7 ENTREPRENEURS VIE FOR $10,000 TOP PRIZE IN FIFTH MUSKOKA FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARDS FEB. 28

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — Finalists for the Muskoka Founders Circle awards have been announced.

The fifth annual contest attracted a record number of entrepreneurs across Muskoka, says a release.

The Circle is a group of Muskoka-based business promoters working to boost economic development.

A record 50 businesses entered the 2023 contest with seven entrepreneurs making the short list for the Feb. 28 final awards judging at the Opera House in Gravenhurst.

Seven finalists were chosen from a record number of 50 entrants in 2023.

The awards recognize local entrepreneurs whose new business ventures have the greatest potential for success.

Cash prizes of $10,000 and $5,000 will be awarded to the top two entrepreneurs, to be selected at the Founders Den event on February 28 at the Gravenhurst Opera House. Presentations by the finalists in front of a panel of judges will be followed by an announcement of the winners and a celebration reception.

The event is open to the public.

“We’re thrilled that participation in our contest continues to grow,” said Rick Dalmazzi, long-time executive chair of the Circle.

“We had 50 entries from across Muskoka and our Founders group had difficulty choosing the seven best. We’re constantly surprised and excited at the level of entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Muskoka. Founders Circle is pleased and proud to support such a hard-working and dedicated group of business owners.”

This year’s finalists are:

  1. Ruth Wilgress – Gravenhurst Forest and the Trees Creative Counselling Services provides mental health services for children, youth and adults using methods such as play therapy, creative arts therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
  2. Laura Thomas – Kilworthy Hidden Habitat is a plant nursery that grows Ontario native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees, and also offers landscaping and garden design services.
  3. Heather Glumac – Bracebridge Muskoka Granola makes small-batch granola containing no preservatives, wheat, soy or dairy and sweetened only with maple syrup.
  4. Kelli Ebbs – Huntsville Muskoka North Good Food Co-op is a community-owned food co-operative working to grow Muskoka’s regional food system and selling directly to the public.
  5. Morgan Vassallo – Port Sydney Muskoka River Bagel Company produces and sells handcrafted bagels made from locally sourced ingredients, as well as artisanal cream cheeses.
  6. Mickey Henry – Bala What Wake Park is a wakeboard and waterski facility that pulls wakeboarders and water skiers across the lake on a cable driven by an electricity-powered motor.
  7. Linda Reisman – Gravenhurst 3DCP Muskoka Corporation produces 3D-printed custom concrete walls and other products to supply the construction industry in Muskoka. “Membership in Muskoka Founders Circle is an opportunity for business leaders to support the efforts of our remarkable entrepreneurs,” said Geralyn Ochab, membership chair. “It’s our way of giving back to the community, by encouraging those who are paving the way to future economic growth.”

If you’d like to attend the Founders Den event on February 28th go to https://www.muskokafounderscircle.com/contact to request tickets.

Dwight’s Laura Gilmour, founder of Wild Muskoka Botanicals, was the 2022 winner. The other finalists last year were The Saucy Muskokan, Fluent Disc Sport, The Artisans Edge, and Helping Buddy Muskoka, which finished second and received $5,000.

The Circle is a group of local businesspeople working to promote economic development in Muskoka by providing financial support and business mentoring to local entrepreneurs. To date they have provided $75,000 to deserving new businesses and connected with more than 200 Muskoka-based entrepreneurs.

For information on becoming a Muskoka Founder please visit https://www.muskokafounderscircle.com/become-a-founder, or contact Ochab, membership chair, [email protected].; or Dalmazzi at 705-205-8000 and [email protected]

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