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Richmond Hill, ON

Roan Missaghi

Roan lives in Richmond Hill, Ontario. After graduating from college he found it challenging to locate job opportunities. So he started a micro-business called Fidget Island (@fidgetislandco on IG). He manufactures fidget objects that help regulate sensory input and assist with calming and focus, for home use and in portable away-from-home and classroom-friendly styles. He also offers a hands-on, interactive workshop on 3D printing. When not working on his business or doing community service, Roan participates in curling, bowling, rock-climbing, and dragon boating.

How to Build Your Own Job: Conversations with Neurodivergent Young Entrepreneurs

HTBYOJ is a response to reading that up to 80% of neurodivergent people are un- or underemployed. It is a series of peer-to-peer interviews introducing online viewers to neurodivergent-led microbusinesses. The goals are to amplify voices of neurodivergent youthpreneurs, show that starting a small business can be an achievable goal, spotlight neurodivergent youth in productive, creative roles that build work skills and self-confidence. The project corresponds with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #1 No Poverty, #8 Decent Work & Economic Growth, and #15 Reduced Inequalities

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About this Project

Communities Served

My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:

    United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

    When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.

      How the project works

      The project team will spend August-October 2026 travelling in south- and central Ontario to meet with neurodivergent youthpreneurs, listen to their stories, and see where they work. From November-December, the team will edit and upload the videos to Youtube and/or Tiktok under the project name. In January 2027, the team will submit a report.

      Project Impact

      10+ interviews in a 1:1 format plus 10+ interviews in a market format resulting in 40 views and 4 comments/engagements each = 880 impacts

      Project Mission

      The mission is to shift the narrative around neurodivergent youth from a deficit-based lens to a strength-based focus by posting authentic peer conversations between entrepreneurs with lived experience online, highlighting representative role models working in accessible self-employment formats. To shape a future in which neurodivergent youth see themselves, and are seen by others, as genuine and innovative labour market stakeholders.

      Project Team

      HTBYOJ has a 2 person team, a young adult plus a family member support person.

      • Roan, project lead and interviewer. Monica, driver and email responder.