Seven remaining for Founders Choice Awards

Media release with Chris O. edits.

Fifty Muskoka entrepreneurs entered the contest. Seven are left. Two will be announced as winners of a pair of cash prizes.

That was the message from the Muskoka Founders Circle in a media release regarding their most recent Founders Choice Awards contest.

The Founders Circle is a group of Muskoka-based businesspeople working to
promote economic development in Muskoka by providing financial support and business mentoring to local entrepreneurs.

“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.”

Their annual awards recognize local entrepreneurs whose new business ventures have the greatest potential for success. Over the years, these awards have provided $75,000 in funding to help entrepreneurs in Muskoka.

This contest saw the most ever entries for the Awards, which consist of cash prizes of $10,000 and $5,000 for the top two selections.

The winners will be announced during the Founders Den event on Feb. 28 at the Gravenhurst Opera House. The event is set to include presentations by each of the seven finalists in front of a panel of judges.

This event is open to the public and will include a celebration reception.

“We’re constantly surprised and excited at the level of entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Muskoka,” said Rick Dalmazzi, executive chair of Muskoka Founders Circle. “Founders Circle is pleased and proud to support such a hard-working and dedicated group of business owners.”

The finalists for the 2023 Founders Choice Awards are:

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.

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.

Heather Glumac – Bracebridge
Muskoka Granola makes small-batch granola containing no preservatives, wheat, soy or dairy
and sweetened only with maple syrup.

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.

Morgan Vassallo – Port Sydney
Muskoka River Bagel Company produces and sells handcrafted bagels made from locally
sourced ingredients, as well as artisanal cream cheeses.

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.

Linda Reisman – Gravenhurst
3DCP Muskoka Corporation produces 3D-printed custom concrete walls and other products to
supply the construction industry in Muskoka.

For information on the Muskoka Founders Circle, to request tickets to the upcoming event, or to become a Founder, visit:
https://www.muskokafounderscircle.com/