Why I Built an Online Community for Disabled Business Owners

Because we deserve support that works for us, not against us

Running a business when you're disabled, neurodivergent, or chronically ill is a whole different game. The rules, the pace, the expectations... none of it was designed with us in mind. That's why I decided to build something different: an online community for disabled business owners that actually works for us, not against us.

I’m Mel, disabled VA, nap enthusiast, and founder of the Spoonie Biz Club. And this is the story behind why I built this space, what makes it different, and why communities like this are more than just "nice to have" — they're essential.

Traditional business spaces don’t work for us

Let’s be honest - most business support spaces are exhausting.

Whether it’s the pressure to show up constantly, push through your limits, or network like you’ve got unlimited spoons… the reality is that many of us can’t (and shouldn’t) work that way.

When I first became self-employed, I found myself looking for a supportive space - somewhere to ask questions, stay motivated, and meet other people who understood what it’s like to run a business from bed. But what I found was either way too corporate, way too high-energy, or simply not built with accessibility in mind.

That’s when the idea for an online community for disabled entrepreneurs really clicked. Because if no one else was building it, I would.

What makes this online community for disabled business owners different?

First off, there’s no pressure to “perform.” This isn’t about pitching, proving your productivity, or pretending you’re fine when you’re not. The Spoonie Biz Club is a space where rest is respected, progress is personal, and accessibility is built in from the ground up.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• 🧠 Business advice from people with lived experience

• 👩‍💻 Body doubling sessions to help you focus when it’s hard

• 💬 A welcoming chat space where you never have to explain your health

• 🛠️ Resources for navigating things like Access to Work and PIP

• 💡 Real talk, shared solutions, and zero guilt

In short? It’s an online community for disabled folks who are also running businesses, and that overlap matters. It means we can talk about Stripe setups and symptom flares in the same conversation.

We need business spaces where we don’t have to mask

One of the biggest challenges for disabled and neurodivergent entrepreneurs is the emotional labour of showing up in spaces not made for us.

From explaining your access needs to justifying why your camera is off, it all adds up. That’s why having an online community for disabled business owners is so important. You get to take off the mask. You get to be real.

You don’t have to apologise for taking a nap instead of hitting a KPI. You don’t have to explain why your launch is paced over 6 weeks instead of 6 days. You don’t have to filter your experience just to feel accepted.

That kind of psychological safety isn’t just nice. It’s a game-changer.

It’s not just support: it’s strategy, too

A lot of spaces for disabled people focus on empathy (which is amazing), but lack the practical tools to help you actually move forward in business. On the flip side, a lot of business spaces have tools, but lack compassion or accessibility.

The Spoonie Biz Club bridges that gap. It’s an online community for disabled business owners who want to grow in a way that feels manageable, spacious, and human.

Inside, we talk real business strategy, but always with the lens of capacity, flexibility, and sustainability. Whether it’s finding the right tech, managing burnout, or adjusting your offers so they actually work for you - we cover it, together.

Who is this community for?

The Spoonie Biz Club is for anyone who resonates with the term “spoonie,” but especially:

• Disabled business owners

• Chronically ill freelancers

• Neurodivergent service providers

• Creatives and entrepreneurs navigating energy limits

• Anyone craving community without pressure

If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one building a business on limited energy, you’re not. That’s why this online community for disabled entrepreneurs exists.

We grow better together

Running a business is hard enough without doing it in isolation. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when spoonie business owners support each other - when we share ideas, swap advice, and just hold space for what it really looks like to grow slowly, gently, and intentionally.

This is more than a support group. It’s a space where your business is taken seriously and your wellbeing is protected.

It’s an online community for disabled business owners who are done pretending and ready to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

Want in?

The Spoonie Biz Club officially launched on 14 April 2025. If you’re craving connection, support, and smart strategy that honours your capacity, I’d love to welcome you in.

🎉 Founding members offer: join before 12th May and get your first 3 months for just £15/month (usually £25) 👉 Click here to join with code SBCFOUNDER

Because your business deserves to grow in a way that works for you.