adapts to their nervous systems allows real change to happen.
I see clients begin to trust themselves, feel emotions safely, and move from survival into choice, and knowing that I’ve created a practice where that is possible is immensely fulfilling.”
Read Kayleigh’s story here – Fearn Therapy Case Study
Where Lived Experience Meets Local Impact
Although each of these founders has taken a different path, they all share a common thread: they’ve turned lived experience into purpose. Whether creating healthier futures for families, reframing neurodivergence as a strength, or offering therapeutic support grounded in empathy and understanding, these entrepreneurs show how authenticity, resilience, and community connection can fuel meaningful businesses.
Their stories highlight not only what disabled and neurodivergent founders contribute, but how much stronger our North East region becomes when their talents are recognised, supported, and celebrated.
Together, these founders show how strong relationships, trust, and community connection can become the hidden foundations that help local businesses take root and thrive.
Support for Disabled and Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs with TEDCO Business Support.
These three stories are proof that starting your business is possible with the right support. If you’re in the North East and thinking about starting your own venture, TEDCO is here to help. See the TEDCO Programmes page to find out more about the programmes available in your area.
Tell us a few details on this Initial Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch to help you as much as we can.