Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Honestly, ourselves. Helperly was inspired by our own lived experiences navigating disability, burnout, and inaccessible systems. We saw gaps not just in care, but in resources, products, and community. That pushed us to build more than just a service system, but a brand focused on accessibility, independence, and innovation. Helperly exists to make everyday life more accessible while empowering people to live independently, safely and with confidence.

How do you stay motivated?

We stay motivated by witnessing the real impact that this work can have on people with disabilities and seniors. In Canada, home care and community-based support is directly associated with improved independence, better mental health, reduced hospitalizations, and longer lifespans. Through needs assessments and direct conversations, we consistently see how needed Helperly is. Knowing that our platform can meaningfully improve people’s daily lives keeps us driven to build and grow.

What would you do with the $25,000?

We would use $25,000 to build the Helperly app and accelerate a movement towards a more accessible Ontario (and beyond). We’d support adaptive renovations in local businesses to improve community inclusion, expand our user base, and grow our respite care fund. This isn’t just about scaling a platform, it’s about redefining how accessibility, independence, and community are experienced across Ontario and beyond.