Neurodivergent businesspeople in Gloucestershire are being empowered to thrive 'as their authentic selves' through supportive new initiatives from The Growth Hub Gloucestershire.
The county's business support network is offering fully funded guidance and training to business leaders who may feel overwhelmed by traditional ways of making connections, struggle to manage their energy or capacity, or anyone looking to understand the people around them within their business, with two new programmes launching in September 2026.
From gaining a better understanding of how our brains work, to 'no-pressure' networking as part of a community which celebrates different ways of thinking, SoGlos explores how the new initiatives can help neurodivergent business leaders to thrive.
The Neurodiverse Collective
This September 2026, The Growth Hub Gloucestershire is launching The Neurodiverse Collective – an inclusive, welcoming and supportive space for neurodivergent business owners to connect and thrive, without the pressures of traditional networking.
The Growth Hub says that while many neurodivergent business owners bring 'incredible creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills' to their work, entrepreneurship also has its challenges – with networking, while an important part of business growth, often leaving people feeling that they need to mask or adapt who they are. Other challenges can include managing energy and capacity, reducing the risk of burnout, and feeling isolated.
It's aiming to change that with The Neurodiverse Collective, which it hopes will become a lasting community where neurodivergent individuals can find connection, understanding and support throughout their business journey.
'It isn't about elevator pitches, forced conversations or masking your authentic self', The Growth Hub says. 'The collective is about connecting with people who understand the realities of neurodivergent business ownership – a supportive space to share experiences, celebrate wins, exchange ideas and build authentic relationships with people who genuinely 'get it'.'
Launching with an event at The Growth Hub in Stroud on Monday 14 September 2026 from 10am until 11am, the collective welcomes everyone from neurodivergent business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers and professionals, to individuals considering self-employment or starting a business, and employers, advocates and allies who want to better support neurodivergent people in the workplace and business community.
At the event, there will be an opening TED-style talk from neurodiversity coach and neurodivergent business owner Chiara Richards, exploring how understanding your brain can help you work more sustainably with your energy, attention and productivity.
Attendees will then have the opportunity to engage in honest conversations with fellow neurodivergent business owners and professionals in a relaxed, welcoming and inclusive environment, 'with no pressure to network, ‘fit in’ or participate in any particular way'.
Chiara, founder of Reframe Neurodiversity, said: 'Traditional networking can often come with an expectation to perform, make small talk, promote yourself and fit into a particular way of doing business.
'The Neurodiverse Collective offers something different: a space where people can come as they are, connect with others who understand their experiences, share ideas and challenges, and build meaningful relationships without the pressure to mask or conform.
'What makes this particularly valuable is that it recognises that neurodivergent entrepreneurs don't necessarily need to change who they are to succeed. They need opportunities to understand how they work best, recognise their strengths, navigate the challenges they experience and build businesses in ways that are sustainable for them.'
Julian Tooke, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for business, economic development, infrastructure and planning, said of the collective: 'Successful people often think differently. Neurodiversity is too often seen as a challenge when actually it is a strength to be embraced and harnessed for successful and thriving individuals and businesses.
'The Neurodiverse Collective is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming business community for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and business owners across Gloucestershire.'
There's no cost to attend the launch, but advance booking required via thegrowthhub.biz/event/new-neurodiversity-collective.
Neurodiversity 101 online training
The Growth Hub is also offering fully funded neurodiversity training from September 2026.
Its online Neurodiversity 101 workshop provides an accessible, practical introduction to understanding how different brains can process information, attention, communication, sensory input and everyday demands in different ways.
The session offers an opportunity to look beyond stereotypes and labels, exploring some of the experiences that can have a significant impact on everyday life.
Attendees will end the session with a better understanding of neurodiversity in themselves and the people around them, equipped with simple ways to reduce unnecessary barriers, having reflected on their own experiences and assumptions.
The workshop is entirely online, currently running on three dates – Friday 18 September and Friday 20 November 2026, and Friday 15 January 2027, all from 10am to 11am.
For more information, or to book a place on one of the sessions, visit thegrowthhub.biz/events/neurodiversity.
