A Canberra woman providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities has been named winner of the Start-Up Award at the 2015 Telstra Australian Business Women’s Awards last night.

After being diagnosed with a panic disorder after the birth of her first child, and her subsequent experience seeking out suitable work opportunities, Jessica May set up Enabled Employment with the idea of matching people with a disability, as well as returning veterans from the Australian Defence Force, into suitable employment opportunities through an online portal.

Jessica has spent the past two and a half years growing her start-up business that proudly boasts a connection with more than 180 employers, including leading government and banking organisations. Enabled Employment has filled more than 100 positions of the 240 advertised in last twelve months.

Jessica says winning the Award will help her achieve her dream of becoming a spokesperson for people with a disability and for returning veterans who experience challenges in coming back to the workforce.

“As a person with a disability and a female, the statistics were against me in gaining private venture capital for a start-up company,” Jessica said.

“My business is changing the way people are perceived by employers and expanding job options for people with disability. This Award win will provide a platform for creating change. We’re here to be that voice for people and get them into employment.”