The Need for The Empower Network

Over 22 million working-age adults in the U.S. alone live with a disability¹, and far too many are forced to rely on public support—not for lack of ambition, but because traditional employment isn’t built for them. Chronic illness and disability create unpredictable challenges, making it difficult to maintain steady employment despite the desire to work. For those who develop disabilities during their working years, job loss is common, leading to financial instability and reliance on public aid.

While numerous organizations aim to support disabled employees, the reality remains: self-employment offers the flexibility many need, but entrepreneurship is an uphill battle. Managing a business demands marketing, financial literacy, operations, and sustainability—challenges that can be overwhelming for individuals navigating limited energy and fluctuating health.

But what if we changed the narrative? By equipping chronically ill and disabled entrepreneurs with the right resources and support, we can unlock financial independence, reduce reliance on public assistance, and build a thriving microeconomy that values their skills and contributions. It’s time to stop sidelining talent and start investing in an inclusive future—one where disability isn’t a barrier to success, but a driving force for innovation.

The Empower Network Opportunity:

The Empower Network is a nonprofit organization (pending 501c3 status) dedicated to fostering a microeconomy that uplifts individuals with chronic illness and disability in two ways:

• Supporting entrepreneurs with resources, expert guidance, networking, and webinars to grow their businesses while prioritizing their health.
• Connecting entrepreneurs and clients through a user-friendly searchable database.

Supporting Entrepreneurs with Chronic Illness & Disability:

The Empower Network will support entrepreneurs to achieve greater financial success in their small business. This will include webinars led by professionals in the community, virtual networking events, and mentoring opportunities. Webinars will include topics such as accounting, marketing, pricing strategies, brand guidelines, record-keeping, time management, legal considerations, AI as a tool, and more.

Entrepreneurs will apply for membership to access these business resources, webinars, networking opportunities, and support groups.

As part of their membership, they will be included in our public searchable database, where potential clients will be able to find businesses that serve their needs and their geographical location.

Connecting Clients with Services:

The Empower Network offers a user-friendly way for clients & customers to find empathetic, knowledgeable service providers to meet their needs while supporting a vibrant microeconomy of small businesses.

Our searchable database (coming soon) will feature high-quality small businesses across various industries—such as marketing, copywriting, meditation, therapy, career coaching, bookkeeping, graphic design, and handworks—run by entrepreneurs navigating chronic illness or disability.

By spending our money on small businesses rather than large corporations, we are supporting the goal of financial independence for those who don’t fit within the traditional work environment due to illness and disability.

The Empower Network Promise

Together, we are building an inclusive, supportive, and sustainable professional ecosystem—by and for individuals with chronic illness and disability.

For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions document.

References:
¹ 2022 American Community Survey
² https://askearn.org/page/earn-partners