We have been proud to partner with Joyfully Different this year, a UK-wide non-profit online community and learning hub dedicated to supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs and freelancers. This collaboration has enabled us to sponsor five memberships over the past year, providing valuable resources and connections to individuals striving to grow their businesses.
About Joyfully Different
Joyfully Different offers a vibrant online community, comprehensive courses, engaging events, and practical workshops designed to empower neurodivergent individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to start and develop their own businesses. The community is set to reopen its doors to all neurodivergent business owners in January 2025. Interested individuals can join the waitlist here.
Alice Reeves, Director says “We are so grateful for Plus Accounting’s support during Joyfully Different’s first year. They are such a supportive organisation, and so incredibly encouraging of our mission and what we are hoping to achieve. We look forward to finding more ways to work together in future, and support neurodivergent entrepreneurs from all over the UK to build their financial and accounting knowledge and confidence. Accounting and tax can be the most intimidating area of business – but the team at Plus Accounting make it feel FAR less daunting.”
Sponsored Members’ Experiences
Through our sponsorship, we have had the privilege of supporting five members, including:
- Ibrahim Animashawun, Founder of The Great Autistic CIC
Ibrahim established The Great Autistic CIC to provide educational and social support to the autistic and disabled community. His organisation focuses on organising youth clubs, workshops, and advocacy initiatives to enhance understanding of autism and neurodiversity. Ibrahim joined Joyfully Different to connect with like-minded individuals and has found the community invaluable for promoting his GoFundMe campaign and securing initial funding for his activities. He emphasises the importance of a supportive network for marginalised neurodivergent business owners. Ibrahim aims to expand his team and establish a permanent base for his organisation’s activities in the coming year.
Support Ibrahim’s GoFundMe campaign here.
- Blair McCormick, Land Artist & Workshop Facilitator
Blair is a Brighton-based textile artist specialising in batik and land art. He offers nature-based workshops that encourage participants to create mandala designs using natural materials, emphasising the process over the outcome. Blair appreciates the sense of belonging within Joyfully Different and values connecting with others facing similar challenges. As he continues to develop his business, Blair looks forward to fully engaging with all the community offers.
Follow Blair on Instagram at @gabbabatik.
- Katie Gander, Artist, Vintage Reseller & Workshop Facilitator
Katie is an artist who has exhibited in Worthing and Shoreham, West Sussex. She has extensive experience running community arts projects and is now exploring ways to work with neurodivergent individuals. Katie also collects and sells vintage ephemera, incorporating these materials into her artwork. She finds the Joyfully Different community inclusive and welcoming, providing valuable support that has boosted her confidence. Katie plans to expand her online presence by opening an Etsy shop and offering online peer support groups.
Follow Katie on Instagram at @katieganderart.
- Stephanie Crechriou, Founder of Hyppanie Essence and Felt
Stephanie creates hair mats using a needle-punching machine, uniting art, sustainability, and innovation. Her eco-friendly mats offer sustainable solutions for oil spill cleanup and agriculture. Hyppanie Essence and Felt aims to foster global harmony with Earth by connecting individuals, communities, and businesses around sustainability and creative expression. Stephanie values the support and knowledge shared within Joyfully Different and looks forward to increasing her business’s exposure. Her goal for the next year is to educate more people about the benefits of hair mats and establish a premises where everyone is welcome to participate in weaving.
Learn more about Stephanie’s business at hyppanieessenceandfelt.com.
Looking Ahead
Plus Accounting remains committed to supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs through our partnership with Joyfully Different. We are inspired by the achievements of the sponsored members and look forward to continuing our support for this vibrant community.
For more information about Joyfully Different and to join the waitlist for their January 2025 reopening, visit joyfullydifferent.co.
Note: One sponsored member has chosen to remain anonymous but has been highly engaged within the community and expresses profound gratitude for the sponsorship, including participating in Sam Baldwin’s recently recorded webinar on how to select the right accountant and how to choose the right business entity.