TBI Survivor + Entrepreneur =
Ideal Match

This perhaps seems like an odd match at first glance as entrepreneurs are often thought to be working 24/7. In a paradoxical way this is exactly why it does work. Let me explain. 

There are many long term side effects of TBI. Most of us can check most of the boxes off, but there are a few that seem to be consistent with all of us: we tire more easily, we need consistent periods of rest throughout the day, if we overdo it we get low energy hangovers, we have insomnia issues, we have processing speed issues. 

Navigating Misunderstandings and Realities

So many times as I have shared with non TBI survivor friends these symptoms and the difficulties that arise from them I hear “I have all of those too.” “That’s just life.” “Who doesn’t have these problems?” I sometimes will try to explain that they should multiply it by 10 and that is what it is like for us. But rarely does that build a bridge, so I usually “laugh” it off and move on. 

The problem for us is this is how the majority of the world sees us. Some survivors like me haven’t started a career when they get injured. Others are in the middle of a career and need to readjust their schedule and expectations. Others are no longer able to perform the original job. 

Having worked 40 hour work weeks in manual labor as a stained glass worker, desk work as an IT assistant, and as a ceramics teacher what I have found is after those 8 intense hours are up I am useless. Too drained to do much of anything that heat up a frozen pizza and lay on my back. 

image of 3 dogs on leashes sitting and looking at someone out of the picture

Technically, with the ADA, we can ask for reasonable accommodations for our disability. The problem comes when the breaks and rest we need to be able to not burn out are put in contrast with the expectations of the non-disabled workers. It seems unfair, we seem lazy, and we become isolated. 

Isolation is one of the most difficult challenges of being a survivor. We humans are social creatures who want to be welcome and accepted in society. So often the requirements for dealing day to day with our injury are in conflict with societal expectations on the job front. 

This is why entrepreneurship is an ideal fit.

For me I have taken what I am passionate about and highly trained in and created a business that for the most part lets me work at my pace. I have a survivor friend who has pivoted to writing curriculum and teaching courses and another friend who is interested in starting a pet care business. What we are really doing is finding solutions to be able to perform work we love at a schedule and pace that allows us to care for ourselves too. 

a computer generated head with the brain revealed on a yellow background

One of the biggest struggles of entrepreneurship is capital.

Even starting a small business requires some money even before registering as a sole proprietor or LLC. For all the billions in grant money out in the world I have not been able to find any business grants designed for TBI survivors. Trust me, I’ve looked many a time. One of the things I have learned is that if you don’t see what you are looking for, create it! 

So hello TBI Survivor Entrepreneurial Grant! This along with advocacy is a core mission of NeuroMaps. We are starting with a $500 private grant funded by Möbius Keramikk, my ceramics business. We cannot wait to raise more capital and keep giving money away. My dream is to be able to give higher amounts of money and eventually even micro-loans. 

How can you help? Easy! Apply for a grant, shop our products, draw your very own NeuroMap, or donate.

a glass jar filled with change and the bud of a plant growing out of the top

Grant Recipients

  • Future Recipient

    Apply now - future winners will be featured here!

  • Future Recipient

    Apply now - future winners will be featured here!

  • Future Recipient

    Apply now - future winners will be featured here!

Apply for the grant

NeuroMaps sets aside 50% of profits for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) advocacy and a TBI Survivor Entrepreneurial Grant. Initially the $500 grant(s) will be privately funded by MÖBIUS KERAMIKK.

In June 2024 Christina will officially launch Neuromaps and open up the submissions for grants.  These grants are funded by the purchase of handmade Neuromaps products like T-Shirts, totes and more.  Please see our shop to support this great cause and learn about our grant recipients below.