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 2024 Annual Fund

Please consider making a generous tax-deductible investment in Extraordinary Ventures by donating to our Annual Fund.

Because we have an exceptional employee retention rate, we must continue to grow our businesses to hire new people. Your support will allow us to tell more great employees, “You are hired!”

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Events

2024 UNC Gameday Football Parking Season Passes Now Available!

Did you know that Extraordinary Ventures operates a football parking lot for every UNC home football game? One of the easiest and most fun ways to support our mission is to buy football gameday parking season passes.

Our parking lot is conveniently located at 151 E. Rosemary Street, in walking distance to Kenan Stadium. Order season passes now to secure the perfect parking spot for every home game, including the big rivalry games like NC State.

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Events

Save the Date: Inclusive Business Holiday Gift Market

Mark your calendar 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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