The Ian Kerr Young Entrepreneurs Fund has made a $7,000 donation to the Parry Sound Area Founder’s Circle.
Kerr, who grew up in Parry Sound, launched and operated multiple successful businesses over his lifetime, including a roofing and siding business in town.
“He did not follow a normal path into business. In his early twenties, after working locally in construction, he started a roofing and siding business when an opportunity opened up. There was no business plan, no advisors, just a willingness to work hard and do right by customers,” stated a release announcing the donation.
He eventually left Parry Sound and built a life in southern Ontario. In 1998, he co-founded Bavarian Window Works in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Kerr died in March of 2025. Afterwards, his wife and sons created the Ian Kerr Young Entrepreneurs Fund.
“The goal is straight forward,” states the release. “Help young people get started in business and give them access to support that many do not have early on.”
A $5,000 donation was made to the Parry Sound Area Founder’s Circle, along with $2,000 raised through a local fundraiser held at the Parry Sound Legion.
The Parry Sound Area Founder’s Circle is a group of individuals and business owners working together to promote economic development throughout the District of Parry Sound. The group’s first initiative, the Founders Choice Awards, identifies and rewards entrepreneurs with promising business ideas. Every year since 2021, $10,000 has been awarded annually to the first place award winner, and $5,000 to the second place award winner.
For more information on the local organization visit parrysoundareafounderscircle.com.
