NORTHBROOK, IL — A Northbrook apparel company focused on making clothes easier for older adults and people with disabilities to put on and take off has earned national recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Joe & Bella was named one of 10 businesses in the Disruptors category of the Chamber's 2026 CO—100, an annual list recognizing 100 small businesses from across the country.
The U.S. Chamber said this year's 100 businesses were selected from more than 12,000 applicants based on factors including growth, innovation and commitment to customers. The businesses represent 36 states and 15 industries.
Joe & Bella was one of 10 companies selected as Disruptors, a category the Chamber says recognizes businesses introducing new products or services or rethinking traditional business models.
The Northbrook company tells Patch it is the only Illinois-based business among this year's CO—100 honorees.
Joe & Bella designs what it calls easy-dressing apparel, using features including hidden magnetic closures and side-zip construction intended to make clothing easier to put on and take off while maintaining the look of mainstream apparel.
The company's website says its clothing is designed for older adults experiencing cognitive, motor or mobility changes, as well as people who may need assistance getting dressed.
"Adaptive fashion has been overlooked for far too long," co-founder Jimmy Zollo said in an email to Patch. "We're working to move the category forward and prove that clothing designed for older adults and people with disabilities can be every bit as stylish, thoughtful, and innovative as anything else in the apparel industry."
Zollo co-founded Joe & Bella with his father, Peter Zollo. Peter's decade caring for his aging parents helped shape the company's focus on clothing that supports independent dressing without a clinical appearance, according to the company.
Joe & Bella was also previously recognized as a CoCreate 2025 winner after being selected from more than 20,000 applicants by "Shark Tank" personalities Daymond John and Lori Greiner, according to the company.
"We're proud of how far Joe & Bella has come, and even more excited about what's ahead," Zollo said.
The U.S. Chamber's CO—100 Small Business Forum is scheduled for Oct. 21.
More information about Joe & Bella is available on the company's website.
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