Navigating serial inequities : the unmet support needs of disabled entrepreneurs

Holland, Paula and Molyneux, Cara and Winstanley, Jacqueline (2025) Navigating serial inequities : the unmet support needs of disabled entrepreneurs. Disability & Society.

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Abstract

Self-employment provides an important source of income for disabled people, who face multiple barriers in the labour market. Underpinned by Sen’s capability approach, we explore, through interviews and focus groups, the unmet support needs of 37 disabled people identifying as self-employed or entrepreneurs. Participants’ freedom to establish and expand their businesses was constrained by institutional and structural barriers. Disabled entrepreneurs lack accessible tailored guidance on business registration and many rely on support and mentorship from other disabled entrepreneurs. Start-up and growth funding is scarce and complicated by funders’ negative attitudes and difficulties navigating application systems. Securing financial support for reasonable adjustments from the UK Department for Work and Pensions Access to Work service is challenging and often requires peer support, as application guidance and service advisors overlook the complexities of self-employment. Disabled entrepreneurs require accessible and tailored support, information and funding to establish and grow successful businesses.