Maria Zedda founded Wideaware on a firm philosophy. "I feel strongly about disabled people participating in society and the economy, and felt I had a lot to offer to help UK businesses and public authorities learn about disability". Maria is profoundly deaf and has drawn on her experiences to build Wideaware, which provides disability equality training to organisations across the UK.

The training that Maria's business offers means she is working in partnership with Leonard Cheshire Disability and has benefited from introductions and networking opportunities, including the 2007 Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Awards, where an introduction to Stelios has proved valuable to the business. "Starting your own business can be a solitary experience so having information, support and encouragement from the Ready to Start programme was invaluable."

Ready to Start was able to point her towards the specialist help and advice her business needs as it grows. Most recently her hard work was recognised in the 2008 Barclays Trading Places Awards for inspirational entrepreneurs. Her company made the top 10 in her region, providing a great example of what can be achieved. "We'd like to inspire and empower more people who have good business ideas to go out and do it!"