Bagels, plants, and food co-op receive this year’s awards

Press Release with Chris O edits

Muskoka River Bagel Company in Bracebridge was the big winner on February 28, being named the first-prize recipient of the annual Muskoka Founders Circle awards.

Owner Morgan Vassallo was on hand to receive the $10,000 award at the Gravenhurst Opera House celebration. She was accompanied by her business partners, and parents, Paddy and
David McDonald. Their company produces and sells handcrafted bagels made from locally sourced ingredients, as well as artisanal cream cheeses.

The second place award ended up being a tie in voting between Hidden Habitat in
Gravenhurst and the North Muskoka Good Food Co-op in Huntsville.

Each received $5,000 towards their businesses.

Hidden Habitat was represented by founder and president Laura Thomas. Her business is a plant nursery that grows Ontario native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees,
and offers landscaping and garden design services.

Muskoka North Good Food Co-op in Huntsville is a community-owned food co-operative that works to grow Muskoka’s regional food system and sells directly to the public. General Manager Kelli Ebbs accepted the award on behalf of her team.

The Muskoka Founders Circle is a group of Muskoka-based businesspeople working to
support entrepreneurism in Muskoka. For the last five years, they have been hosting this contest to support small businesses in the region with cash prizes.

This year’s contest saw a record 51 entries from entrepreneurs across the region.

“Each of our seven finalists did a superb job in representing their companies,” said Rick
Dalmazzi, executive chair of Muskoka Founders Circle, via press release. “Again this year the voting was very close. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all who came out to enjoy the presentations and join in the celebration.”

Through its annual Founders Choice Awards contest, the Founders Circle has
provided $95,000 to deserving new businesses and connected with over 200 Muskoka-based
entrepreneurs.

For information on becoming a Muskoka Founder, visit
https://www.muskokafounderscircle.com/become-a-founder