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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author or authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the entity providing the grant can be held responsible for them.

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Why NYE is needed

Across Europe, many young people who are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia have strong ideas and real ambition, but they often meet barriers when trying to access entrepreneurship support. Standard programmes can feel too fast, too rigid, or too focused on one way of learning and communicating. This can leave talented young people feeling excluded, misunderstood, or pushed towards pathways that do not fit them.

Neurodivergent Young Entrepreneurs changes that. NYE is building a practical and supportive route into entrepreneurship that recognises different strengths, working styles, and support needs. We are designing short, accessible learning modules, mentoring with people who understand neurodiversity, and hands on Entrepreneurship Labs where young people can test ideas in a safe and supportive setting. Just as importantly, NYE strengthens the skills of youth workers, educators, and mentors so they can offer better support long after the project ends.

If you believe that entrepreneurship should be open to everyone, NYE is for you. Explore the project to see how we are making enterprise more inclusive, more realistic, and more empowering for neurodivergent young people.

More about NYE

Neurodivergent Young Entrepreneurs is a European project that helps neurodivergent young people aged 18 to 30 build the skills, confidence, and support networks needed to start and grow their own ideas. NYE brings together partners from Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands to create a shared approach that can be used by youth organisations, enterprise centres, and educators across Europe.

The project begins with research and co design, shaped by neurodivergent young people and professionals who support them. This evidence is used to develop a neuroinclusive entrepreneurship model, supported by practical learning resources. NYE will publish a suite of short training modules designed to be easy to follow, flexible to use, and accessible in different formats. Alongside the learning content, NYE will build a mentoring system that connects participants with experienced entrepreneurs and supportive business mentors.

NYE will also run Entrepreneurship Labs in several countries, giving participants the chance to apply what they learn, develop a business concept, and share their ideas with others. Throughout the project, partners will share learning and publish guidance so other organisations can adopt the approach. The aim is long term change, so that more neurodivergent young people can access entrepreneurship in ways that work for them.

About the NYE partnership

Neurodivergent Young Entrepreneurs, known as NYE, is a European partnership bringing together six organisations from Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands. We combine expertise in youth work, inclusive entrepreneurship, digital learning, mentoring, and equality in tech. Together, we are creating a practical and accessible support model for neurodivergent young people who want to explore entrepreneurship. The project is shaped through consultation and co design with neurodivergent young people, then tested through pilots and Entrepreneurship Labs in real settings. By working across countries, we can develop a shared approach that is strong enough to scale, while still being flexible for local needs. We also collaborate with mentors, youth workers, enterprise educators, and stakeholders so the work stays relevant, realistic, and focused on outcomes.
If you are neurodivergent and interested in entrepreneurship, NYE offers a clearer and more supportive route to explore it. You will be able to access short, practical learning modules and an online space designed to feel manageable. The focus is on building confidence, developing skills, and turning ideas into realistic next steps. You can also connect with mentors and peers, so you are not doing it alone.
If you support young people through guidance, training, or community work, NYE helps you strengthen your ability to deliver neuroinclusive entrepreneurship support. You will gain practical methods for communication, learning design, and structured support with planning, prioritising, and confidence building. You will also have opportunities to share learning with peers and apply new approaches in your own setting.
If you have entrepreneurship experience, mentoring through NYE is a focused way to support young people as they develop ideas and overcome real challenges. Mentors offer encouragement and practical strategies around decision making, planning, communication, and self belief. NYE provides a clear structure so the mentoring relationship is supportive and realistic for both sides. Lived experience is welcomed and valued.
If you deliver enterprise supports, start up services, incubators, or training programmes, NYE offers approaches you can adapt in your own work. The project pilots Entrepreneurship Labs and produces practical resources that can help you improve access, reduce drop off, and strengthen outcomes for neurodivergent participants. You will also gain insight into what participants find most useful, which can inform programme design and delivery.
If you work in youth policy, employment, education, inclusion, or enterprise development, NYE supports better decision making through evidence and practical examples. The project shares learning from pilots, feedback from participants, and tested approaches that reduce barriers and expand opportunity. NYE also supports dialogue across sectors, making it easier to develop joined up responses that improve pathways into entrepreneurship for neurodivergent young people.
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