Women are building made-in-Canada businesses that power our economy. They\u2019re majority owners of 20% of Canadian businesses, generating more than $90 billion annually, employing nearly one million Canadians and contributing about 9% of the country\u2019s GDP. And Futurpreneur-supported businesses are a big part of the equation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Investing in women-led businesses has long been a priority for Futurpreneur, as the results show. Today, over 40% of the businesses we support are women-led, more than double the national average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One example is Janine Jivani<\/strong>, creator of Lilac & Leaf Wellness<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From healthcare regulation to holistic health <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n For five years, Janine worked in healthcare regulation. It was stable, respected work, but something was missing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “For years I was working in healthcare and while I knew I wanted to help people, I often felt disconnected from my work. It didn\u2019t really allow me to think creatively<\/em>,” Janine says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She began to see a gap between managing illness and promoting wellness. While her role focused on maintaining standards, she wanted to build something that aligned more closely with her own values and purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A turning point<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Janine\u2019s shift toward entrepreneurship came with a growing sense of confidence in her own experience and perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her background in healthcare regulation gave her a strong understanding of ethics, safety and quality standards, areas she saw missing in much of the unregulated wellness market. Her identity as a woman of colour with Kenyan and Irish-Scottish heritage also shaped her vision for a more inclusive approach to wellness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “My cultural background, which is mixed Kenyan and Irish\/Scottish, truly makes me who I am.\u00a0I believe my mixed heritage\u00a0allows me to empathize with people from various backgrounds<\/em>,” she says. “Representation and diversity are extremely important to me and are part of my business values<\/em>.”\u00a0Janine had the passion and the idea. What she needed next\u00a0was guidance and support to launch the business.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0where\u00a0Futurpreneur\u00a0came in.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through Futurpreneur, she received financing and mentorship that helped turn Lilac & Leaf Wellness<\/strong> from a concept into a growing company rooted in trust and transparency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Building community and empowering women<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, Lilac & Leaf Wellness offers organic herbal teas and wellness products designed to support healthier lifestyles. For Janine, the business is also about creating community and making wellness accessible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Becoming an entrepreneur has been a transformative experience, continually teaching me what I\u2019m truly capable of,\u201d <\/em>she says, noting that it\u2019s pushed her to develop new skills, adapt to challenges and trust in herself. \u201cIf you\u2019re ready to commit to your dreams, go for it. Futurpreneur isn\u2019t just a place for financial support, they help you every step of the way and want you to succeed<\/em>.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Janine is now preparing for the next phase of the business. She\u2019s rebranding\u00a0Lilac & Leaf Wellness, including launching a new website, with resources and workshops geared specifically toward women empowerment.\u00a0Her goal is to create a trusted space where women can access reliable information,\u00a0products\u00a0and support for their well-being.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to launch your own vision?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re a full-time founder or just thinking about starting your business, Futurpreneur is here to empower you through our dedicated Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative, as well as loan financing, mentorship and resources. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n