Entrepreneurship Creates Opportunities for Individuals with Down Syndrome

For individuals with Down syndrome, owning a business can mean more than earning a paycheck. It can mean having the freedom to make decisions, build something around a personal passion, and share talents with the community.

According to a 2024 article from the US Department of Labor, individuals with disabilities are nearly three times more likely to engage in self-employment (9.9%) than in wage-and-salary roles (3.7%) as means of employment. While entrepreneurship offers exciting opportunities, starting and growing a business can come with challenges, including finding funding, accessing training, and connecting with the right support.

Shop the listed products and services and support self-advocate-owned businesses as they thrive.

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Gunthercity (profile img)

Gunthercity

Travis Gunther lives in Plymouth, WI. He has been creating works of art since he first held a pencil. Travis enjoys classic TV and movies because they give him lots of ideas. Most of all, he love my family and friends and wants his art to give you joy, and cheer up your day.


Hand in Hand Coffee Company (profile img)

Hand in Hand Coffee Company

We are a family run business wanting to grow and employ other adults with special needs. We offer ordering delicious, locally roasted coffee online and delivered to your doorstep every month. Inclusion Brew is a light and medium roast blend, we have medium and dark roast as well. Whole bean or ground. DRINK COFFEE. DO GOOD.


If You Had Wings (profile img)

If You Had Wings

Welcome to If You Had Wings, where we're building more than birdhouses. (Truth be told, though, we spend a good bit of time doing just that.) We're also building on the goal of the Todd Family of Virginia Beach to “Do Good Things.” Whether that means supporting non-profit organizations with donations we receive, celebrating the gifts of our loved ones with disabilities or encouraging collaboration, we're all in.


A man with Down syndrome, wearing glasses and a black Jared's Jams polo shirt, stands behind a sampling table in a grocery store. The table displays multiple jars of Jared's Jams products in various varieties, along with small tasting samples. A promotional sign displaying the Jared's Jams logo and business information for their Edina, Missouri location is visible beside the table. The grocery store's produce section and checkout area can be seen in the background.

Jared's Jams

Founded by passionate self-advocate Jared, Jared’s Jams began as a heartfelt way to give back to Special Olympics after representing the organization at the United Nations in 2014. Using fresh fruit from his family farm, Jared started crafting homemade jams to support inclusion and acceptance for all. What began at a local farmers market soon grew into a thriving small business, later joined by his brother Joshua’s specialty coffee blends. Today, Jared’s Jams proudly offers jams, coffees, breakfast baskets, and gifts while continuing to support the mission of empowerment, leadership, and opportunity through Special Olympics.


John's Crazy Socks (profile img)

John's Crazy Socks

John's Crazy Socks is a father-son social enterprise inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks, or what he calls his “crazy socks.” We're on a mission to spread happiness. We have socks you can love with the widest array of fun, unique and beautifully designed socks that let you express your passion and personality.


Just Charlie French (profile img)

Just Charlie French

Charlie is an intuitive abstract artist who embraces a blank canvas as an imaginative adventure. He has studied painting in London, Santa Fe and Dallas, and has sold art to private and corporate collectors around the world. Charlie finds great joy in painting, and hopes his art makes others happy too.


Woman with Down syndrome smiles while holding a patterned heart piece of art

Kayla Snover Studio

Kayla Snover Studio is where color and shapes combine to create dynamic pieces. Founded in 2020, Kayla's passion for color is evident through her use of the complete spectrum of the rainbow in her pieces. From her popular recycled Tyvek art to her empowering merchandise line, “Different is Cool”, Kayla invites you to share her mission of making the world a more colorful and inclusive place for all."


Kindness Cafe + Play (profile img)

Kindness Cafe + Play

Kindness Cafe + Play is a nonprofit coffee shop that employs adults with cognitive disabilities while creating a joyful, inclusive community space. We offer a wide variety of locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks and delicious baked goods. Located in the lobby of the YMCA in Charlottesville, VA, we're excited to be challenging perceptions while creating meaningful connections.


Kristina's Grinds and Grace (profile img)

Kristina's Grinds and Grace

Kristina's Grind and Grace offers coffee, pastries, and a moment of respite from a hectic day. Serving coffee and confections, with a side of grace, by truly exceptional staff. The next time you need to add some caffeine and a heavy dose of sweetness to your afternoon, stop by and see Kristina in full bloom.


woman with down syndrome has brown hair and smiles in the distance wearing one of her original dress designs in red pink and orange designs

Lemonade Stand Designs

Marie Webb, a professional fashion and textile designer, founded Lemonade Stand Designs in 2016. Her one-of-a-kind creations have been showcased at New York Fashion Week, highlighting her vibrant style and love for creativity. Through her designs, she celebrates diversity and empowers others, demonstrating that fashion can be a powerful force for change. Discover unique wearable art pieces, including scarves, totes, headbands, and more, at Lemonade Stand Designs!


man with down syndrome and his father, posing in front of their fireplace

Let Me Do It

Let Me Do It is an app that was founded by Angad in 2022. The Let Me Do It App gives people with disabilities the ability to manage and navigate their decision-making using a structured decision tree and task management framework that works in conjunction with caregivers and extended network to support their decision-making. 


women with Down syndrome poses in front of her dog treat business logo with a table of dog treats in front her

Little BIG Dog Treats

Little BIG Dog Treats is more than just a business; it is the realization of Cailyn's life-long dream to own a business and work alongside her mom. Established in January 2016, our handcrafted dog treats are made with only the freshest, most natural ingredients because we believe your pup deserves the best! Every step of making our dog treats is done by hand and is "Made with love for the dogs we love ~ little to BIG!" Grab some treats today from our online shop or find our treats at select stores across the country!