FAQs

The Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (CNDCC) provides strategies and opportunities to optimize business growth by building an authentically diverse and equality-based workplace, while helping to further opportunities for neurodiverse individuals to excel in business and leadership.

According to the US Chamber of Commerce: A chamber of commerce is a group of individuals and businesses that supports the interests of its members. Each chamber of commerce elects its own leadership and decides what agendas to pursue. Chambers of Commerce are non-charitable, membership organizations and fall under the designation of a 501(c)(6).

The Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (CNDCC) exists to advance the economic independence and leadership of neurodivergent professionals in business. The Chamber also exists to guide and educate businesses and employers on the far reaching benefits of neurodiverse workforces and equitable hiring and retention practices, with the aim of reducing staggering unemployment rates among neurodiverse populations. Huge opportunity exists to advance our Colorado economy via leadership in neurodiverse equitable hiring practices.

A chamber does not create laws, but they may influence pro-business policies by lobbying legislators.

There are many benefits to joining a chamber of commerce, some of which include:

Networking

Many individuals that belong to the groups that chambers are focused on, in addition to businesses and business owners, join chambers of commerce for networking opportunities. Members meet other members of the neurodiverse community and may form both individual and business relationships. Contacts, connections, and relationships can lead to partnerships and/or employment opportunities. Building professional networks is one of the quickest and easiest ways to open doors to a variety of opportunities.

Publicity

As a business or entrepreneur, when you join the CNDCC, your business will be highlighted on the CNDCC website, in publications, on social media, and you will have access to the Chamber logo to identify your business as a member. You can also increase your publicity by sponsoring events and advertising with CNDCC. Plus, according to US Chambers of Commerce, “customers think more favorably of businesses that are part of a chamber of commerce and are 63% more likely to make a purchase from your business in the future”.

Advocate for your own interests

A chamber of commerce exists to support the interests of its members. If you are a neurodivergent individual, entrepreneur, leader, employee, or employment seeker who is interested in getting involved with making changes in the economic environment in Colorado, or an employee of any capacity, the CNDCC provides the network and space to advocate and effect real change through the vehicle of the chamber. Additionally, If you see that there is a problem that needs to be addressed, you can bring the issue to your chamber. As a chamber member, this could be your opportunity to advocate for businesses or individuals.

Membership benefits

If you decide to join your local chamber of commerce, the most important thing you can do is get involved. Attend events (see our events calendar for more information on upcoming events and to RSVP), engage with the CNDCC community, participate via attendance, via a Board seat, or through committees. Take advantage of any free publicity you receive through your membership and positive brand recognition. The CNDCC can be a valuable business and recruitment tool.

The CNDCC cannot coordinate or place anyone in jobs, and CNDCC do not guarantee employment for ND individuals at any Chamber Member or listed ND friendly employer. As a Chamber of Commerce our support role is education for businesses & individuals, connection to those businesses within our community, and sharing of resources. No business or employer has it all figured out, but we are proud that our CNDCC members are actively engaged in and learning about neuroinclusive employment practices. Our members will have an opportunity to network with employers through our workshops, events, and networking events.

In summary, CNDCC does not provide direct recruitment and employment support services, but rather the information and opportunities such that individuals and businesses may form productive relationships.

Neurodiversity embraces differences in brain function and behavior as a natural manifestation of humanity's variety, rather than viewing them as wrong or problematic.

A person can be neurodivergent (ND) when their brain functions differently than what is considered "normal” or neurotypical (NT). People with developmental, intellectual, psychiatric or learning differences can be considered neurodivergent.

Neurodivergence is the state of being neurodivergent and can be innate (e.g. autism, down syndrome) or produced by experiences such as trauma or brain injury. Championing neurodivergence involves supporting each individual’s unique mind and experiences.

Yes, we have majority representation among our amazing Board of Directors, Committees, and broad membership base, all of whom who identify as neurodivergent.

Content that exists on our website, training events, information events and other, are taken from a variety of sources for the varying purposes that the CNDCC fulfills. CNDCC is proud to have a broad member base that includes neurodivergent individuals, entrepreneurs and leaders, and interested neurotypical individuals, businesses and leaders, all of whom drive content depending on the aim of the event. We also have far reaching local and nationwide neurodivergent individuals, partners, and collaborators who point us to valuable content and information. Events such as panels are led by representatives of all CNDCC member groups. Information sessions may be led by CNDCC leadership, neurotypical or neurodivergent, or CNDCC members, neurotypical or neurodivergent. Because of the varied nature of CNDCC goals, CNDCC aims to include all individuals with the common aim that we intend to achieve.

Events such as panels are led by representatives of all CNDCC member groups. Information sessions may be led by CNDCC leadership, neurotypical or neurodivergent, or CNDCC members. Because of the varied nature of CNDCC goals, CNDCC aims to include all individuals with the common aim that we intend to achieve. Perspectives and shared information and knowledge is key to gain necessary insights and avenues for growth and improvement.

The best way to get involved is through membership. We are calling for members of all interest areas and look forward to working together within the CNDCC network and framework.

The Colorado Neurodiverse Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization that operates based on membership fees. Since we are a neurodivergent-centric organization our membership will be comprised primarily of those who are neurodivergent and will have the opportunity to work, share, and communicate with other neurodivergent and non-neurodivergent individuals and businesses through workshops, panels, networking, and events. The best opportunity to get connected as a neurodivergent individual is through our advocating & under 25 option, which is just $30 for the year, or the individual professional membership option, which is $250.00 annually.

The Colorado Neurodiverse Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization that operates based on membership fees. We are not a charitable organization, but a fee-based membership organization focused on improving employers' economic growth and development through the support of hiring and retaining qualified neurodiverse employees. Non-profits are an integral part of our community, and we look forward to collaborating and supporting them through our CNDCC membership-based options.

The best way to get involved is through membership and active engagement. Board member applications will be accepted on a rolling basis but board seats are only assigned once per year. Please contact danny@cndcc.org for more information.