Creative Workforce Solutions Conference:
​Meet Patrick Bardsley of Spectrum Designs Foundation

A virtual conference to promote special needs focused entrepreneurship and social enterprises.

Spectrum Designs, a custom apparel social enterprise, based in Port Washington, NY, is the largest and fastest growing non-profit of its kind, offering customers a ‘meaningful purchase’ by providing gainful employment and significant vocational experiences to people with disabilities. Together with educational partner, Nicholas Center, a business model has been created where education and life skills work hand in hand with vocational training and opportunities. The two organizations raise awareness regarding the abilities and employability of these exceptional individuals. Proving that this model is self-sustaining and replicable, two additional enterprises, Spectrum Bakes and Spectrum Suds, were launched in 2015. In fall of 2020, Spectrum Designs will expand the custom apparel and promotional items business to Westchester, NY, opening the doors to a 10,000 square foot facility - offering hope and opportunity to more individuals on the Autism Spectrum. For more information: www.spectrumenterprises.org and www.nicholascenterusa.org.

What will I learn during this presentation?

Spectrum Designs Foundation CEO and Co-Founder, Patrick Bardsley will speak to our origin story (started in a 1-room barn in 2011) to our current story - operating 3 social enterprises in Port Washington, NY and scaling to expand the custom apparel business to a new location in Westchester County in upstate, NY. Our story has been shared in board rooms and classrooms, in the Capital Visitors Center in Washington, DC and in our documentary film, This Business of Autism. We are proud to share with your conference attendees and spread the message of smart business as a win-win-win for all involved.

Who should attend?

Our story spans all categories - age, existing business/entrepeneurs, families, school-based/academia, and the general population.