Highly ambitious neurodivergent entrepreneurs have the potential to drive huge economic growth but are let down by systems which fail to consider their needs from the start, according to the findings of a new report into neurodivergent entrepreneurship from Small Business Britain, backed by Lloyds and eBay.
More than three quarters (76%) of those surveyed went into business to be able to work more flexibly and in ways in keeping with their needs. More than half (53%) reported that difficulties fitting into traditional workplaces pushed them into business ownership but tailored advice was shown to be scarce, with more than half of respondents saying they struggled to find neurodivergent-accessible support.
A lack of neurodivergent-accessible help can stunt businesses right from the start, with 61% of respondents saying they avoided starting or scaling up a business because of barriers related to being neurodivergent. Respondents also highlighted the need for lived experience and mentorship from those who understand the neurodivergent outlook, with 65% saying that help from someone who understands neurodivergent entrepreneurship would have been helpful.
The report suggests that barriers to entry are stopping founders from reaching their full potential, rather than a lack of ambition. It uncovers what it says is a very real opportunity which making existing systems and frameworks more accessible, structured and simple could open up. Neurodivergent founders are currently spending too much time navigating systems, rather than growing and scaling their businesses, it says.
Despite the barriers, the neurodivergent business community spoke of the entrepreneurial skills being neurodivergent provides, with focus group members and interviewees describing a high level of attention to detail, a strong drive to succeed and a skill for focus.
One entrepreneur described their neurodivergence as “their greatest strength”.
The economic potential of broader and more tailored support for the neurodivergent community starts with boosted confidence, meaning uptake improves, and implementation rates rise. The data suggests that when this happens burnout and dropout reduces, leading to faster scaling overall.
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and founder of Small Business Britain, said:
“Neurodivergent entrepreneurs represent a huge and often under-recognised source of innovation, creativity and economic growth for the UK. This report highlights not only the significant ambition and potential within this community, but also the barriers that continue to prevent neurodivergent entrepreneurs from both starting and growing successful businesses.
“We know that tailored support for this community leads to higher confidence, allowing entrepreneurs to stick to their business plans with less burnout, which in turn allows for faster growth. If we are serious about building a more productive, inclusive and dynamic economy, we must ensure that entrepreneurial support, finance, networks and opportunities are accessible to all.”
The report makes eight recommendations to government, financial services and business support organisations, including designing neurodivergent-aware business support as standard, creating neurodivergent-accessible finance pathways across the full system and investing in neurodivergent-led peer communities as core infrastructure.
UK Government Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said:
“Our package of employment support backed by £3.5 billion of investment reflects our determination to move from a welfare state to a working state, and to ensure the system works for everyone.
“Access to Work is also a lifeline for disabled people and neurodivergent entrepreneurs, but too many have been waiting far too long for the support they need. That's why we're recruiting nearly 500 new staff, eliminating payment delays and clearing the backlog to get people the help they deserve faster.”
Many survey respondents for the report admitted to feeling concerned about admitting their status, with only 7% feeling that other businesses understand or accommodate their needs, showing the scale of the issue but also the potential scale of the impact if recommendations are followed. Only half (51%) said they would feel comfortable discussing their neurodivergence, and only in certain circumstances.
The new report follows on from the landmark The Lilac Review, launched in February 2024 to raise opportunity for Disabled founders. Disabled entrepreneurs represent 25% of the UK's 5.7 million small businesses, but just 8.6% of business turnover. The Lilac Centre, the UK's first flagship business incubator and research hub entirely dedicated to advancing the success of Disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent entrepreneurs, was launched following the review.
“At eBay, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to start and grow a business, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is clear that neurodivergent founders bring valuable perspectives, creativity and innovation to the business community, yet too many face unnecessary barriers to starting and scaling. By making entrepreneurship more accessible and inclusive, we can unlock ambition and economic impact that benefits the whole of the UK,” said Eve Williams, VP and GM at eBay UK.
Chris Loring, Head of Commercial Lending and Working Capital at Lloyds, said:
“Neurodivergent entrepreneurs have huge potential to drive growth, innovation and jobs across the UK, and this report highlights why more inclusive systems matter. We are proud of the foundational role we've played in building the national infrastructure that supports disabled and neurodivergent entrepreneurs. As a founding partner of the Lilac Centre – the UK's first national incubator dedicated to supporting the success of Disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent entrepreneurs – Lloyds helps provide sustained access to networking, masterclasses and mentoring, embedding long‑term support.”
