£13,000 Start Up Loan enables Birmingham business to improve women’s health and wellbeing
The Wellbeing Edit is a women's health business based in Birmingham. Founder Edit Gardner had struggled with health issues for decades and wanted to turn her own experiences into a practical business that could improve women’s health.
She had a clear vision but didn’t have the funds in place to make it a reality.
A Start Up Loan provided her with the finances she needed and enabled her to bring The Wellbeing Edit to fruition.
Edit wanted to turn her experiences with women’s health issues into a way to help others like her
Edit had spent decades living with endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids. She had to navigate surgeries and hormonal treatments that provided only temporary relief.
Women’s health is often overlooked.
The Fawcett Society reports that nearly 60% of women in the UK believe their health issues are not taken seriously, with 57% having had a negative experience with a healthcare professional. Meanwhile, a government survey found that over 84% of female respondents reported instances where they felt they were not listened to by healthcare staff across their treatment pathway.
For endometriosis sufferers, like Edit, receiving treatment and diagnosis can feel like a real uphill struggle. A study by the University of Sheffield found that endometriosis has an average diagnosis time of over nine years in the UK, and 58% of women have to visit a GP ten or more times before receiving a diagnosis.
Edit’s business idea was not only shaped by her own story dealing with conditions, but also a wealth of academic training and clinical experience. She has spent more than 20 years working in integrative health with advanced training in cultural anthropology and ethnomedicine. She holds more than 10 professional qualifications and is currently training as both a Master Herbalist and Sports Nutritionist.
Edit knew she could help women manage their pain and hopefully regain a better quality of life. She just needed the financial boost to make it happen.
A £13,000 Start Up Loan allowed Edit to invest in mentorship and vital systems
Edit was able to secure a £13,000 in funding from First Enterprise under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.
She used the funds to:
Establish The Wellbeing Edit
Develop the business’ coaching programmes, following mentorship from the Zero to Clients scheme
Build the digital systems required to reach clients and support future growth.
The Wellbeing Edit’s core coaching products include its flagship Pain-Free Period Protocol™ and its Cycle-Aware Workplace Wellbeing programme.
The Pain-Free Period Protocol aims to help women better understand and manage chronic menstrual pain through science-informed coaching techniques. Meanwhile, the Cycle-Aware Workplace Wellbeing programme assists employers with creating more inclusive, hormone-aware workplaces.
Edit said of the £13,000 Start Up Loan through First Enterprise: “It was the catalyst for everything. It allowed me to invest in mentorship and systems that transformed my vision into two impactful, scalable programmes.
“The loan and mentorship enabled me to bring this vision to life. Without it, I couldn't have built a programme that is now transforming both individual and organisational wellbeing.”
Forbes Lucas, Underwriter at First Enterprise, added: “It's been an incredible honour to support Edit on her loan application. The work she does in supporting women's health in their personal lives and at work is inspiring, and I wish her all the best with The Wellbeing Edit.”
Hopefully, The Wellbeing Edit, and other business’ like it, can start to bring about real change and improvement in how women’s health is treated in the near future.
Have a business idea that you believe could help people improve their lives? Get in touch to discuss funding options
Edit had a great idea, a passion for cause, and the knowledge needed to bring a health business to life. All she needed was a financial stepladder to get her started.
If you are looking to start your own business (or have one trading less than 5 years that could do with a funding boost) then a Start Up Loan might be the answer.
The process is simple: click on the button below to visit our loan page. Alternatively, you can complete our enquiry form or call 0345 602 7355 to discuss your business with an advisor.
Who knows? A Start Up Loan could be the first brick on your path to building a successful business.
