Our deeper purpose as an organization
Fostering economic independence for people the traditional workforce excludes.
Over 22 million working-age adults in the U.S. alone live with a disability
We aren't unemployed because we don't want to work, but because we are disproportionately locked out of traditional employment. Entrepreneurship is often one of the only viable paths to financial independence and stability for this community.
But the business world’s resources, education and spaces weren’t built for us either.
That's why we built The Empower Network.
We close the gap between "self-employment is flexible" and "actually running a sustainable business" - with education, tools, resources, and support designed around low capacity.
Marketing, finances, legal basics, operations, sustainability planning - most of that guidance was built for people with predictable schedules, stable and consistent energy. We built something for everyone else.
Supporting entrepreneurs with chronic illness & disability
The Empower Collective is a membership built to accommodate fluctuating capacity, by and for people with chronic illness, disability, and neurodivergence.
What's included in The Empower Collective:
Live, disability-informed webinars led by experts
Virtual networking events and peer support groups
Mentorship & personalized business support
Resources and tools designed to meet you where you are
Connecting with other disabled-owned businesses
Our upcoming member directory makes it easy to find collaborators and partners who understand what it means to navigate unpredictable health — because they live it too.
What you’ll find:
Potential collaborators across a wide range of industries
Businesses run by fellow entrepreneurs navigating chronic illness or disability
Co-working and body doubling opportunities to help you get unstuck
Industries include: Marketing · Copywriting · Bookkeeping · Graphic Design · Therapy · Career Coaching · Meditation · Handworks · And more
- Targeting Launch Early 2027
THE EMPOWER NETWORK PROMISE
Fostering economic independence for people the traditional workforce excludes - while setting the standard for sustainable business practices.
What we believe
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Community first
Safe spaces to connect, collaborate, and feel less alone. Member stories at the center. Peer support built in.
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Access is a right
Accessibility built into everything we make. Flexible participation, application discounts available, no gatekeeping.
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Visibility matters
Marketing & visibility support. Social media resources, tools, strategy support, and member spotlights help keep you on track.
⚖️
Structural barriers, not personal failings
We name the systemic problems and build solutions that work for you.
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Disability-led integrity
Transparent decision-making, privacy safeguards, and open feedback — led by the community we serve.
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Capacity-aware by design
We build around real bodies, not ideal schedules. Low-energy days and fluctuating participation are expected here.
Work that fits your life starts here.
The Empower Collective membership is free, with a suggested donation to support the community. A one-time $10 application fee helps cover a portion of the administrative costs. Participation looks different for everyone - and that's by design.