ENTRIES are OPEN now !!
DEADLINE TO ENTER: MARCH 31st, 2025 @ 11:59 p.m. EST
Application – Applicants must fill out an application form on the Muskoka Founders Circle website. Applications will be judged based on the following criteria:
Regional Economic Impact. Will your new business generate revenue and create jobs in Muskoka?
Business Model. Does your business have a good chance of achieving sustainable profitability?
Customer Demand. Is there local demand for your product or service?
Use of Funds. If you win the prize money, how will you use it?
Finalist Selection – Based on the applications alone, up to seven finalists will be selected by our Founders group to move on to the next stage of the competition. Finalists will be advised of their successful application by email in early January.
MAY 4, 2025
“Meet the Founders” Reception and Informal Discussion – In preparation for their interview all finalists will be invited to attend an evening reception and informal discussion. Many of our Founders will be on hand to meet the finalists and share share their views on how to make a compelling case for your company’s success in an interview.
Attending the Founders Reception may also give you some good ideas about how to approach your presentation.
APRIL 2025 (dates tbd)
Branding / Presenting Workshop – Each finalist will be given coaching and support in their professional branding materials and presentation skills. We will support the finalists in their plight to create their presentations and address all of the points our Founders want to hear about to help them in choosing how to leverage their votes!
You are always given support and the questions well ahead of time to allow you to prepare.
WedneSDAY, MAY 21ST, 2025
Founders Den – This is a kinder, gentler version of the “Dragon’s Den” show you may have seen on TV. Each of the finalists will appear on stage, one at a time, in front of a panel of judges and members of the public. Audience members and judges will view each finalist’s presentation, then judges will ask the finalist questions. Following each Q&A session the judges will privately fill out a scorecard.
The judges’ scores will then be combined with those of the Founders selection committee to determine the cash prize winners.
Reception – Following the Founders Den event, a reception will be held in the Trillium Court at the Opera House where audience members can mingle and meet the contest finalists. Light appetizers will be served and liquid refreshments will be available.
Awards Presentation – After the final scores have been verified, the winners of the $10,000 and $5,000 Founders Choice Awards will be announced and presented with their cash prizes!