Trove Market is a Michigan-based nonprofit e-commerce platform designed for people with disabilities to sell handmade products and creative services online.
CEO Jayme Powell says while it operates similarly to Etsy, there are two criteria for Trove sellers: they must have a disability and be considered low-income.
“We received our 501 C 3 nonprofit status because we are serving those who had not been able to take advantage of opportunities to work in traditional competitive employment, where there are often barriers that stand in their way, whether that be getting to and from work, the interview, or accommodations in the workplace.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics show three-quarters of Michigan adults with disabilities are not in the labor force and half face financial hardship.
Powell says entrepreneurship is an opportunity for individuals to build businesses around their strengths and on their own terms, noting Trove partners with schools and service providers to teach self-employment skills.
“Anybody, any individual, nonprofit organization or school who has interest in or who is currently supporting those who have disabilities and or has one themselves, is able to sell on Trove Market.”
Powell encourages holiday shoppers to visit Trove Market's online storefronts and spread the word about the national platform and its mission.
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