The Parry Sound Area Founders Circle presented its annual Founders Choice Awards on April12.
Georgian Medical Aesthetics won the $10,000 top prize, and A Bushel & A Peck won the $5,000 secondary prize.
The Founders Circle is made up of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who have invested funds as prizes to be awarded to individuals or groups with innovative ideas that will help improve the local economy.
“As a member of the Founders Circle since its inception, I am continually impressed with the number of entrepreneurs in our community and the quality of the business proposals they bring forward.” said founder Clayton Harris.
Five finalists, including Northern Swine & Steer, Rewind Design Studio and Sound Youth Counselling, pitched their businesses to the founders on March 25 in a “Dragon’s Den” style business presentation.
Officials say the businesses were evaluated using five criteria, including broad economic impact, innovation and growth potential, profitability potential and demand.
“It takes a lot of courage to launch a new business. Supporting those that are willing to take the risk is necessary and rewarding. Nourishing the entrepreneurial spirit in Parry Sound benefits all of us, and I am fortunate to serve as a Founder and get a front row seat,” said founder Rob Wise.
The application deadline for the 2025 Parry Sound Area Founders awards is Oct 31st, 2024. For more information email [email protected].