04/17/2026
Congratulations to all the winners!
We are feeling very grateful to have been apart of this journey, along side all the Finalists!
Thank you to Parry Sound Area Founders Circle for this opportunity
Floratomy and Level Health Named Winners of 2026 Founders Choice Awards in Parry Sound District
The Parry Sound Area Founders Circle is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Founders Choice Awards, recognizing entrepreneurial excellence and innovation across the Parry Sound District. Floratomy received the $10,000 Founders Choice Award, and Level Health received the $5,000 Founders Choice Award.
In addition to the top two awards, all other finalists received $1,000 in professional business services to support the continued growth and development of their businesses.
Following a review of applications submitted in November 2025, Founders evaluated businesses on five criteria: broad economic impact, innovation, scalability and growth potential, profitability potential, and demand for product or service. The 2026 finalists, listed in alphabetical order, were:
Doherty’s Masonry & Contracting Inc. – A second generation, family run masonry and renovation company delivering high quality stonework and home projects across the region.
Floratomy -A business advancing reusable and compostable materials for floral design, helping reduce single use plastics in the event industry.
Greener Grass Lawn & Property Maintenance – A year round lawn care, landscaping, and snow removal company committed to environmental stewardship and local employment.
Level Health– A growing multidisciplinary clinic offering chiropractic, acupuncture, and rehabilitation services while expanding to serve more patients in the region.
The Solidarity Space – A unique community centred business blending wellness services, retail, a play café, and parent and child programming.
Tara Charlton, Stand Out Co, Founder, shared, “Taking part in this year’s process and watching the finalists grow in both confidence and communication has been truly rewarding. The Parry Sound small business community is incredibly supportive and full of energy, and I’m proud to be part of it. Congratulations to all of the finalists. You’re an outstanding group of entrepreneurs.”
Since November 2025, finalists have participated in a series of educational sessions designed to strengthen their business knowledge and presentation skills. These sessions were delivered by Tara Charlton of Stand Out Business and Patty Hayes of Page to Page Consulting. In addition, each finalist received a promotional video created by Dave Clement of Big Lake Cinematic, as well as a professional headshot from Peter Istvan Photography
The program culminated in business pitches presented to a panel of Founders on March 30 in a Dragons’ Den style format. Each finalist presented their business, outlining its unique value, market opportunity, and growth potential, followed by a question and answer session with the selection panel.
Glen MacGregor, Founder, noted, “It was a pleasure to serve on the selection panel. Each finalist demonstrated strong planning and clear, thoughtful ideas. Being part of the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle is a privilege, especially given the important role small businesses play in creating jobs and strengthening our local economy.”
The awards were presented on April 16 at the The Grand Tappattoo Resort, Ascend Hotel Collectiont by Parry Sound Area Founders Circle co chairs Peter Istvan and Nicole Boyd, alongside keynote speaker Lisa Bentley.
Nicole Boyd said, “I’m proud to serve as co chair of the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle, supporting local entrepreneurs and helping businesses grow. It is inspiring to see our region come together and move forward. The recent presentations from our finalists highlighted the depth of talent and sense of community we share. We are building a strong future together, for the place we call home.”
Peter Istvan said, “Congratulations to all of our outstanding finalists for demonstrating the creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial drive that make our region so strong. A special congratulations to Floratomy and Level Health on being named this year’s Founders Award recipients. We’re proud to champion local entrepreneurs who are creating something truly remarkable here in the Parry Sound community.”
About the Parry Sound Area Founders Cirlce
The Parry Sound Area Founders Circle is a group of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who invest in local business growth by providing funding, mentorship, and support to entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that can strengthen the economy across the Parry Sound District.
More information can be found at https://parrysoundareafounderscircle.com/pages/founders
Application Deadline
The next Parry Sound Area Founders Award application deadline is October 31, 2026.
Thank you to our sponsors
Canadore College Parry Sound Campus
Conrad Well Drilling
Weeks Construction Inc.
Killbear Marina
Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre Inc. - CFDC
Township of The Archipelago
Town of Parry Sound
Stand Out Co
Calow Benefits Group
103.3 Moose FM - CKLP
Think Boyd- Royal LePage Real Estate Brokers
Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce
Parry Sound Downtown
The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound Inc.
The Labour Market Group
