October marks ADHD Awareness Month, a time to recognise both the challenges and the strengths that neurodiverse individuals bring to the business world.
For many entrepreneurs with ADHD, financial management, organisation and decision-making can present unique hurdles. Yet, these same traits often fuel creativity, innovation and resilience, qualities that lie at the heart of successful entrepreneurship.
At Nordens, we understand that neurodiversity influences the way people approach business and finances. Through our work with neurodivergent business owners, we have seen how the right systems, coaching and professional support can empower individuals to overcome barriers and thrive.
Understanding ADHD and the Neurodiversity Tax
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects focus, organisation and impulse control. In a business context, these traits can influence how owners manage time, prioritise tasks and handle complex financial responsibilities.
Many neurodivergent business owners face what is known as the ‘neurodiversity tax‘, which refers to the additional time, stress and financial cost that comes with navigating systems not designed for their way of thinking.
Tasks such as meeting tax deadlines, managing cashflow or completing financial paperwork can feel disproportionately difficult, leading to missed opportunities, penalties and frustration.
A study conducted by consultancy Newton found that 27% of neurodiverse individuals lack confidence in managing their finances, compared to 18% of neurotypical individuals. Among those with ADHD, the figure rises to 31%.
Only 15% of neurodiverse individuals reported being debt-free, compared with 39% of neurotypicals, highlighting a clear inequality in financial wellbeing. These findings were discussed in Nordens’ article, Why There Is a Tax on Neurodiverse People?.
This disparity reflects not a lack of ability, but a lack of inclusive systems. It is why Nordens has taken proactive steps to develop tailored support for neurodivergent entrepreneurs, ensuring that finance works for them, not against them.
Nordens x Mindset: Bridging Finance and Neurodiversity
To provide more accessible and personalised support, Nordens has partnered with Mindset Business Psychology, led by Ellice Whyte, a Director, Chartered Business Psychologist and neurodivergent business owner herself.
Together, we have combined financial expertise with neurodiversity coaching, creating a service that bridges the gap between practical financial management and emotional wellbeing. This partnership has already made a significant impact, helping clients manage their finances with clarity, confidence and compassion.
Through this collaboration, we offer tailored support that includes:
- Debt recovery – helping businesses recover outstanding payments efficiently
- Cashflow management – creating predictable and manageable financial plans
- Access to Work support – guiding clients through government funding applications
- Impulse control guidance – reducing stress from impulsive spending
- Team management support – helping business owners structure their teams around their working style
As Ellice explains in her guest blog with Nordens, “Standard financial advice often does not account for the way neurodivergent minds process information. Working with Nordens has been a game-changer. Their patience and understanding make financial management feel achievable.”
Building on our partnership with Mindset, a few months ago, Nordens hosted the ‘Money Management for Neurodivergent Business Owners’ webinar, designed to make financial guidance more accessible for ADHD and neurodiverse entrepreneurs.
The session explored practical money management, tax compliance and cashflow strategies with insights from experts, including the Director herself from Mindset, Ellice Whyte and Sylvia Obadaki from Allica Bank.
Turning ADHD Strengths into Business Advantages
Despite the hurdles, ADHD can bring a distinctive edge to entrepreneurship. The same traits that cause difficulty in one area often become powerful assets in another.
Creativity and innovation – Entrepreneurs with ADHD often excel at generating fresh ideas and seeing possibilities that others overlook. This natural creativity can drive innovation and help businesses stand out in competitive markets.
What may appear as restlessness or distraction is often an entrepreneurial curiosity, the desire to experiment, build and explore new solutions that others might dismiss.
Hyperfocus – When deeply engaged in something they enjoy, individuals with ADHD can concentrate intensely for extended periods. This ability can be invaluable for problem-solving, project development and strategy.
Many business owners with ADHD use this focus to develop products, refine creative ideas or pursue long-term projects with a level of passion and drive that fuels success.
Resilience – Managing ADHD in business requires adaptability and perseverance. Many neurodiverse entrepreneurs develop strong coping mechanisms that serve them well under pressure.
They often possess a high tolerance for uncertainty, the ability to pivot quickly, and the courage to start again after setbacks, qualities that are invaluable in entrepreneurship.
Big-picture thinking – ADHD often allows for quick connections between ideas, enabling bold, visionary approaches to business growth. Entrepreneurs with ADHD are often forward thinkers who see patterns, gaps and opportunities before others do. This type of creative problem-solving frequently leads to innovation, expansion and industry disruption.
When combined with the right structure and financial systems, these strengths can propel a business forward. ADHD traits, when supported effectively, are not barriers — they are drivers of potential and performance.
At Nordens, we see these strengths reflected every day in the entrepreneurs we work with. Our goal is to help clients harness their unique ways of thinking, turning their creativity and resilience into a roadmap for consistent financial growth.
Financial Strategies for Business Owners with ADHD
To help manage finances more effectively, we recommend combining structure with simplicity. Here are proven approaches drawn from Nordens’ and Mindset’s joint experience working with neurodivergent entrepreneurs:
1. Leverage digital tools
Traditional bookkeeping can feel tedious or overwhelming for those with ADHD, but the right technology can transform the process. Platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent automate invoicing, track expenses and manage payroll, cutting down on manual effort.
Expense-tracking apps like Dext or Expensify let you capture and categorise receipts instantly, removing the chaos of paperwork and helping you stay organised year-round. These recommendations are also shared in Mindset’s article, ADHD-Friendly Money Management Tips for Business Owners.
2. Create structured financial habits
Structure and repetition can help maintain momentum and reduce stress. Establishing short, regular financial check-ins is more effective than tackling everything at once.
Spend five to ten minutes daily reviewing bank transactions or payments, and set aside time weekly for reconciliations and planning. Small, consistent routines prevent overwhelm and support sustainable habits.
3. Automate where possible
Automation is one of the simplest ways to reduce mental load. Set up direct debits for recurring payments and automatic transfers to tax or savings accounts to avoid last-minute stress. Invoice reminder tools also ensure you are paid on time without the need for constant chasing, freeing up time to focus on growth.
4. Use visual aids
Many individuals with ADHD process information best when it is visual. Use dashboards that display income, cashflow and outgoings at a glance. Colour-coded spreadsheets or financial calendars can make it easier to spot patterns, plan expenses and track progress without getting lost in text-heavy documents.
5. Delegate or outsource
You do not need to manage every financial detail yourself. Hiring a bookkeeper, accountant or virtual assistant ensures accuracy while freeing up valuable headspace.
At Nordens, we have seen that outsourcing recurring or complex tasks gives ADHD entrepreneurs the mental space to focus on creativity, leadership and strategic growth. Outsourcing is not about avoidance, it is about creating balance and enabling better decisions.
6. Regular financial reviews
Establish accountability by scheduling periodic reviews with a trusted accountant or adviser. These sessions encourage structure and build financial confidence while helping identify opportunities for tax efficiency, cashflow improvements and business growth.
By combining digital tools, structured habits and the right professional support, ADHD entrepreneurs can transform their financial processes from chaotic to controlled, achieving not just stability but confidence in their financial future.
Empowering Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs
At Nordens, we believe every entrepreneur deserves access to financial systems that reflect their way of thinking. That is why we have built services designed to empower neurodivergent business owners through inclusivity, accessibility and innovation.
We do not just advise – we actively collaborate with experts like Ellice Whyte to ensure our team understands the lived experience of neurodiverse individuals. All staff at Nordens undergo neurodiversity awareness training, with support from Mindset, as part of our wider commitment to inclusion and client care.
Our shared mission is to remove the financial barriers faced by neurodivergent entrepreneurs, build confidence and promote lasting success.
This ongoing work has been recognised nationally. In 2025, Nordens was proud to win Gold for Marketing Campaign of the Year at the Accounting Excellence Awards 2025, celebrating our joint campaign with Mindset BPS that brought national attention to the financial challenges faced by neurodivergent business owners.
The Takeaway
Neurodiversity brings invaluable perspectives to the business landscape. ADHD, in particular, can drive creativity, determination and fresh approaches to problem-solving.
With the right systems and tailored support, business owners with ADHD can transform their financial management from a source of stress into a tool for empowerment.
At Nordens, we are committed to building an inclusive financial environment where every business owner, regardless of how they think or work, has the opportunity to thrive. Therefore, if you are a neurodivergent business owner or entrepreneur seeking tailored financial guidance, our specialist team can help you take the next step with confidence.
