What is ThriveND?
Led by the Neurodiversity & Entrepreneurship Association, through the kind support of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Inclusive Growth Development Fund, ThriveND is a 12-month initiative to create a vibrant, inclusive business support network for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and aspiring self-employed individuals across the West Yorkshire region and beyond. Our vision is to build a thriving, self-sustaining community where neurodivergent people can connect, grow, and succeed in enterprise – on their own terms.
ThriveND is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of its Inclusive Growth initiative.
Why is it needed?
Despite the rise in entrepreneurship among neurodivergent individuals, there is a critical lack of tailored support. Many face cognitive overload, perfectionism, rejection sensitivity, or struggle with traditional time and workload management. These barriers are rarely addressed by mainstream provision, which often lacks accessibility, psychological safety, and peer relevance.
Neurodivergent people – including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences – are significantly more likely to pursue self-employment due to exclusion from traditional workplaces. Yet mainstream business support is rarely designed with their needs in mind, leading to isolation, inaccessibility, and missed opportunities for innovation and contribution.
Who is it for?
ThriveND focuses specifically on neurodivergent adults who are self-employed or exploring entrepreneurship.
Priority will be given to participants who are based in West Yorkshire. If you don’t live in West Yorkshire, you are welcome to register your interest and we will contact you regarding available places.
What will I get?
The project comprises two key components:
1. NeuroSpark Monthly Meetups
These 90-minute online gatherings provide a psychologically safe, sensory-considerate space for neurodivergent founders (and those exploring self-employment) to collaborate, network, and share ideas. Sessions include themed discussions, project spotlights, and breakout rooms. Designed with neuroinclusive facilitation and multiple communication modes, NeuroSpark has already shown strong engagement as part of NEA’s existing offer. Topics are co-created with participants and have included funding strategies, team working, and idea generation. Attendance is capped at 12 to ensure meaningful participation.
2. Neurodivergent Business Skills Workshops
We will run a series of eight workshops (four unique topics, delivered twice at different times of the day) covering managing overwhelm, overcoming perfectionism, planning and organisation, and navigating rejection sensitivity. These interactive, practical sessions provide tools and peer learning that fill a gap in mainstream enterprise training.
3. NEA26 Conference Discounted Rate
We are currently planning our annual conference which will take place at Nexus, University of Leeds in 2026. ThriveND participants will qualify for a discounted rate to attend and engage with neurodiversity & entrepreneurship experts from across the globe.
Who is running the programme?
ThriveND will be led by Rob Edwards, NEA CEO and neurodivergent entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience in entrepreneurship education. He is supported by Claire Butcher, NEA’s Head of Coaching and a specialist in inclusive learning design. Both led a 2023 WYCA-funded pilot supporting 20 neurodivergent founders, and many of the insights from that programme – including session structure, recruitment methods, and accessibility practices – will inform this delivery.
Our impact will be measured through anonymous attendance and engagement data, participant feedback, EDI metrics, and individual case studies. A final report will be shared with WYCA, including a sustainability roadmap about future ongoing support.
Thanks to WYCA’s support, the programme is offered to participants at a heavily-reduced rate of just £25 for the whole 12 months.
To apply, please email info@nea.global for further details. Applications are welcomed at any time.
