Overview of Value Inclusion / Proposed Research Paper: Bridging the Capital Gap for Disability-Driven Entrepreneurship
Co-founded by Ashlea Lantz and Bob Ludke, Value Inclusion believes that a more inclusive society benefits everyone. Our vision is an economy where individuals are empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, contributing to a stronger, more prosperous future. By leveraging diverse talents, experiences, and passions, we pave the way for innovation and growth.
Value Inclusion is the only consultancy that brings together actionable, c-suite strategy, evidence-based research, and first-hand experience of driving competitive, integrated employment of persons across the disability spectrum in a way that drives brand, reputational, and bottom-line growth.
Our collaboration with clients provides actionable, research-driven insights that enable organizations to embrace disability inclusion in a scalable way.
Our Ask
We are seeking funding for two initiatives:
First, $100,000 in startup capital to launch the Value Inclusion Solutions Lab. The Solutions Lab is being created in partnership with disABLED Life Alliance. The Solutions Lab will provide two critical resources for entrepreneurs with disabilities and small businesses owned by persons with disabilities:
1. Social Capital. The ideas, thinking, mentoring, problem-solving, and network building that are required for any entrepreneurial idea to become a sustainable, successful enterprise.
2. Financial Capital. The monetary resources that are the lifeblood of any organization. Many persons with disabilities are “unbanked”, lacking access to financial capital.
More detail is provided in the attached concept note but the value proposition of the Solutions Lab is to empower entrepreneurs with diverse talents and varied life experiences gained through their disabilities to create business ventures that enable sustained self-employment, while innovating products and services that address human needs.
The second request is $30,000 to fund a 25 page research study to be conducted by Robert Ludke that identifies the barriers and proposes actionable recommendations to increase the flow of capital to this vital segment of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The paper will explore the topic globally and offer solutions that span the economy. The proposed paper (see attached for more detail) is a follow-on to Robert Ludke’s recently-published Amazon-best selling book, Case Studies in Disability-Driven Innovation.
Question to be Answered in the Paper:
What systemic barriers limit access to financial and social capital for small-scale entrepreneurs with disabilities, and what cross-sector solutions can equitably bridge this gap?
As demonstrated in Bob Ludke’s Case Studies in Disability-Driven Innovation, entrepreneurs with disabilities represent a significant and often untapped source of innovation, resilience, and economic contribution. Their lived experiences drive innovation, the development of products and services with broad market appeal, and the creation of organizations that foster competitive, integrated employment for persons with disabilities.
However, a persistent gap exists in access to financial capital, particularly for individuals who intentionally build and sustain small businesses rather than pursuing rapid scaling. The gap is widespread and structural, apparent worldwide, and in every sector of the economy. Another significant hurdle to entrepreneurship is the fact that many with disabilities are “unbanked” and do not have access to traditional financial mechanisms such as business loans and lines of credit.
There is an urgency of the moment. Consider:
• The unprecedented upheaval in global markets allows for new, innovative concepts to gain entry
• Disruptions to employment models will require people to seek out entrepreneurial activities to support their careers
• Potential changes to government support for the disabled population may require persons with disabilities to seek new, flexible, and financially viable ways of supporting themselves and their families
• A slow but steady growth in the realization that disability-driven innovation is a value add to society
This attached concept note outlines a 25-page research paper (Bridging the Capital Gap for Disability-Driven Entrepreneurship) that identifies the barriers and proposes actionable recommendations to increase the flow of capital to this vital segment of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The paper will explore the topic globally and offer solutions that span the economy.
The proposed paper will be released at the Zero Project’s annual conference in Vienna, Austria in February 2026. Funders and research partners will have the opportunity to present the paper’s findings in a discussion curated by Zero Project.
Product or Service
Value Inclusion offers a suite of services to its clients across the public and private sectors. Our services are underpinned by a disability-centric mindset and background of the Value Inclusion team. We leverage our lived experiences, professional backgrounds, and lessons learned in collaborating with partners. Our track record of success is backed by tangible, meaningful results for organizations committed to embracing competitive, integrated employment to generate long-term value.
Bob Ludke recently published Case Studies in Disability Driven Innovation, an Amazon #1 best seller. The book challenges conventional thinking and reveals how disability fuels ingenuity, resilience, and business success. Through real-world case studies, this book highlights how individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporations are harnessing the unique perspectives of people with disabilities to create ground-breaking solutions, expand markets, and drive meaningful social change.
Innovation thrives when we design for accessibility. From cutting-edge assistive technologies to corporate strategies that leverage inclusion for increased profitability, Ludke provides a roadmap for leaders, investors, and advocates eager to unlock the full potential of disability-driven innovation. The stories in this book demonstrate that when businesses embrace accessibility, they don’t just benefit people with disabilities—they create products and services that enhance everyone’s lives.
Company Impact
Our impact spans consulting with employers and advocacy organizations, creating solutions-oriented convenings (bringing together thought leaders, self advocates, investors, employers, and policymakers to find ways to advance competitive, integrated employment), and thought leadership.
Primary Audience
The primary audience for the Solutions Lab is entrepreneurs and small business owners who identify as disabled who need patient, affordable capital to scale their business. In many cases these individuals have received an initial tranche of funding through entities like vocational rehabilitation programs or through family members. Now that their business has proven to be viable they need additional capital to grow and expand the enterprise. However, they lack the access to the next round of capital, and sources like venture capital are not viable as the entrepreneurs do not want to sell the business. In many cases these entrepreneurs employ persons with disabilities, and continued growth will open more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The primary audience for the research paper are: investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers, with a specific focus on entrepreneurs and innovators who identify as disabled.
Partnership Opportunity
Value Inclusion Solutions Lab
– Serving as a mentor and advisor to entrepreneurs
– Assisting in due diligence of loan / financing applications
– Serving on the Solutions Lab advisory board
– Collaborating in convenings and thought leadership activities
Proposed Research Paper
– Listed as a sponsor / supporter of the research
– Expert resource
– Participating in the release of the paper and discussion on it at Zero Project 2026
– Ongoing content development and thought leadership coming from the release of the paper.
Funding Needs
ASK #1: $100,000 in Funding to Operationalize the Value Inclusion Solutions Lab
Value Inclusion is seeking funding to operationalize the Solutions Lab. This will include covering staff expenses, travel, rent, etc. The Solutions Lab will provide a detailed budget to demonstrate the the funds will be managed in a responsible, cost-effective manner.
ASK #2: $30,000 in Funding to Complete Proposed Research Paper: Bridging the Capital Gap for Disability-Driven Entrepreneurship (to be completed by February 1, 2026).