Posted by Jordan Figueira
HEALI Team Recognized by The Globe and Mail
In 2023, HEALI co-founders Enwei Li and Heather Sloan were featured in The Globe and Mail, highlighting their journey as women entrepreneurs building a women-led business in the natural health products industry.
The article highlighted the challenges the founders faced while growing HEALI, from navigating funding barriers and building a business during the COVID-19 pandemic to the broader challenges women entrepreneurs face when accessing capital. It also showcased the importance of support from financial institutions and other women in business as HEALI continued to grow.
Overcoming Funding Challenges
Heather and Enwei founded HEALI with the goal of making natural health products affordable and accessible. However, they faced several obstacles, including:
Difficulty securing funding due to the relatively small size of the industry
Additional challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic
The broader funding gap faced by women entrepreneurs, who on average receive less credit and funding from financial institutions than male-owned businesses
Support from TD Bank
Despite these challenges, TD Bank recognized HEALI’s potential and provided essential support, including:
A significant line of credit to help grow the business
Connections to a network of other female founders, creating opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration
This support helped Heather and Enwei continue building HEALI and expanding their impact in the natural health products industry.
Read the Full Story
To read the complete Globe and Mail article, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the co-founders of HEALI?
HEALI was co-founded by Enwei Li and Heather Sloan.
What did The Globe and Mail highlight about HEALI?
The 2023 article highlighted Heather and Enwei’s journey as women entrepreneurs, including the challenges of securing funding, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and building a growing business in the natural health products industry.
What challenges did HEALI face in securing funding?
HEALI struggled to secure funding due to the small size of the natural health products industry, the impact of COVID-19, and broader funding disparities experienced by women entrepreneurs.
How did TD Bank support HEALI?
TD Bank provided HEALI with a significant line of credit and connected the founders with a network of other female entrepreneurs, helping them grow and develop their business.
Where can I read the full Globe and Mail article about HEALI?
You can read the full article by visiting this link.
