From LiONS LAIR to Dragons’ Den: Women Entrepreneurs Transform Purpose-Driven Innovation into Successful Ventures

Anita Grant and Amanda Nguyen are two dynamic women entrepreneurs who exemplify how innovative ventures can transition from local successes to national prominence. They both emerged from the LiONS LAIR competition, organized by Innovation Factory, which allows startups to pitch their ideas to potential investors. Their journeys illustrate how overcoming challenges can lead to the fulfillment of unmet needs in their respective industries, ultimately empowering underrepresented communities.

Anita Grant, founder of Hello Hair, launched her company with the mission to empower young Black girls to embrace their natural hair. After winning the Hamilton Choice Award at the 2018 LiONS LAIR competition, her ambitions for Hello Hair flourished. The brand, which started as a simple project, has expanded to include books, styling dolls, and workshops aimed at fostering self-love and pride in natural beauty. Grant's participation on Dragons’ Den in 2024 resulted in a significant milestone, securing a $250,000 investment. Reflecting on her experiences, Grant noted that pitching at LiONS LAIR was intimidating, yet it equipped her with the experience needed for the more rigorous environment of Dragons’ Den. Beyond revenue, Grant’s entrepreneurial journey highlights her commitment to creating a platform that instills confidence and pride in young girls regarding their identities.

On the other hand, Amanda Nguyen co-founded Boardball, a sport designed to merge volleyball with Spikeball, making it more accessible to players. Her journey began with her win at the 2022 LiONS LAIR competition. Post-competition, Boardball rapidly gained traction across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, especially after being featured in a viral video. The simplicity of the game has made it popular in schools, where it has been integrated into physical education programs. In 2024, Nguyen secured a $100,000 investment on Dragons’ Den through actor and investor Simu Liu. Her resilience and the support from platforms like LiONS LAIR, Innovation Factory, and The Forge at McMaster have been pivotal in the growth of Boardball.

Both Grant and Nguyen emphasize the importance of mentorship and networking in their entrepreneurial success. They are part of the National Angel Capital Organization's Angels & Dreams™ fellowship program, which provides startups with mentorship opportunities. These initiatives reflect a broader trend of women disrupting industries and creating meaningful societal change through their entrepreneurial efforts.

Nguyen has also been active in mentoring fellow entrepreneurs, showcasing her dedication to collaborative growth and innovative problem-solving in the entrepreneurial landscape. Conversely, Grant’s Hello Hair has evolved into a movement that empowers young women, particularly from under-represented communities, fostering leadership and confidence through workshops and educational resources.

As they reflect on their journeys, both women have become role models, inspiring a new wave of female entrepreneurs. They encourage younger founders to find their inspirations and be attentive to the gaps in the market where they can instigate change. By embodying passion and purpose in their ventures, they have not only transformed their businesses but have also laid the groundwork for future entrepreneurial efforts among women.

For those interested in entrepreneurship, especially women looking to overcome barriers, Grant and Nguyen's stories illustrate that with the right support and resolve, it’s possible to make a significant impact. Organizations like Innovation Factory’s LiONS LAIR offer platforms where such journeys can begin.