Founders Choice Awards

Turn Your Dream Into Muskoka’s Next Success Story.

Current Deadline is 15 September 2025

Each year the Founders Choice Awards contest identifies and rewards deserving Muskoka-based entrepreneurs with cash to fund their growing business.

It’s easy to enter and fun to participate. Prize money is awarded to contest winners selected by members of the Founders Circle. Since 2018 a total of $100,000 in prize cash has been awarded.

We will be announcing further details about this year’s contest in the coming weeks.

Founders Den Pitch Event at the Gravenhurst Opera House: Oct 22, 2025

Founders Choice Awards Gala at Windermere House: Oct 23, 2025

Deadline to Enter: Sep 15, 2025

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7

YEARS OF GIVING

32+

BUSINESSES SUPPORTED

12

WINNERS

$100,000+

CASH AWARDED

Pitch Your Idea. Grow Your Business. Change Muskoka.

BACKING BIG IDEAS IN MUSKOKA

What is the Muskoka Founders Circle?

The Muskoka Founders Circle is a group of Muskoka-based business professionals working together to promote economic development in Muskoka by providing financial support and business mentoring to local entrepreneurs.

What is the Founder's Choice Awards?

Each year the Founders Choice Awards competition identifies and rewards entrepreneurs with a promising new business. Prize money is awarded to contest winners selected by our Founders.
Since 2018 a total of $100,000 has been awarded.

What are the prizes?

First prize winner will receive a cheque for $10,000, and second prize winner will receive a cheque for $5,000.

How do I Apply?

You complete our online application process. The Apply Now button is located right at the top in our menu on every page... we can't wait to learn more about your and your Muskoka business

What is the process?

There are four stages to our contest:

Stage 1 - Application (form on our website)
typically takes less than an hour. Founders vote on finalists.

Stage 2 - Support in Pitch Creation by the Founders

Applicants create a meaningful presentation for Founders to consider voting for to receive the cash prize.

Stage 3 - Pitch Day, We view the Pitches, evaluate, enjoy a networking reception.
Stage 4 - Awards Gala, We celebrate our applicants, enjoy speakers, prizes, networking, dinner and present the Winners with their Awards.

Site: muskokafounderscircle.com

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