2024 Parry Sound Area Founders Awards Announced!
Founders Choice Awards Finalists Announced, Celebrating Entrepreneurship in Parry Sound District
The Parry Sound Area Founders Circle is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Founders Choice Awards. Cash prizes of $10,000 for first place and $5,000 for second place were presented to entrepreneurs in the Parry Sound District.
The winner of the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle Choice $10,000 Award is: Georgian Medical Aesthetics
The winner of the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle Choice $5,000 Award is: A Bushel & A Peck
In November 2023, the first step was for the Parry Sound Area Circle Founders to evaluate the numerous applications received on following five criteria: Broad Economic Impact; Innovation; Scalability/Growth Potential; Profitability Potential, and Demand for Product/Service. Five Finalists were selected, in alphabetical order
- A Bushel & A Peck, A Farm and Feed Store.
- Georgian Medical Aesthetics, Physician-led, full-service medical spa with offerings that are individualized to each patient’s specific needs and desires.
- Northern Swine and Steer, Unique meat, BBQ and smoker shop.
- Rewind Design Studio, Full-service interior design and architectural consultation, using sustainable design practices, focused on the Georgian Bay Area.
- Sound Youth Counselling, Mental health services for youth ages 10+ years old.
“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.” – says Founder, Clayton Harris.
Rob Wise, Founder, “It take 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.”
Since Nov 2023, the five finalists participated in three different education sessions to enhance their business acumen, which were provided by Tara Charlton (Stand Out Business), Canadore College’s Entrepreneurship Academy and, Paula Hayes (Page to Page Consulting). In addition, each finalist received a promotion video created by Dave Clement (Big Lake Cinematic), and professional headshot (Peter Istvan Photography).
All these activities led up to their business pitches to a panel of Founders on March 25th, in a "Dragons' Den" style business presentation. The finalists outlined their product or service, emphasizing its unique value proposition, market potential, and financial projections. Presentations were followed by a questions and answers from the Founders, with the goal of being selected for one of the Founders Awards
Jim Marshall, Founder, describes “I was thrilled to be part of the selection committee. All the finalists were well-prepared and had excellent business plans. I feel fortunate to be part of the Parry Sound Founders Circle, recognizing that most new jobs come from small businesses in our area.”
Peter Istvan and Nicole Boyd, co-chairs of the Parry Sound Area Founder Circle, along with keynote speaker, Janet Bannister, and Platinum Partner, Canadore’s Venture Bay Studio, presented the two successful recipients of the Parry Sound Area Founders Choice Awards at the Awards Dinner, held on April 11th, at the Grand Tappattoo, in Parry Sound.
“I'm proud to be one of the co-chairs for the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle. We're all about helping local businesses and giving entrepreneurs the support they need to do well. Seeing how our area is growing is exciting. Being part of this group has shown me both the challenges startups face and the strengths of established businesses. The recent presentations from our top five finalists showed just how much support there is from our talented founders. We're all locals helping each other out. We're not just thinking about today; we're thinking about the future too. We love this area and want everyone to know how great it is.” says Nicole Boyd.
Peter Istvan says “Congratulations to Georgian Medical Aesthetics and A Bushel & A Peck, and the other three Finalists for participating. Entrepreneurism is alive and well in the Parry Sound Area.”
About Parry Sound Area Founders Circle
The Parry Sound Area Founders Circle are 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 throughout the Parry Sound District.
More information on the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle can be found here.
Founders:
- If you are interested in learning more, or becoming a Founder, contact us at psareafounders@gmail.com
