A Shropshire entrepreneur has launched a new UK-wide platform dedicated to supporting disabled and chronically ill business owners, freelancers and creatives.
Helen Pugh, a solopreneur based in Shropshire, has officially launched Ablepreneurs® - a platform initially set up to connect small businesses with untapped talent to help support them grow. It now offers practical resources, business and community connections, and resilience-focused business development.
The initiative aims to close the gap in accessible business support and create a national movement centred on inclusion, wellbeing and sustainable entrepreneurship.
National Recognition for Shropshire Founder
2026 has started strongly for Helen, who has recently been recognised with two major national honours. She was selected as one of the f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100, a campaign celebrating 100 of the UK's most inspiring multi-achieving female founders. She also won a coveted Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday (#SBS) award, placing Ablepreneurs® firmly on the national stage.
Born from Personal Experience
Helen founded Ablepreneurs® after her own lived experience of leaving the traditional workplace to forge her own path and navigating business ownership alongside long-term illness. She saw first-hand how many disabled entrepreneurs face barriers that mainstream business support simply doesn't address.
The platform offers practical tools, peer support and accessible resources designed to help founders build confidence, resilience and sustainable businesses without compromising their health.
"Ablepreneurs® is more than a business – it's a movement. Disabled and chronically ill entrepreneurs contribute so much to the UK economy, yet they're often overlooked in traditional business spaces. I wanted to create a place where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated, and where their wellbeing is valued just as much as their ambition."
Plans for Growth
The platform will continue to grow throughout 2026, with plans for national partnerships, regional hubs and the development of National Ablepreneurs® Day on 16th September 2026. This future annual celebration will recognise the contribution of entrepreneurs, freelancers and creatives with disabilities and chronic health conditions across the UK.
For more information, visit www.ablepreneurs.co.uk or contact Helen Pugh at [email protected].