Making Space, a talent acquisition platform founded in 2023 by disability activist Keely Cat-Wells, has successfully closed an oversubscribed $2 million pre-seed round led by Beta Boom.
The platform aims to assist companies across all sectors in hiring, training, and retaining disabled talent. Job seekers can sign up for free to explore open positions, while recruiters can find qualified candidates and access educational resources to support and collaborate effectively with disabled employees.
Cat-Wells established Making Space to address the exclusionary and inaccessible nature of traditional hiring processes, emphasizing the importance of providing equal opportunities for disabled individuals in the workforce.
Studies have shown that companies supporting disabled employees experience higher revenue and profit margins. Despite the potential economic benefits, disabled individuals face higher unemployment rates and lower graduation rates compared to non-disabled peers.
Cat-Wells aims to reshape the perception of disability in the business world by integrating impactful solutions into core business strategies. Despite facing challenges from investors due to stereotypes and biases, Making Space continues to thrive.
The platform not only aids disabled workers and employers in overcoming challenges but also offers media collaborations to increase visibility and opportunities for disabled talent.
Cat-Wells envisions expanding Making Space’s offerings with innovative tools like Compass, highlighting disabilities as transferable skills. Her dedication to championing disability rights stems from personal experiences of discrimination and a desire to effect change in the hiring process and workplace dynamics.
Having established herself as a prominent figure in disability rights advocacy, Cat-Wells continues to forge impactful partnerships and initiatives to empower disabled individuals in various sectors.
Through Making Space’s ongoing efforts, Cat-Wells hopes to challenge existing statistics and promote equal employment opportunities for disabled individuals, sparking conversations and initiatives across diverse settings.
