Seven entrepreneurs have a chance at winning $10,000 or $5,000 to support their growing businesses.
The Muskoka Founders Circle’s fifth annual Founders Choice Awards was created to help local businesses grow.
The finalists are:
- Ruth Wilgress of Gravenhurst who provides mental health services through Forest and the Tree Creative Counselling Services.
- Laura Thomas of Kilworthy was put forward for the work she does through Hidden Habitat, a plant nursery that grows native Ontario as well as a landscaping and garden design service.
- Heather Glumac of Bracebridge is in the running thanks to the healthy granola she makes through her business Muskoka Granola.
- Kelli Ebbs of Huntsville runs Muskoka North Good Food Co-op, which is a community-owned food co-operative.
- Morgan Vassallo of Port Sydney is known as the creator of Muskoka River Bagel Company.
- Mickey Henry of Bala loves water sports and created What Wake Park to support other extreme sports lovers.
- Linda Reisman of Gravenhurst produces 3D-printed custom concrete walls, among other things, through her business 3DCP Muskoka Corporation.
The top two entrepreneurs will be selected during the Founders De. event on Feb. 28 at the Gravenhurst Opera House.
Rick Dalmazzi, Executive Chair of the Founders Circle, says he’s thrilled to see the competition continue to grow.
“We had 50 entries from across Muskoka and our Founders group had difficulty choosing the seven best,” he says. “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.”
The Founders Circle is made up of local businesspeople. Since starting the Founders Choice Awards five years ago, $75,000 has been distributed and over 200 Muskoka-based businesses have been part of the process.
