The image appears to be a website homepage for "DisabledPreneurs," an organization aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities in entrepreneurship and professional development. The page has the following elements: 1. **Header and Logo**: - At the top, there is a logo that reads "DisabledPreneurs," with a circular design made of dots and lines. 2. **Navigation Bar**: - Below the logo, a navigation bar includes sections like "Home," "About Us," "Business Support," "Community Hub," "Blog," "Contact Us," and "My Dashboard." - There are also options to "Register" and "Login" on this bar. 3. **Main Banner**: - The central banner has a prominent message: "Empowering Abilities, Connecting Opportunities," emphasizing the organization’s mission. - The background features illustrations of people in various professional poses, highlighting diversity and inclusivity. 4. **Search Bar**: - Below the tagline, there’s a search bar with fields to input keywords, company names, or locations, along with a "Search" button. There's also a "View All Services" button. 5. **Tagline**: - At the bottom of this section, a tagline states: "We Promote. We Connect. We Support." The overall design is clean, professional, and accessible, likely targeted at fostering an inclusive community and providing resources for disabled entrepreneurs.

DisabledPreneurs is a free, non-profit business directory aimed at empowering and supporting disabled founders and business owners. Here, we share why a disabled business directory is needed, how the platform was formed, and how it can benefit your business.

Why is a disabled business directory needed?

Disabled business owners make up 25% of small businesses in the UK yet represent just 8.6% of total small business turnover. 84% of disabled founders feel that they don’t have access to the same resources and opportunities as non-disabled founders.

Many disabled people feel that the barriers to entry for running a business are just too high and find it difficult to get started.

DisabledPreneurs wants to change that by providing a platform for people to promote and advertise their business and creating a supportive community where everyone can thrive.

Meet DisabledPreneurs founder Mark Esho
The image is a professional portrait of a man - Mark Esho - sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a dark, pinstripe suit with a light-colored, open-collared dress shirt. He appears confident and approachable, with a slight smile and relaxed posture. His hands are resting on his lap, and he wears a bracelet and a watch, adding a touch of personal style to his formal attire. The background is plain white, focusing attention on the individual, suggesting a formal or business context. The overall impression is one of professionalism, strength, and approachability.

DisabledPreneurs was founded by Dr Mark Esho, a disabled businessman, inspirational speaker and bestselling author.

When Mark was 5 years old, he contracted Polio, paralysing him from the neck down. He was given a 10% chance of survival. Over time, he regained some movement in his upper body.  Throughout his childhood, he received harassment and abuse because of his disability and skin colour.

Determined to succeed, he received an MBA in Business Administration and Management in 1994 from De Montfort University, yet struggled to find work due to racial and disability discrimination.

He eventually found work as a finance manager for a disability charity, where he worked for several years.

The effects of Post-Polio Syndrome began to make employment difficult, so he decided to start a business himself that would allow more flexibility. He came across many of the challenges that disabled entrepreneurs face. These included access to funding, training, support and networking.

Mark’s first business failed, but he didn’t give up. He started his first successful business – Easy Internet Services – in 2001 and has founded many others since then. In 2022, he received an MBE for services to business.

He is currently on the steering board of The Lilac Review, which is carrying out research into the challenges and opportunities that disabled founders face to address inequality and break down the barriers experienced by disabled-led businesses.

He is passionate about helping other disabled business owners succeed, and in May 2024, DisabledPreneurs was launched.

DisabledPreneurs’ mission is to champion the services offered by disabled business owners and facilitate connections within the community and with the broader public. This platform allows entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, network, and forge partnerships.

By amplifying the voices and success stories of disabled entrepreneurs, DisabledPreneurs contributes to a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. Its goal is to break down barriers, foster collaboration and promote diversity in entrepreneurship.

How can I get involved?
The image shows a section titled **"Featured Listings"** from a directory or platform related to businesses or services. Each listing is in a rectangular box and includes the name of the business or individual, category, publication date, and in some cases, a **"Claimed"** status with a green checkmark. Here's a breakdown of each listing: 1. **Ability Connect**: - Category: Social Enterprise - Publication Date: March 5, 2024 - Status: Claimed 2. **Access Rating**: - Category: Disabled Access Audits & Consultancy - Publication Date: March 5, 2024 3. **Bright Cat Business Solutions**: - Category: Business Services - Publication Date: March 8, 2024 - Status: Claimed 4. **Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks**: - Category: Mobility Equipment - Publication Date: February 29, 2024 5. **Crip Life™**: - Category: Advertising - Publication Date: March 11, 2024 - Status: Claimed - Tagline: "Breaking down every boundary" 6. **Mark Esho**: - Category: Public Speaking - Publication Date: March 15, 2024 - Status: Claimed Each listing includes an icon related to the business type, such as a handshake, accessibility symbol, or lightbulb, adding visual cues to the categories. This layout is user-friendly, organized, and professional, likely aimed at helping users easily identify and access various disability-related services and professionals.

You can register or claim your listing by visiting disabledpreneurs.com.

DisabledPreneurs offers its members guest posting opportunities, featured listings, and promotion via social media. If you are interested in sponsoring the directory, please email disabledpreneursuk@gmail.com

If you’re a member of the directory and you’re posting on social media about events or news about your business, tag us in the post and we’ll share with our network.

You can also browse disabled-led businesses, including public speakers, virtual assistants, artists, writers, media specialists, web designers and many more.

What’s next for DisabledPrenurs?

DisabledPreneurs has recently announced a partnership with Hatch Enterprise, which is a leading organisation dedicated to empowering diverse entrepreneurs through resources, mentorship, and community support.

DisabledPreneurs has lots planned to support its members, including short courses and coaching. Listing your business on the directory is completely free, so what do you have to lose?

For more information, visit the DisabledPreneurs website and follow on Facebook, TwitterInstagramLinkedIn & Youtube.

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