Hidden Funding Opportunities:
Grants for Neurodivergent Business Owners
Article contributed by Jennifer Belle
October 2025
Neurodivergent individuals have a unique perspective that can lead to creative ideas and solutions, and having a one-of-a-kind worldview makes them more likely to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Research has found that 72 percent of surveyed business owners reported a diagnosis of a mental health condition or neurodivergence. Another study revealed that neurodivergent people are six to seven times more inclined to own a business than neurotypical individuals as traditional employment often fails to provide them with a safe workplace that accommodates their needs.
founder of the Virgin Group, and Ingvar Kamprad, innovator and founder of IKEA. But despite their deep commitment to their business's mission, some neurodivergent entrepreneurs still need support through financial aid or mentoring to succeed. Fortunately, certain foundations and private organizations provide grants to neurodivergent business owners as a way to address barriers to success, such as discrimination and limited access to traditional financial routes. For funding opportunities, here are some grants and programs that offer support to neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
People with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia often start a business since it allows them to leverage their unique strengths while having more control over their work hours, environment, and tasks. Most of them find success in their endeavours too as some of the most famous neurodivergent business leaders include Sir Richard Branson,
NEURODIVERSE ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM (NDEP)
Entrepreneurship presents a host of challenges for neurodivergent individuals since they often feel the need to hide or mask their true selves to avoid prejudice, especially when they're applying for permits or business loans. They may also need to develop strategies to accomplish their tasks efficiently, such as using technologies or personalized solutions. Grants can help neurodivergent business owners to get financial support without having to navigate complex loan requirements, and it also enables them to avail the necessary tech and solutions to make day to day operations easier to manage. For instance, an entrepreneur who rents out refurbished laptops can keep tabs on all devices by using part of a grant to avail a laptop inventory management system. This can be beneficial for business owners who struggle to remain focused or organized, such as entrepreneurs with ADHD.
To support startup owners with developmental or cognitive differences, initiatives like the Neurodiverse Entrepreneurship Program offer grants through their partnership with Autism Angels Group. Selected startups and small companies are given a $4,000 microgrant, as well as memberships to mentorship and business accelerator programs valued at $15,200. The NDEP is accepting applications until April 15, 2026, so apply as early as you can.
Thinking about expanding your business or acquiring new equipment or inventory for your startup? Neurodivergent entrepreneurs based in Charlotte, North Carolina may want to try applying for a grant with Beyond Open, a program that helps small business owners, particularly women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. Beyond Open awards grants in varying amounts, and it is estimated that the program has awarded more than $15 million to over 500 small businesses in the state.
To qualify, businesses should have at least one full year of operation, and they should have fewer than 200 full time or part time employees. Franchise owners are welcome to apply, but the business should be locally owned and independent. Note that the grant can be used to purchase small business capital assets, but it cannot be used for operating expenses, payroll, advertising, training, or debt repayment.
BEYOND OPEN
Government initiatives such as the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) are known for offering business grants and opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent individuals. NASE supports microbusinesses across the US with its Growth Grant, which awards up to $4,000 to deserving entrepreneurs. The grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring, and other purposes to grow a startup.
Before applying for a Growth Grant, business owners should register first with the association and pay the membership fee which costs $120 annually. You'll also need to provide a business plan, a statement for grant use, your latest tax return, and other documents about your business model and structure. Applications are accepted all throughout the year, and new winners are awarded every month.
Neurodivergent entrepreneurs have the skills and talent to be leaders in the business industry. By looking for the right funding opportunities, individuals with cognitive differences can have access to additional resources that they need to have a successful venture.