Entrepreneurship should be accessible to everyone. This inclusive session explores how individuals from all backgrounds – including those with disabilities – can start and grow successful businesses. Join us to learn about tailored support, resources, and inspiring stories that prove enterprise truly is for all.
About the speaker
Anne Bland is Chief Executive of the Disability Resource Centre, a user-led charity supporting unpaid carers and people with disabilities and long-term health conditions across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. With over 20 years of experience in social business, governance, advocacy, and programme leadership at national and international levels, Anne has influenced European Union policy, led cross-sector programmes in sustainability and social enterprise and social impact, and guided organisations through major transformations.
As a neurodivergent woman, Anne brings lived experience of leadership from a different perspective. She is passionate about challenging barriers that prevent disabled people from thriving in business and about demonstrating that disability and neurodiversity can be powerful drivers of creativity, resilience, and innovation.
Anne has a master’s degree from Bayes Business School, majoring in Philanthropy and Social Investment, alumna of Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Corps, and has served as trustee and board director in several voluntary organisations. At Luton Enterprise Week, she will share insights on inclusive entrepreneurship, showing how user-led organisations and diverse leadership can create both social impact and sustainable enterprises.
