The Parry Sound Area Founders Circle is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 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. New to the competition this year, all the other finalists received $1000 to use for professional business services to help enhance and grow their businesses.
The winner of the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle Choice $10,000 Award is: Sound Yarn & Fibre
The winner of the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle Choice $5,000 Award is: Harbour Hot Sauce
In November 2024, the first step was for the Parry Sound Area Circle Founders to evaluate the numerous applications received on the following five criteria: Broad Economic Impact; Innovation; Scalability/Growth Potential; Profitability Potential, and Demand for Product/Service. Six finalists were selected, in alphabetical order
- Harbour Hot Sauce. Hot sauces that are full of flavour, crafted with simple ingredients that amplify taste, balanced perfectly with just the right amount of heat!
- I Like to Move it Movers. A locally owned and operated moving company in the Parry Sound-Muskoka area.
- New Wave Fishing Academy. Fishing charters on Georgian Bay, providing on-the-water lessons, online fishing courses, and personalized coaching.
- Oli’s Parry Sound Fishing Charters. Oli's Parry Sound Fishing Charters and snorkeling tours offer an exceptional adventure for those seeking to explore the beauty and nature of Georgian Bay.
- Smart Fitness Studio. Personal training and fitness facility, providing an environment for individuals to achieve their health and fitness goals.
- Sound Yarn & Fibre. Sound Yarn & Fibre offers premium yarns, fibres, and accessories for knitting and crafting, including circular sock machines, parts, hand spun yarns, and notions for fiber arts projects.
“As a founding member of the Founders Circle, I have been consistently impressed by the remarkable number of entrepreneurs within our community and the high caliber of the business proposals they present.” – says Founder, Clayton Harris.
Tara Charlton, Founder, added “Being a part of the process this year and witnessing the growth in confidence and communication in the finalists has been an incredible experience. The Parry Sound small business community is full of support and enthusiasm, and it makes me proud to be a part of it. Congrats finalists; you’re an impressive group of entrepreneurs!”
Since Nov 2024, the six finalists have participated in a number of education sessions to enhance their business acumen, which were provided by Tara Charlton (Stand Out Business) and Kyle Boyko (Inspire Tech Canada), Canadore College’s Entrepreneurship Academy and, Paula Hayes (Page to Page Consulting) and Jane Kearns (eVOK Innovations). In addition, each finalist received a promotion video created by Dave Clement, Big Lake Cinematic, and professional headshot from Peter Istvan Photography.
All of these activities culminated in business pitches presented to a panel of Founders on March 24th, in a "Dragons' Den" style format. Each finalist showcased their product or service, highlighting its unique value proposition, market potential, and financial outlook. The presentations concluded with a Q&A session, as the entrepreneurs vied for selection as recipients of the prestigious Founders Awards.
Jim Marshall, Founder, describes “Serving on the selection panel was an absolute pleasure. Every finalist brought solid planning and sharp ideas to the table. It’s a privilege to be involved with the Parry Sound Founders Circle, especially knowing how vital small businesses are to driving local job growth.”
Peter Istvan and Nicole Boyd, co-chairs of the Parry Sound Area Founder Circle, along with keynote speaker, Jeff Brown, presented the two successful recipients of the Parry Sound Area Founders Choice Awards at the Awards Dinner, held on April 10th, at the Grand Tappattoo, in Parry Sound.
"I'm proud to co-chair the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle, where we support local entrepreneurs and help businesses thrive. It’s exciting to see our region grow and come together. The recent presentations from our top six finalists showed the incredible talent and community spirit we have here. We're building a strong future—together, for the place we love." says Nicole Boyd.
Peter Istvan says ““Congratulations to all six of our incredible finalists for showcasing the passion, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our region. A special congratulations to Sound Yarn & Fibre and Harbour Hot Sauce for being selected as this year’s Founders Award recipients. From handcrafted hot sauces to premium fibre arts supplies, these businesses reflect the creativity and drive that make our community thrive. We’re proud to support local entrepreneurs who are building something exceptional right here 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.
Application deadline:
- Next Parry Sound Area Founders Award deadline to submit an application will be Oct 31st, 2025.
Founders:
- If you are interested in learning more, or becoming a Founder, contact us at psareafounders@gmail.com