OUR STORY…
ACE Popcorn is a new social enterprise from Autism East Midlands (AEM) that creates meaningful employment opportunities for autistic people – one delicious batch of popcorn at a time.
MADE WITH LOVE
Based at our Training, Employment and Social Enterprise centre, ACE Popcorn combines artisan food production with person-centred workplace support, helping autistic individuals build confidence, skills and independence in an environment designed for them to thrive.
Every kernel we produce is made with care by autistic team members employed by AEM. From preparing the corn to mastering Poppi, our air popper, and packaging the popcorn for sale; every step of the process is managed by our staff. Each batch sold has been carefully separated, flavoured and finished by autistic staff that have been trained and supported by Autism East Midlands.
As a social enterprise, every bag you buy is supporting Autism East Midlands’ work for autistic individuals, children and families across the East Midlands. So whether you prefer your popcorn loaded with cheeky caramel, sugar-dusted into a sweet flavour or stirred into a hardy salted mix, you know that you’re making a difference.
OUR STORY…
ACE Popcorn is a bold new social enterprise from Autism East Midlands (AEM), created to open meaningful employment opportunities for autistic people—one delicious batch of popcorn at a time.
MADE WITH LOVE
Based at our Training, Employment and Social Enterprise centre, ACE Popcorn combines artisan food production with person-centred workplace support, helping autistic individuals build confidence, skills and independence in an environment designed for them to thrive.
Every kernel we produce is made with care by autistic team members employed by AEM. From preparing the corn to mastering Poppi, our air popper, our makers oversee every step of the process. Once the popcorn bursts to life, it’s carefully separated, flavoured and finished—whether it’s warm caramel stirred to a golden glow or sweet sugar dusted and tumbled to perfection. It’s craft, community and opportunity coming together in every bag.
OUR MISSION
We launched ACE Popcorn because we understand that traditional job applications and workplaces can create barriers for autistic people. Our mission is to remove those barriers by providing supportive coaching, structured skills development and a workplace that celebrates individuality. As a specialist autism charity, Autism East Midlands brings decades of experience in employment support, day services and residential care across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
We aim to use this social enterprise to create pathways into work, help our autistic staff members to build their confidence in the workplace and prove what’s possible when autistic people are given the chance to shine.
