The Muskoka Founders Circle is proud to announce the five finalists chosen for this year’s Founders Den Pitch Contest, to be held on October 22, 2025, at the Gravenhurst Opera House & Arts Centre.
This year’s applicant pool was inspiring and diverse, with entrepreneurs from across Muskoka presenting bold new ideas, innovative business models, and a deep commitment to strengthening our local economy. The Founders Circle is deeply grateful to every applicant who shared their vision and passion.
After careful review, the 2025 Finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
Finalist: AssetPool
Website: assetpool.com
AssetPool is a digital inspection and asset management platform that helps companies ensure compliance, safety, and operational excellence across industries. With real-time dashboards and customizable checklists, this tech-driven solution makes managing assets smarter and more secure.
Finalist: Bracebridge Bark House
Website: bracebridgebarkhouse.com
Opened just this Summer (2025), Bracebridge Bark House is a premium dog daycare and pet services centre located right in the heart of Muskoka. With enrichment-based programming, retail offerings, and grooming services, Bark House is built with love for pets and their people.
Finalist: Madeline Hockley Weddings & Events
Website: www.madelinehockley.com
Madeline Hockley Weddings is a boutique wedding and event planning company that designs effortlessly beautiful, editorially inspired events across Muskoka. Known for timeless elegance and personalized service, Madeline is redefining how couples experience their most meaningful moments in cottage country.
Finalist: Screamy’s Ice Cream
Website: screamysicecream.com
Screamy’s Ice Cream is a mobile scoop shop bringing handcrafted, small-batch ice cream and big flavour energy to the communities of Muskoka. With pop-up carts, signature merch, and a flair for fun, Screamy’s is building connection and joy one cone at a time. Founder Brittany is blending entrepreneurship with nostalgia to create delicious impact — and is now looking ahead to permanent locations, youth employment, and scaling her vibrant brand.
Finalist: Well Fed Inc.
Website: wellfedeatery.com
Well Fed Inc. is a quick-serve takeaway eatery offering wholesome, handcrafted sandwiches and comforting frozen meals for busy families and professionals. With a focus on real ingredients and reliable nutrition, Well Fed is redefining convenient food options in Muskoka.
These finalists will now move forward to the live pitch competition, where they will present their businesses to our community of contributing Founders.
At the conclusion of the competition:
First Prize: $10,000 cash award
Second Prize: $5,000 cash award
Additional Benefits: Access to mentoring, loan pre-qualification opportunities, and connections to area business support networks.
The level of talent and drive among Muskoka’s entrepreneurs is incredible, it’s never easy narrowing down to five finalists, but Muskoka Founders Circle is thrilled to showcase these outstanding businesses that truly reflect the spirit of innovation in Muskoka.
The Muskoka Founders Circle extends heartfelt thanks to all applicants and looks forward to celebrating entrepreneurship at the Founders Den Pitch Contest and Awards event this October.
