A young entrepreneur has spoken about how setting up her own business has helped her navigate working life after being diagnosed with autism.
Caitlyn Sheldon launched her IT business, CVS Technical, in March this year offering tech support and repairs for hardware and software across south Wales.
The 22-year-old from Bridgend said being in charge of her own work routine has helped her manage her autism.
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“I struggled to conform to the structured routine and expectations of a traditional 9-5 job in the past,” she said.
“But entrepreneurship has allowed me to work remotely and control my own deadlines and work-life balance. By running my own business, I can create a calm working environment which in turn helps me manage my autism.”
Ms Sheldon worked with Big Ideas Wales to launch CVS Technical, the Welsh Government-funded initiative run by Business Wales aimed at helping young people develop business ideas.
While applying for Universal Credit, she was paired with business advisor Liz Hopkin who provided support and advice on running a business.
She bought equipment and registered as a limited company after securing financial support through the Welsh Government Barriers to Business grant.
“Being an entrepreneur is so well-suited to my lifestyle. I’ve created my own unique working environment and have my family in the next room for support. None of this would be possible in a traditional role, nor would it be possible without the support of Big Ideas Wales,” she said.
She added: “People with autism try so hard to fit in that when it comes to things such as entrepreneurship or starting our own business, we don't want to step outside of "the norm" and the idea of doing so is terrifying.
“However, with the support that I personally have received from Big Ideas Wales I feel more people with autism could venture into self-employment and create safe welcoming workspaces for other autistic people if they too had this same support or sought it more often.”
Having launched the tech firm, Ms Sheldon is now developing its corporate social responsibility including sourcing and upgrading second hand laptops and iPads to donate free-of-charge to Ukrainian refugees in Wales.
She plans to open an accessible, neurodivergent-friendly office space in the future and employ more young women with an interest in tech to give them career opportunities in a typically male-dominated sector.
“At the moment I am the only person employed. However, due to the rapid growth of CVS Technical Ltd, I am hoping to hire an apprentice in the very near future,” said Ms Sheldon.
“Only 19% of the people working in the UK tech industry are female. This is the area I am keen to make a difference to and I’m hoping to employ at least one young woman after a year.
“In the future, it is my goal to have a team of inspiring young women with a love of technology working with me,” she added.
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