Creating purpose

Extraordinary Ventures is a non-profit with a mission to create self-sustaining small business that provide employment opportunities for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities such as autism.

We operate 6 successful small businesses offering top quality products and services. For more than 15 years, our extraordinary employees have been an integral part of our community and local economy. We have provided over 225,000 hours of meaningful employment for our neurodiverse workforce.

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Our Ventures

We operate a portfolio of approximately six ventures on a true business model. Your choice to use our businesses advances our community impact by providing employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities like autism.

See Our Ventures

Have we got a story to tell

“One of our goals is giving adults with autism and other challenges a chance to be an integrated member of a workforce and contributor to society.”
– Lori Ireland, Founder of Extraordinary Ventures

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Stay up to date with the latest news from Extraordinary Ventures, including information about special events.

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Invest in our mission to create meaningful job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities such as autism.

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Events

Support the Fall 2024 Annual Fund

“This place saved us, our whole family.”

That is what Kelvin’s mother said about his new job at Extraordinary Ventures – his first paid employment.

We currently have over 60 adults with IDD just like Kelvin on our waiting list.

This is where you come in! Please donate today to create much-needed new employment opportunities for adults with IDD and autism.

Thank you for your generous tax-deductible support!

Donate Now

Events

Inclusive Business Holiday Gift Market

Join us for the annual Inclusive Business Holiday Gift Market at Blue Hill Event Center at Extraordinary Ventures! It’s the perfect time to wrap up your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses committed to employing an inclusive workforce.

When: Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10 am – 1 pm

Where: Blue Hill Event Center 200 S. Elliott Rd., Chapel Hill, NC

Be sure to visit our Extraordinary Gifts table to pick up seasonal, Christmas, and locally themed handmade candles and soaps handcrafted by neurodiverse workforce at Extraordinary Ventures.

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